Maryland lawmakers are considering whether business owners who will live through four to five years of Purple Line construction should have financial help to make sure they’re still around to enjoy its potential benefits.
One proposal would grant credits toward the business owners’ state property and income taxes for lost revenue. Another would allocate $1 million for grants to help offset losses.
“The entire purpose of the Purple Line is to boost the economy,” said Del. Jheanelle Wilkins (D-Montgomery). “What would it say about the success of it if we were to lose these small immigrant-owned businesses along the way?”
Sen. William C. Smith Jr. (D-Montgomery), who supports both proposals to aid business owners, said he’s particularly concerned about businesses that are already struggling.
“If you’re operating month to month, this type of construction could be devastating,” Smith said. “We know if they can survive construction, they’ll thrive on the other end.”
Click here to read the rest of the article written by Katherine Shaver over at the Washington Post
