Read more about the article Harford Looks To Improve Volunteer First Responder Recruitment
Labor / Public Safety and Corrections
Harford Looks To Improve Volunteer First Responder Recruitment

Officials from the Harford County Fire and Emergency Medical Services Association recently met with County Council members to discuss ways to improve recruitment for first responders with local volunteer fire and EMS programs. First responders make an indispensable contribution in local public service delivery. Both professional and volunteer organizations are integral to the overall function of emergency services. While many public service positions are facing staffing challenges, volunteer roles, in particular for firefighting and emergency…

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November 5, 2024
Read more about the article Implementation of New Career Ladder for Teachers in Maryland Is Underway
Education / Winter Conference
Implementation of New Career Ladder for Teachers in Maryland Is Underway

Pillar two of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future aims to revolutionize the stature of the teaching profession and relies on buy-in from a vital workforce - new and existing teachers.  A recent opinion article published in Maryland Matters shares a public school teacher's perspective on the new career ladder components of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. Previously covered on Conduit Street, the career ladder intends to bolster the quality and diversity of teachers in Maryland's…

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November 4, 2024
Read more about the article MD Workforce Update: Job Gains and Economic Trends
County News / Labor / Winter Conference
MD Workforce Update: Job Gains and Economic Trends

Maryland added 2,700 private-sector jobs to its workforce in September 2024, increasing employment growth to 1.2% year-to-date. Maryland’s economy continues to show resilience, with 2,700 new private-sector jobs added this month, according to the US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. With this growth, Maryland’s year-to-date employment increase now stands at 1.2%, slightly above the national average of 1.1%. The state’s unemployment rate held steady at 2.9% for the month, one of the lowest…

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November 4, 2024
Read more about the article New Cost Projections for Education Funding On the Horizon
County Budgets / Education
New Cost Projections for Education Funding On the Horizon

According to recent information from state officials, the Department of Legislative Services is working to compile updated cost projections for state and local shares of funding for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade before the 2025 legislative session.  Counties have been concerned about the lack of an updated cost forecast specific to implementing the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. As previously covered on Conduit Street, the most recent calculations turned three years old in August of 2024. Understandably,…

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November 4, 2024
Read more about the article School-County Cohorts Assembled for Education Funding Strategy
County Budgets / Education
School-County Cohorts Assembled for Education Funding Strategy

The Blueprint Accountability and Implementation Board (AIB) kicked off a collaboration this week with counties, schools, and consultants to work through budget strategies related to implementing the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. The visionary educational reform policy for Maryland schools incorporates historic standards in terms of fiscal transparency and accountability. The AIB in conjunction with the Maryland State Department of Education are tasked with ensuring schools are following the specified budget guidelines. Notably, the plan calls…

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November 1, 2024
Read more about the article MD’s Public Employee Relations Board Faces Leadership Vacancy
County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / Labor
MD’s Public Employee Relations Board Faces Leadership Vacancy

Maryland’s Public Employee Relations Board faces a leadership gap, which underscores the importance of effective leadership in Maryland’s public workforce. As reported by Maryland Matters, the Maryland Public Employee Relations Board (PERB), established to streamline labor relations for state government workers, is facing a critical leadership challenge. With Chair Michael Hayes’s unexpected resignation, Governor Moore’s administration is racing to fill vital roles essential to the Board’s operation. The Board could set labor law precedents that…

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October 31, 2024
Read more about the article Family Leave – What’s in the Proposed Regulations?
County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources
Family Leave – What’s in the Proposed Regulations?

The Maryland Department of Labor has published the proposed regulations for Maryland's paid leave system. Comments are due by November 18, 2024. Recently, the Maryland Department of Labor published the proposed regulations for Maryland's Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) system. During the 2022 legislative session, the General Assembly established FAMLI, known as “The Time to Care Act of 2022.” That law provides up to 12 weeks of paid leave and benefits to an employee…

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October 30, 2024
Read more about the article A Chat With State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carey Wright at #MACoCon
Education / Winter Conference
A Chat With State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carey Wright at #MACoCon

Dr. Carey Wright, Maryland State Superintendent of Schools, will join MACo Executive Director Michael Sanderson for a feature discussion at the 2024 MACo Winter Conference. Education is a vital state and local policy area when considering the future of Maryland students and the state economy. The Blueprint for Maryland's Future (Blueprint) - a visionary education reform plan underway in Maryland - is a primary discussion topic of lawmakers as well as local and state officials,…

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October 28, 2024
Read more about the article Maryland Trends: The State of Maryland’s Economy 
Business Affairs / County News / Economic Development / Labor / Winter Conference
Maryland Trends: The State of Maryland’s Economy 

Discover the latest economic trends and how they might effect your county's ability to navigate workforce challenges and fiscal responsibilities. As Maryland counties face ongoing economic challenges, understanding the broader trends shaping local economies is crucial. Economist Daraius Irani, a seasoned expert in regional economic development, will present an in-depth update on Maryland’s economic landscape, offering insights into the forces influencing everything from workforce dynamics to fiscal stability. In his presentation, Dr. Irani will unpack…

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October 28, 2024
Read more about the article County Apprenticeship Grants: Apply Today
Business Affairs / County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / Labor / News You Can Use
County Apprenticeship Grants: Apply Today

Maryland is building up its public sector with the Public Sector Apprenticeship Innovation Fund, a program that empowers counties to develop skilled talent. Maryland is taking a step toward strengthening its public workforce with the Public Sector Apprenticeship Innovation Fund, an initiative under the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program (MATP). This fund is designed to foster registered apprenticeship growth within government entities, giving public sector employees more opportunities to build meaningful, well-paying careers. The Public Sector Apprenticeship Innovation…

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October 24, 2024
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