The Maryland Senate unanimously approved Tuesday a plan to change unemployment benefits as a way to tap into nearly $127 million in federal stimulus money. Lawmakers worked with business groups that first opposed the plan because of concerns that it would impose long-term costs on employers. The compromise, which passed the full Senate with no debate, increases the number of out-of-work Marylanders eligible for benefits by shifting the time period reviewed when calculating claims. But it offsets the estimated $20 million in new costs by reducing other benefits, such as sick claims. A House of Delegates committee is reviewing the compromise plan and could vote on it as soon as this week.

- Julie Bykowicz