Gov. Hogan says it’s time to get back to work. To laid-off employees, it’s not that simple.

Outside the Baltimore Convention Center, a small group of laid-off hotel workers chanted, “Keep the benefits going” and held signs asking, “Where is the work?” Across the street, a bold “WE’RE HIRING” sign was on display at a struggling restaurant. The workers were protesting Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan’s decision to end enhanced federal jobless benefits in early July, two months before President Biden and Congress intended. Hogan and many other GOP governors say the bigger unemployment checks are keeping people from filling vacant jobs, making it more difficult for the economy to rebound.