Read more about the article Social Security’s Trust Fund Faces Early Depletion
Health and Human Services / NACo and Federal Issues
Social Security’s Trust Fund Faces Early Depletion

A new federal report indicates that the Social Security trust fund, which helps pay benefits for millions, will be depleted by 2033. According to an article from NPR, the Social Security trust fund is projected to be depleted by 2033. At that point, payroll taxes would only cover about 77% of promised retirement benefits, leading to automatic cuts unless there is an act by Congress. The accelerated timeline is due to increased benefits for public…

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June 19, 2025
Read more about the article Montgomery Grant Program To Help +8K Households Access Food Assistance
County News / Health and Human Services / News You Can Use
Montgomery Grant Program To Help +8K Households Access Food Assistance

The Montgomery County Office of Food Systems Resilience (OFSR), in partnership with the Office of Grants Management (OGM), has awarded a total of $304,000 to six organizations through the FY25 Nutrition Benefits Outreach Grant Program (NBO)  The funding supports innovative strategies to help connect local families with essential nutrition benefits. These efforts specifically focus on reaching households that qualify for, but are not currently enrolled in, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other federal or state nutrition assistance…

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June 19, 2025
Read more about the article Protecting the Tap: County Rolls Out Water Safety Initiative
Environment / Health and Human Services / Transportation and Public Works
Protecting the Tap: County Rolls Out Water Safety Initiative

The Washington County Division of Environmental Management is launching a critical, state-mandated initiative to protect the public drinking water system from potential contamination: the Cross-Connection Control (CCC) Program. This program focuses on identifying and mitigating risks of pollutants entering the water supply through backflow—a reversal of water flow that can occur in certain plumbing systems. All non-residential properties will eventually be surveyed as part of this important water safety initiative. What to Expect The CCC Program will…

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June 19, 2025
Read more about the article Purdue Pharma’s $7.4B Opioid Deal Could Bring $90M to MD
Courts / Health and Human Services / News You Can Use
Purdue Pharma’s $7.4B Opioid Deal Could Bring $90M to MD

Maryland might receive $90 million from an opioid settlement agreement with Purdue Pharma. In a recent Maryland Matters article, the prescription opioid manufacturer Purdue Pharma will likely pay out billions to over 55 states and territories for their role in the opioid crisis. Maryland is expecting to receive $90 million in the tentative settlement agreement. The historic settlement deal still requires approval from a federal bankruptcy court. The deal will allow individuals to retain the…

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June 19, 2025
Read more about the article Scammers Targeting Older Adults in MD
Health and Human Services / Information Technology / Public Safety and Corrections
Scammers Targeting Older Adults in MD

Scammers are increasingly targeting older adults in Maryland. Advocates argue Maryland is targeted because of a larger number of employees who have a pension plan.  In a Maryland Matters article, AARP Maryland recently held an event that highlighted where scammers are increasingly targeting older adults. AARP, federal and state partners, along with other advocacy groups, are advocating for increased efforts to protect this population of Marylanders. From the article: According to AARP, older Americans reported…

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June 18, 2025
Read more about the article Fed Health Care Bill Takes Cue From MD’s Easy Enrollment
Health and Human Services / NACo and Federal Issues
Fed Health Care Bill Takes Cue From MD’s Easy Enrollment

Maryland’s streamlined approach to connecting residents with health care is drawing federal attention as lawmakers consider new tools to improve enrollment and access. In a recent Maryland Matters article, Maryland’s “Easy Enrollment” program is serving as a model for newly reintroduced federal legislation that aims to simplify how individuals sign up for health coverage. US Senator Chris Van Hollen’s Easy Enrollment in Health Care Act would allow taxpayers to use information from their federal tax…

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June 17, 2025
Read more about the article CalHeatScore: California’s New Tool for Beating the Heat
Employee Benefits and Relations / Health and Human Services / Human Resources / Information Technology / Labor
CalHeatScore: California’s New Tool for Beating the Heat

Extreme heat is more than a summer nuisance. California’s new tool helps residents identify potential dangers early and take action to stay safe. In a recent Government Technology article, California introduced CalHeatScore, a new tool that forecasts and ranks the risk of heat-related illness on a daily basis. Using a 0-to-4 scale, the system helps residents understand when conditions are most hazardous, with a score of 4 indicating a severe risk. The platform also provides…

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June 12, 2025
Read more about the article Queen Anne’s Announces New Grants To Support Youth Programs
County News / Education / Health and Human Services / News You Can Use
Queen Anne’s Announces New Grants To Support Youth Programs

The Queen Anne’s County Department of Community Services Local Management Board (LMB) is now accepting proposals for two grant-funded programs designed to enhance the well-being and academic success of local youth: the Out of School Time (OST) Grant and the Partnering For Youth (PFY) Program Grant for the 2025–2026 school year. These opportunities reflect the County’s continued investment in innovative, high-quality after-school programming that supports children, families, and schools across the county. Out of School…

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June 12, 2025
Read more about the article Federal Legislation Reintroduced to Allow Medicaid Coverage in Detention Centers
County News / Health and Human Services / NACo and Federal Issues / Public Safety and Corrections
Federal Legislation Reintroduced to Allow Medicaid Coverage in Detention Centers

Five national associations have signed on to bi-partisan legislation seeking to amend components of the federal Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy (MIEP) for incarcerated individuals. Changes would allow coverage for eligible detainees 30 days prior to release and for those yet to be convicted of a crime.  Recently the National Association of Counties (NACo) was joined by state and local government partners in sending a letter to leaders on the US House of Representatives Energy and…

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June 12, 2025
Read more about the article Baltimore City Seeks $5B for Recovery and Prevention
Courts / Health and Human Services / Human Resources
Baltimore City Seeks $5B for Recovery and Prevention

Baltimore City is pressing for a long-term investment in recovery, prevention, and public health to repair the damage done by the opioid crisis. According to a Baltimore Banner article, Baltimore City is seeking $5.2 billion from the court to fund a 15-year abatement plan. The City recently won a $266 million judgment against two major drug distributors. This second phase of the trial focuses on future solutions, not past harm. The plan outlines funding for…

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June 11, 2025
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