Employee Benefits and Relations Archives

Howard Community College Secures $50k Grant for Workforce Development

A new grant will empower Howard Community College to equip students with cutting-edge skills for high-demand careers, fueling economic mobility. Howard Community College is making an exciting announcement that will pave the way for Maryland's economic mobility and workforce readiness. The Truist Foundation has awarded a $50,000 grant to support the forthcoming Cathy & Danny Bell Workforce Development and Trades Center, which is estimated to open in the fall of 2026 and will enhance career…

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November 12, 2024

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

MD’s Wage Range Transparency Act: FAQs for Employers

The Maryland Department of Labor released frequently asked questions (FAQs) for employers on the Wage Range Transparency Act. Maryland’s Wage Range Transparency Act took effect on October 1, 2024. The Act adds significant new requirements to the state’s Equal Pay for Equal Work laws. Public sector employers must understand these new rules to stay compliant. A recent Ogletree Deakins article discusses the Wage Range Transparency Act. The Act mandates that employers disclose certain information in…

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November 8, 2024

Labor / Public Safety and Corrections

Harford Looks To Improve Volunteer First Responder Recruitment

Officials from the Harford County Fire and Emergency Medical Services Association recently met with County Council members to discuss ways to improve recruitment for first responders with local volunteer fire and EMS programs. First responders make an indispensable contribution in local public service delivery. Both professional and volunteer organizations are integral to the overall function of emergency services. While many public service positions are facing staffing challenges, volunteer roles, in particular for firefighting and emergency…

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November 5, 2024

County News / Labor / Winter Conference

MD Workforce Update: Job Gains and Economic Trends

Maryland added 2,700 private-sector jobs to its workforce in September 2024, increasing employment growth to 1.2% year-to-date. Maryland’s economy continues to show resilience, with 2,700 new private-sector jobs added this month, according to the US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. With this growth, Maryland’s year-to-date employment increase now stands at 1.2%, slightly above the national average of 1.1%. The state’s unemployment rate held steady at 2.9% for the month, one of the lowest…

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November 4, 2024

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

MD’s Public Employee Relations Board Faces Leadership Vacancy

Maryland’s Public Employee Relations Board faces a leadership gap, which underscores the importance of effective leadership in Maryland’s public workforce. As reported by Maryland Matters, the Maryland Public Employee Relations Board (PERB), established to streamline labor relations for state government workers, is facing a critical leadership challenge. With Chair Michael Hayes’s unexpected resignation, Governor Moore’s administration is racing to fill vital roles essential to the Board’s operation. The Board could set labor law precedents that…

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October 31, 2024

County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources

Family Leave – What’s in the Proposed Regulations?

The Maryland Department of Labor has published the proposed regulations for Maryland's paid leave system. Comments are due by November 18, 2024. Recently, the Maryland Department of Labor published the proposed regulations for Maryland's Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) system. During the 2022 legislative session, the General Assembly established FAMLI, 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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October 30, 2024

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

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

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

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