Labor Archives

#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

County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Health and Human Services / Human Resources / Labor

Prescription Drug Affordability Board Discusses Policies to Address High-Cost Medications

Maryland’s Prescription Drug Affordability Board is discussing recommendations to address the rising costs of high-priced medications. The discussion highlights both the drivers of affordability challenges and potential solutions, including upper payment limits that could ease strain on residents and county budgets alike. Maryland was the first state in the nation to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board in 2019. Maryland’s Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) convened to review policy recommendations and discuss strategies for making…

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October 2, 2025

Business Affairs / County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Higher Education / Human Resources / Labor

Apprenticeships Gain Ground as Key Pathway in Higher Education

Apprenticeships are increasingly seen as a vital complement to traditional higher education. They can be a powerful tool to strengthen local workforce pipelines and expand opportunity. As higher education evolves, leaders are rethinking how best to prepare students for the workforce. A recent Baltimore Sun commentary highlighted the growing importance of apprenticeships as part of the future. State Senator Cory McCray’s new memoir, The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life, illustrates the value of this approach.…

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October 1, 2025

Business Affairs / County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Higher Education / Human Resources / Labor

Community Colleges Streamline Pathways to Skilled Jobs

As employers struggle to fill critical jobs, community colleges are responding with flexible training that connects students to careers more quickly. In a recent article from Governing, a growing shortage of skilled workers is slowing economic growth nationwide, with 71 percent of employers saying they cannot find the talent they need. Community colleges are stepping up to address this challenge by offering faster, more flexible training models that better match the realities of today’s students…

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September 24, 2025