Maryland state employees granted 4.5 percent cost of living adjustment increase

BALTIMORE -- All Maryland state employees will receive a 4.5 percent cost of living adjustment increase, Gov. Larry Hogan announced Thursday.

The increase goes into effect on Nov. 1.

It is part of the state's measures to get and keep employees.

"This cost of living adjustment will help state employees and their families with the challenges they face from historic inflation, and—amid the post-pandemic labor shortage—today's actions advance our enhanced efforts to recruit and retain a talented workforce," Hogan said.

The announcement comes after the state closed the fiscal year with a multi-billion dollar surplus for the second straight year. 

Comptroller Peter Franchot said the federal stimulus is the primary reason for the $2.5 billion balance, as well as higher than normal income and sales tax collections.