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
Read more about the article Parental Consent Required to Retain Third Graders Not Meeting Reading Standards
Education
Parental Consent Required to Retain Third Graders Not Meeting Reading Standards

After a few months of deliberation, the Maryland State Board of Education (MSBE) has finalized a new policy regarding statewide reading proficiency, including retaining third graders with parental consent. As previously covered on Conduit Street, the MSBE has been weighing updated policies on reading proficiency for students. A particular element of the plan was discussed at length, which was the potential for students to be held back a grade if they do not meet reading…

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October 24, 2024
Read more about the article Schools Must Share Criminal Record of Enrolling Students
Education
Schools Must Share Criminal Record of Enrolling Students

Following the approval of an emergency action by the Maryland State Board of Education (MSBE), education officials are now required to share information if a student has a record with a reportable criminal offense. During the MSBE meeting on Tuesday, board members voted to approve an emergency update to COMAR, requiring school officials to be notified if a student charged with a serious criminal offense is about to enroll in their facility. The mandate specifically…

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October 23, 2024
Read more about the article MD Secures $13.9M for Workforce Development for Individuals With Disabilities
County News / Health and Human Services / Labor
MD Secures $13.9M for Workforce Development for Individuals With Disabilities

Maryland secures $13.9 million in federal funding to expand workforce development and educational opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Governor Wes Moore, alongside Maryland's congressional delegation, announced $13.9 million in federal funding to support workforce development and postsecondary education for individuals with disabilities. Administered by the Maryland Department of Disabilities, the funding aims to improve employment outcomes and increase access to resources for individuals with disabilities. From the press release: “Team Maryland continues to drive federal…

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October 23, 2024
Read more about the article MD General Assembly Prepares To Consider Costs of Statewide Education Reform Plan
Education
MD General Assembly Prepares To Consider Costs of Statewide Education Reform Plan

Lawmakers focused on education recently discussed pre-k expansion, early childhood education, and education cost concerns ahead of the 2025 legislative session.  The Maryland State Child Care Association recently hosted, on October 10th, several Maryland General Assembly members to discuss a wide range of issues regarding education policy and the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. They were hosted by childcare providers from across the state and topics focused primarily on Pillar 1 of the Blueprint, including early…

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October 23, 2024
Read more about the article MD Takes Step to Make Prescription Drugs More Affordable
County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Health and Human Services / News You Can Use
MD Takes Step to Make Prescription Drugs More Affordable

Maryland is making prescription drugs more affordable with a landmark plan to cap high-cost medications for state and local governments. Maryland continues to lead the way in making healthcare more accessible and affordable. In a recent press release from Maryland Health Care for All Coalition, the Maryland General Assembly's Legislative Policy Committee has approved the Maryland Prescription Drug Affordability Board's (PDAB) plan to set upper payment limits for certain high-cost prescription drugs. The General Assembly…

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October 22, 2024
Read more about the article Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) Regulations Released
County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Health and Human Services / Human Resources / Labor
Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) Regulations Released

The Maryland Department of Labor has released the final regulations for the state's Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program this morning, October 18, 2024. While MACo is still reviewing the details to assess their effect on counties, it was imperative to get this information into the hands of our readers as soon as possible. Stay tuned for a full report on how these regulations may affect county governments. In the meantime, you can read…

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October 18, 2024
Read more about the article Shaping Maryland’s Future Through Public Service Leadership at the University of Baltimore
Education / Higher Education
Shaping Maryland’s Future Through Public Service Leadership at the University of Baltimore

Join hosts Kevin Kinnally and Shantelle Malcolm-Lym on this special episode of the Conduit Street Podcast as they sit down with Roger Hartley, Dean of the College of Public Affairs at the University of Baltimore, and Dr. Ann Cotten, Executive Director of the Schaefer Center for Public Policy.  

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October 18, 2024
Read more about the article Research: State Strategies to Bolster Value of College Degree
Education / Higher Education
Research: State Strategies to Bolster Value of College Degree

The National Conference of State Legislatures issues a report highlighting state-led strategies to enhance the value of higher education. Recently, the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) released a final report from the NCSL Task Force on Higher Education Affordability and Student Outcomes. The 33-member task force was created to explore state and federal strategies to make college more affordable for students and taxpayers, improve completion rates, and reduce rates of overly burdensome student debt.…

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October 17, 2024
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