Read more about the article How Federal Workforce Cuts Threaten Stability in MD’s Communities
Human Resources / Labor / NACo and Federal Issues
How Federal Workforce Cuts Threaten Stability in MD’s Communities

Counties that rely heavily on federal employment are starting to feel the strain of recent workforce reductions and uncertainty about decisions that may lie ahead. When state or federal policymakers make sweeping decisions, the effects often exceed the headlines and partisan talking points. This is evident in Charles and Prince George’s Counties, where recent federal workforce reductions are rattling local economic stability. Charles and Prince George’s counties are widely recognized as pillars of Maryland’s economic…

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April 23, 2025
Read more about the article Employers and Former Federal Workers: Register Today for the MD Workforce Association Virtual Job Fair
Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / News You Can Use
Employers and Former Federal Workers: Register Today for the MD Workforce Association Virtual Job Fair

A recent Moody’s study confirmed that no state faces greater risk from federal worker displacement than Maryland. Various partners and institutions are providing resources for those federal public servants who are recently unemployed or looking for new opportunities. The MD Workforce Association is holding a statewide virtual job fair for federal employees and contractors - register today as an employer or job seeker! Details about the event: Maryland Workforce Association Statewide Virtual Job Fair May…

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April 23, 2025
Read more about the article MD Passes Bill to Lower Prescription Drug Costs
County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources
MD Passes Bill to Lower Prescription Drug Costs

Prescription drug prices continue to rise, and local governments are footing more of the bill. Maryland passed a bill that gives the State’s affordability board authority to curb costs and protect public budgets.  As prescription drug prices continue to strain family budgets and public health programs, Maryland is taking bold legislative action. In the 2025 legislative session, the Maryland General Assembly passed legislation to increase drug pricing transparency and accountability. SB 357/ HB 424 enhances…

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April 17, 2025
Read more about the article UBalt Schaefer Center’s List of Resources for Displaced Federal Workers Helps Public Service Changemakers
Labor
UBalt Schaefer Center’s List of Resources for Displaced Federal Workers Helps Public Service Changemakers

A recent Moody's study confirmed that no state faces greater risk from federal worker displacement than Maryland. Various partners and institutions are providing resources for those federal public servants who are recently unemployed or looking for new opportunities. The University of Baltimore Schaefer Center for Public Policy has published a list of job boards, as well as upskilling and training resources, to help the community. From the UBalt resources page: This resource page is designed…

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April 17, 2025
Read more about the article Free Webinar April 23 — Social Security: The Choice of a Lifetime
Employee Benefits and Relations / NACo and Federal Issues
Free Webinar April 23 — Social Security: The Choice of a Lifetime

Nationwide, a collaborating partner with both the National Association of Counties and MACo, is presenting a series of webinars targeting public workforce issues. The latest free offering, next week, focuses on the post-employment decision to opt into Social Security at different ages. Social Security: The Choice of a Lifetime Webinar Details: Wednesday, April 23, 2025 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET Register online = = = = = = = = = = = =…

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April 17, 2025
Read more about the article MD Dept of Labor Data Sheds Light on MD’s Federal Workforce
Employee Benefits and Relations / Labor
MD Dept of Labor Data Sheds Light on MD’s Federal Workforce

Two new data tools from the Maryland Department of Labor break down how federal workforce shifts are hitting Maryland. According to the Maryland Department of Labor, Maryland has the second-highest concentration of federal employees in the nation, which means Maryland can be uniquely affected by federal actions. Whether it's government shutdowns, funding disruptions, or federal layoffs, the effects are felt by thousands of workers and their families in every county. To help make sense of…

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April 16, 2025
Read more about the article Governor Moore Signs Workforce Legislation to Expand Opportunity
Business Affairs / Employee Benefits and Relations
Governor Moore Signs Workforce Legislation to Expand Opportunity

Governor Moore has signed a slate of new laws aimed at strengthening Maryland’s workforce through expanded apprenticeships, inclusive employment policies, and streamlined licensing for health professionals. Governor Wes Moore kicked off the 2025 bill-signing season with some Moore Administration priorities, such as strengthening Maryland's workforce. The Moore Administration and the Maryland General Assembly are committed to building a workforce that reflects the full talent and diversity of Maryland. During the first bill signing of the…

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April 16, 2025
Read more about the article Davis Martinez Safety Act Reflects County Input and State Commitment
County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / Labor
Davis Martinez Safety Act Reflects County Input and State Commitment

MACo supported SB 26, the Davis Martinez Public Employee Safety and Health Act, with amendments. As amended, MACo submitted a letter of information on SB 26’s cross-file, HB 176, Labor and Employment—Occupational Safety and Health—Revisions (Davis Martinez Public Employee Safety and Health Act). The Maryland General Assembly passed SB 26/HB 176 – Davis Martinez Public Employee Safety and Health Act, a bill MACo supported with amendments to ensure it is operable for local governments. This…

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April 14, 2025
Read more about the article 2025 Session: Recap and Wrap-Ups
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2025 Session: Recap and Wrap-Ups

Catch up on all of the latest outcomes of the 2025 Maryland General Assembly session with wrap-ups on important county-related bills in each policy area. Maryland’s 447th legislative session was defined by one of the most challenging budget environments in over a decade — with a $3.3 billion shortfall driving proposals for aggressive cost shifts, spending cuts, and tax changes. Despite these unprecedented fiscal pressures, counties worked together through MACo to protect essential services, limit…

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April 11, 2025
Read more about the article 2025 End of Session Wrap-Up: Employee Benefits and Relations
Employee Benefits and Relations / MACo Testimony
2025 End of Session Wrap-Up: Employee Benefits and Relations

The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work on employee benefits and relations policy in the 2025 General Assembly session.  MACo advocates for fair state laws governing employment practices, labor representation, and employer-employee relationships. MACo becomes particularly engaged when a proposal has a disproportionate or unique effect on public sector employers or employees – frequently those affecting public safety employees or other public workers who engage in sensitive and essential functions. Maryland’s 447th…

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April 10, 2025
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