“Keep Restaurant Workers in Prince George’s County” Grant Program Announced to Promote Fair Wages and Equity in the Restaurant Industry”
$150,000 to be Awarded to 20+ Local Restaurants in PGC
By PRESS OFFICER
One Fair Wage
Prince George’s County, Md. (June 1, 2023)—One Fair Wage and RAISE High Road Restaurants have announced the “Keep Restaurant Workers in Prince George’s County” Grant Program, addressing the challenges faced by the local restaurant industry. This initiative aims to support BIPOC-owned restaurants, promote higher wages, and foster fair labor practices within the county.
In response to the increasing wage competition and the ongoing exodus of workers from the local restaurant industry, the program will award 20–30 establishments with a grant of $5,000–$7,500 each. This crucial funding is aimed at facilitating the hiring or rehiring of staff and transitioning from Maryland’s current $3.63 to a fair wage of $15 plus tips.
“The ‘Keep Restaurant Workers in Prince George’s County’ Grant Program is our strategic response to the ongoing mass exodus of workers from the restaurant industry, especially given that neighboring DC’s wages will soon be five times those in Prince George’s County,” says Saru Jayaraman, President of One Fair Wage. “We hope to sustain local talent and ensure a resilient restaurant industry in Prince George’s County."
As in most metropolitan areas, the restaurant industry has been disproportionately impacted by the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to financial hardship and an ensuing exodus of workers to other industries offering better remuneration and worker protections. Nearly 20,000 workers have left the Maryland restaurant industry. Additionally, the passage of Initiative 82 in neighboring Washington DC, which will raise the minimum wage for tipped workers to at least $16 an hour (almost 5 times Maryland’s subminimum wage) has intensified wage competition and caused further migration of restaurant workers.
To participate in this program, restaurants must commit, with support, to transition to paying all staff at least $15 an hour plus tips, with support from the program, and implement equitable employment practices. To be eligible, restaurants must submit their application by June 10.
The announcement of the program and application process included
• Council Member & Vice Chair Wala Blegay
• At-Large Council Member Mel Franklin
• Council Member Ingrid Watson (District 4)
• Saru Jayaraman, President, One Fair Wage
• Joseph Geevarghese, Executive Director, Our Revolution
The selection of grant recipients will be announced at a special awards ceremony on Friday, June 16 at 12 p.m. at one of the participating restaurants.
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Governor Moore Announces Maryland Mobile ID Google Wallet Launch
Maryland is First State in the Nation to Offer Digital Licenses and IDs on Two Major Mobile Operating Systems
By PRESS OFFICER
Maryland Governor’s Press Office
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (June 1, 2023)—Governor Wes Moore today announced that the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration launched Maryland Mobile ID in Google Wallet. Maryland is the first state in the nation to offer digital licenses and IDs in Google Wallet, which will enable users to verify their identity easily and securely for airport security screening.
“Maryland is leading the way in creating a more competitive and innovative digital environment while prioritizing accessibility and customer service,” said Gov. Moore. “Maryland Mobile ID advances our administration’s work to deliver safe and secure services that benefit all Marylanders.”
In May 2022, Maryland became only the second state to offer Mobile ID in Apple Wallet. With the addition of Google Wallet, Maryland is now the first state to offer Mobile ID on two major mobile wallet platforms. Maryland Mobile ID in Google Wallet and Maryland Mobile ID in Apple Wallet are the only forms of digital IDs issued through the Motor Vehicle Administration.
“Innovation and technology are keys to building a transportation system that’s more equitable, accessible and safe for all Marylanders,” said Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. “Maryland Mobile ID is a tool that puts more convenience in the hands of our customers.”
Marylanders may now add their driver’s license or ID card to Google Wallet and present it at select Transportation Security Administration airport PreCheck checkpoints, including at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Maryland Mobile ID is only available to individuals with a valid Maryland-issued driver’s license or ID. As Maryland Mobile ID serves as a companion to a physical driver’s license or ID, Marylanders should always carry their physical driver’s license or ID.
“Google Wallet makes navigating day-to-day life easier by enabling quick and convenient access to everyday essentials like your payment cards, loyalty cards, concert tickets and more,” said Google Wallet Vice President and General Manager Jenny Cheng. “Our research shows that having a way to save an ID to Wallet is critical in adopting a fully digital wallet. By bringing IDs to Wallet, we’re excited to provide yet another way for people to move seamlessly throughout their day, toward a future without the need for a physical wallet.”
Safety and security are built into every part of Google Wallet, including with Maryland Mobile ID. IDs in Wallet are stored encrypted, meaning no one will have access to personal identification information unless a user chooses to share them with consent. Presenting an ID will require users to authenticate on their device and select which fields they wish to share. Google does not have access to users’ IDs and contents cannot be shared without user permission. All verification and validation of Maryland Mobile ID enrollment is completed by the Motor Vehicle Administration only.
For more information about Maryland Mobile ID in Google Wallet—including how to add and how to use at an airport—visit the MVA website.
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