WASHINGTON, D.C. – Members of the Maryland congressional delegation, including U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John P. Sarbanes, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie Raskin, and David Trone, yesterday urged Governor Larry Hogan to increase the state’s focus on halting the disproportionate spread of COVID-19 among Maryland’s Latino communities and delivering targeted relief to Latino families.

“Long-standing disparities have exacerbated the impact of COVID-19 in the Latino community with Latino infection rates higher than any other racial or ethnic group in Maryland relative to their statewide population,” the lawmakers wrote. “Many factors have left the Latino community at greater risk of exposure to the virus, including a high number of Latino workers represented in essential sectors, reliance on public transportation, the prevalence of intergenerational homes, and limited culturally-appropriate information on how to stay safe from the virus.” 

The lawmakers continued: “We respectfully request that you increase the state's focus on preventing the spread of COVID-19 within Latinx communities and provide additional financial relief for Latinx families. We believe that the state must take the lead by funding programs that reach those who are disproportionately affected by the virus in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19.”

For a copy of the letter, click here.

###