Frederick Unveils Next Steps Toward More Inclusive Work Environment
County News / Employee Benefits and Relations
Frederick Unveils Next Steps Toward More Inclusive Work Environment

Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater today announced a series of actions designed to make Frederick County Government a welcoming place where all employees feel valued and have the opportunity to reach their full potential. The actions are in response to a 2022 survey, which gauged employees’ experiences related to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Survey results identified a need for training and for updated policies and procedures. “My top priority is to ensure that everyone…

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January 25, 2023
County Leaders Learn About Workforce Development Opportunities in The Blueprint
Economic Development / Education / Employee Benefits and Relations / Labor
County Leaders Learn About Workforce Development Opportunities in The Blueprint

MACo and county leaders explore workforce development priorities in The Blueprint and potentially opportunities for counties to lead. On January 20, MACo held a virtual webinar on The Blueprint for Maryland's Future (The Blueprint) and workforce development initiatives built into the landmark education reform law. Specifically, the webinar explored new State funding for career counseling for Maryland's high school students on career-based post-high school paths in the same manner schools coach students in university and college…

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January 23, 2023
January 19 Webinar: The Rising Importance & Popularity of Youth Career Development
Economic Development / Education / Labor / NACo and Federal Issues
January 19 Webinar: The Rising Importance & Popularity of Youth Career Development

Join a coalition of policy leaders and think tanks for an informative webinar on the growing importance -- and popularity -- of career development education. On Thursday, January 19th at 2:00 pm, Maryland's own Senator Jim Rosapepe will participate in a webinar discussion on workforce development and career readiness education for America's students.  The virtual panel, titled "New Skills for A New Economy: The Rising Importance & Popularity of Youth Career Development," will bring together national…

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January 12, 2023
County Leaders Discuss the Evolving Complexities of the Workplace at #MACoCon
Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / Winter Conference
County Leaders Discuss the Evolving Complexities of the Workplace at #MACoCon

At the 2023 MACo Winter Conference, attendees learned about evolving trends in workplace benefits and new legal complexities for employers to consider in human resource policies. New policies, judicial decisions, and the evolving workplace increasingly complicate human resources operations. Issues like concealed weapons in the workplace, public meeting requirements and information requests, and the pending legalization of adult-use recreational cannabis can cause headaches for even the most experienced county HR professionals. Maryland counties, as major…

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January 9, 2023
Top Issues of 2023 Session: The Time to Care Act
2023 MACo Issue Previews / Business Affairs / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources
Top Issues of 2023 Session: The Time to Care Act

With the 2023 Legislative Session rapidly approaching, MACo is profiling some major issues that stand to gather attention in the General Assembly’s work. Here, we preview the implementation of the Time to Care Act. During the 2022 legislative session, the General Assembly established the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI Program) via legislation known as "The Time to Care Act of 2022." That law provides up to 12 weeks of paid leave and benefits…

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December 28, 2022
Top Issues of 2023 Session: School Personnel Shortages
2023 MACo Issue Previews / Education / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / Labor
Top Issues of 2023 Session: School Personnel Shortages

With the 2023 Legislative Session rapidly approaching, MACo is profiling some major issues that stand to gather attention in the General Assembly’s work. Here, we preview school personnel shortages and potential legislation related to the problem. Several years into the COVID-19 pandemic, Maryland's schools are still facing deep shortages of staff in all fields. The problem transcends school district, with all experiencing heightened levels of sustained position openings in an increasingly complex work force for…

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December 27, 2022
Counties to State: More Details, Assistance are Needed to Plan for Paid Leave Program
Business Affairs / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / Intergovernmental Relations
Counties to State: More Details, Assistance are Needed to Plan for Paid Leave Program

The Maryland Association of Counties and local government partner organizations are urging the Department of Labor to expedite guidance on the 2022 paid family and medical leave law ahead immanent implementation deadlines. During the 2022 legislative session, the General Assembly established the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI Program) via legislation 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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December 20, 2022
State to Offer $12M in Grants for Schools to Develop Apprenticeship Infrastructure
Business Affairs / Education / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / Labor
State to Offer $12M in Grants for Schools to Develop Apprenticeship Infrastructure

The State will provide $12 million total in grants to local education agencies to help establish an industry-aligned apprenticeship infrastructure in-line with the goals of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is launching Maryland Works, a grant program "to make an unprecedented investment in establishing an industry-aligned youth apprenticeship infrastructure for Maryland schools and business sectors." Maryland Works is aligned with the State's ambitious goals under the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future…

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December 15, 2022
Baltimore Co Addresses Nurse Shortage Via New Work Training Program
Education / Employee Benefits and Relations / Higher Education / Human Resources / News You Can Use / Winter Conference
Baltimore Co Addresses Nurse Shortage Via New Work Training Program

Baltimore County is partnering with the local community college on a new innovative program to offer workforce training to economically disadvantaged residents while helping to address a national nursing shortage. Baltimore County is launching a $1.7M workforce initiative to address the shortage of nurses in area hospitals and connect residents from historically underserved communities with high-demand nursing positions. The Public Health Pathways Program is in partnership with the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center (UM SJMC) and…

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December 13, 2022
Internship Program Best Practices for Counties
Education / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources
Internship Program Best Practices for Counties

Internship and fellowship programs expand youth access to experiences, opportunities, and skill development, while providing critical labor for the employing institution. Here, we explore some best practices for counties seeking to expand internship programs. Internships and career readiness programs are increasing in importance. This is true for youth seeking experience and opportunities ahead of college or professional careers, as well as employers struggling to fill vacancies in an unusually complex labor market. K-12, an online education…

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December 8, 2022
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