Labor Archives

Montgomery County Minimum Wage Set To Increase July 1

On July 1, the minimum hourly wage in Montgomery County will increase to $18.00 for large employers, $16.50 for mid-sized employers, and $15.95 for small employers These adjustments are based on a 2.0 percent increase in the consumer price index for all urban wage earners and clerical workers in the Washington, D.C.-Arlington-Alexandria area in 2025. The annual increase ensures the local minimum wage keeps pace with inflation. “This minimum wage adjustment reflects our commitment to…

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March 5, 2026

Education / Labor

Career-Connected Learning Vital for High School Graduates Entering Job Market

A growing trend across the nation shows schools making significant efforts to connect students to potential career pathways. Recent studies show it soon might be the primary way to address the needs of an evolving job market and work force as fractures in candidate-company alignment continue to develop. Maryland, along with many other states, have invested millions to implement more robust programing to get students career-ready during high school. But a growing wave of misalignment…

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January 8, 2026

2026 MACo Issue Previews / Business Affairs / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / Labor

2026 Issue Preview: Unemployment Insurance

With the 2026 Legislative Session approaching, MACo is profiling major issues, including unemployment insurance, that stand to garner significant attention. Maryland’s Unemployment Insurance system remains solvent for now, but projections show that stability may be short-lived. As previously covered in a MACo deep dive, the federal-state unemployment insurance (UI) system offers temporary financial support to individuals who have lost their jobs, helping to replace a portion of their income while they search for new employment.…

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December 26, 2025

Business Affairs / County News / Labor / NACo and Federal Issues / State Budget and Fiscal Issues / Winter Conference

#MACoCon Recap: The State of Maryland’s Economy

Maryland’s economy is growing slightly, but mounting uncertainty around affordability, labor, and federal policy is reshaping what that growth really means for counties and communities. At MACo’s Winter Conference, economist Dr. Daraius Irani delivered a sobering but practical economic outlook during “Troubling Trends: The State of Maryland’s Economy,” offering county leaders a clear-eyed assessment of the forces shaping budgets and long-term planning decisions across the state. Amid growing uncertainty, Dr. Irani opened with a national…

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December 17, 2025

Business Affairs / Labor / Winter Conference

Troubling Trends: The State of Maryland’s Economy at #MACoCon

Maryland’s economy is shifting in ways that are already reshaping local budgets, services, and long-range priorities. Across Maryland, state and county leaders are confronting an economic landscape defined by uneven growth, demographic transitions, and persistent workforce pressures. At the same time, national trends, like rising interest rates, a cooling labor market, and slowdowns in key industries, are filtering down to the local level, affecting everything from hiring and retention to revenue reliability. Maryland’s unique mix…

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December 1, 2025

Employee Benefits and Relations / Labor / NACo and Federal Issues

Governor Moore Expands State Support for Federal Workers

As the federal government shutdown continues, Maryland is taking steps to shield residents from its growing economic and household impacts. Governor Wes Moore has announced expanded state programs that provide relief and assistance to affected workers. Governor Wes Moore has announced new measures to assist Maryland federal workers affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown, which is now the longest in US history. The expanded support includes an additional round of no-interest loans for federal…

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November 10, 2025

Business Affairs / Economic Development / Labor / Winter Conference

Report Shows Maryland Trailing Region in Economic Outlook

Maryland’s declining economic rankings indicate deeper challenges that could impact jobs, local revenues, and long-term growth throughout the state. According to the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, Maryland's latest national economic rankings indicate that the state is continuing to fall behind its neighbors, raising concerns about long-term growth and fiscal stability. These rankings, released by the American Legislative Exchange Council, highlight long-standing challenges tied to high business costs, regulatory hurdles, and a lack of pro-growth policies. From…

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November 4, 2025

Employee Benefits and Relations / Labor / Winter Conference

Rx for Retention: County Strategies for Prescription Drug Spending

As prescription drug costs continue to climb, counties face a difficult balancing act between protecting employee health and keeping budgets in check. Prescription drug spending has become one of the fastest-growing pressures on county health plans, directly affecting both workforce retention and fiscal stability. Counties serve as major employers and rely on competitive health benefits to attract and retain qualified workers, particularly in essential roles like public safety. Yet escalating drug prices and opaque pricing…

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November 3, 2025

Employee Benefits and Relations / Labor / NACo and Federal Issues

Prince George’s County Moves to Support Federal Workers During Shutdown

Federal workers play a major role in Maryland’s economy, but they’re often the first to face uncertainty during shutdowns. A new proposal in Prince George’s County aims to provide a local safety net. On October 7, the Prince George’s County Council held a public hearing and final vote on CB-24-2025, the Federal Worker Emergency Assistance Act, proposed by Council Member Wala Blegay. The resolution and bill aims to provide local relief and stability for the…

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October 9, 2025

Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / Labor / NACo and Federal Issues

Maryland Leads in Federal Job Losses

Maryland continues to bear the brunt of federal workforce cuts, having lost thousands of jobs since January. With federal employment a cornerstone of Maryland’s economy, local effects are expected to deepen as additional reductions take effect this fall. In a recent Maryland Matters article, Maryland lost 2,500 federal jobs in August, marking the second straight month the state has led the nation in federal workforce cuts. Since January, Maryland has lost 15,100 federal jobs, nearly…

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October 2, 2025