Read more about the article Maryland Community Colleges Offer Pathway to Biotech
Education / Employee Benefits and Relations / Higher Education / Human Resources / Labor
Maryland Community Colleges Offer Pathway to Biotech

The role of Maryland's community colleges is shifting, with more offering students affordable educations and direct paths to careers in biotechnology. Maryland’s community colleges are critical infrastructure to meet the state’s educational and workforce goals. The COVID-19 pandemic ushered in a shift in higher education and the role of two-year community colleges -- especially in Maryland, which has the second-best community colleges in the country. Community colleges across the state are offering a more diverse…

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August 10, 2023
Read more about the article Maryland Receives $6.6 M in Federal Grants To Advance Apprenticeships, Public Service
County News / Economic Development / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / Intergovernmental Relations / Labor / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use / Summer Conference
Maryland Receives $6.6 M in Federal Grants To Advance Apprenticeships, Public Service

The Maryland Department of Labor received $6.6 million through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration to help expand apprenticeships throughout the state. The Maryland Department of Labor (MDL) received $6.6 million through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration to help expand apprenticeships throughout the state. Maryland was one of only seven states to receive a competitive award under the program and received the second-highest award overall. Registered apprenticeship is a proven…

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August 8, 2023
Read more about the article State to Invest More Than $35 M in Pre-k Programs Across Maryland
County News / Education / Labor
State to Invest More Than $35 M in Pre-k Programs Across Maryland

The state has awarded 53 public and private Pre-K programs with grants to expand access to more families; and launched a new prekindergarten capacity-building grant opportunity. The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) announced opportunities for three grant programs that will collectively provide more than $35 million to prekindergarten programs across the state. The three opportunities are the Prekindergarten Expansion Grant, the Maryland State Prekindergarten Grant, and the Prekindergarten Capacity Building Grant. Through the Prekindergarten…

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July 31, 2023
Read more about the article States are Fast-Tracking Credentials to Tackle the Teacher Shortage
Education / Higher Education / Labor / NACo and Federal Issues
States are Fast-Tracking Credentials to Tackle the Teacher Shortage

Educators and classroom support staff are in demand, with states nationwide scrambling to hire and retain the positions. Some states are tackling the problem by easing credentials and partnering to streamline certification processes. Teachers are leaving the profession at a concerning rate nationwide, and hiring new education staff remains a significant challenge, including in Maryland. Combined with the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, local education agencies (LEAs) are facing a perfect storm scenario around…

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July 26, 2023
Read more about the article Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Announces Key Personnel Appointments
County News / Economic Development / Environment / Labor / Leadership
Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Announces Key Personnel Appointments

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski has announced key personnel appointments. Horacio Tablada, former secretary of the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), has been named Director of the Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability (EPS), effective July 31. Mr. Tablada will succeed current Director David Lykens, who will be retiring from the Baltimore County government. Mr. Tablada will be the first Hispanic-American leader of a Baltimore County department. “Mr. Tablada’s experience in environmental…

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July 20, 2023
Read more about the article NextGen Public Service: Recruiting and Retaining Tomorrow’s Workforce
Human Resources / Labor / Summer Conference
NextGen Public Service: Recruiting and Retaining Tomorrow’s Workforce

It's more complicated than ever for public employers to attract and retain top talent – for counties, there's an additional layer to this challenge.  Governments at all levels are challenged to hire and retain staff, tackling issues like multi-generational differences and hybrid working environments. Local governments face a unique obstacle as society reconsiders what public service is and what it means to be a public servant today.  NextGen Public Service: Recruiting and Retaining Tomorrow's Workforce …

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July 3, 2023
Read more about the article July 6: Stakeholder Meeting on Paid Leave Optional Self-Employed FAMLI Plan
Employee Benefits and Relations / Health and Human Services / Human Resources / Intergovernmental Relations / Labor
July 6: Stakeholder Meeting on Paid Leave Optional Self-Employed FAMLI Plan

The Maryland Department of Labor has released a “discussion document” outlining draft guidance and processes for employers to seek approval to self-insure to implement paid leave benefits. Oral and written comments will be considered on July 6.  The Maryland Department of Labor’s FAMLI Division — tasked with implementing and guiding the statewide Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) law — has released a “discussion document” on self-employed plans for employers and stakeholders to weigh in…

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June 26, 2023
Read more about the article Carroll’s School Budget Allocates Raises for Teachers, Administrators
County Budgets / County News / Education / Employee Benefits and Relations / Labor
Carroll’s School Budget Allocates Raises for Teachers, Administrators

Carroll County has ratified contracts with the County's public school educators and administrators, raising pay for both in the coming school year. The Carroll County Board of Education has ratified master agreements with the Carroll County Education Association (CCEA) and the Association of Public School Administrators and Supervisors of Carroll County (APSASCCO) that include pay increases for public school educators and administrators. Employees represented by the CCEA, including teachers and other educators, will receive a…

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June 20, 2023
Read more about the article Meet the New State Division of Family and Medical Leave Insurance
Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / Intergovernmental Relations / Labor
Meet the New State Division of Family and Medical Leave Insurance

The Division of Family and Medical Leve Insurance will oversee the implementation and regulation of Maryland's new paid leave benefit program. Here, we spotlight the new Division and its leadership. The Maryland Department of Labor has created a new office to guide the implementation and regulation of the state's new paid leave benefits law and program. Called The Division of Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI), the FAMLI Division is tasked with establishing and administering Maryland's…

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June 12, 2023
Read more about the article Howard Establishes First-Ever Student Loan Assistance Repayment Program for County Teachers
County News / Education / Employee Benefits and Relations / Higher Education / Human Resources / Labor
Howard Establishes First-Ever Student Loan Assistance Repayment Program for County Teachers

Howard County will be the first in the state to offer student loan repayment assistance for county public school teachers in an effort to hire and retain educators. Howard County Executive Calvin Ball recently introduced new legislation to help Howard County public school teachers repay their student loans. The assistance program would be the first local one for teachers. The Howard County Council was quick to act and unanimously approved the initiative. The Student Loan…

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June 12, 2023
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