Human Resources Archives

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

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

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

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

County News / Human Resources / Transportation and Public Works

Montgomery FareShare Program Offers Cash for County Commuters Using Public Transit

Montgomery County is offering a program that could both ease traffic congestion and provide a welcome recruitment and retention benefit for employers. With a $25 employer contribution, the county will pay up to $300 per employee, per month - tax-free. Employees working in Montgomery County can receive up to $325 a month to help cover the cost of their commute using public transit with the County FareShare Program. Employers must contribute $25 a month per…

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April 14, 2025

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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

County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / News You Can Use

SB 306: A Critical Fix for Workers’ Compensation Prescription Costs

Senate Bill 306, sponsored by Senate Finance Committee Chair Senator Pam Beidle, is a necessary reform to Maryland’s workers’ compensation system. The bill addresses a long-standing gap in regulation that has allowed excessive and inconsistent prescription drug pricing, driving up costs for local governments. By implementing a fair and predictable fee guide for pharmaceutical reimbursements, SB 306 ensures transparency and cost savings while maintaining full access to necessary medications for injured workers. The Problem: Unchecked…

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April 2, 2025

County News / Economic Development / Human Resources

Federal Workforce Resources and Data

Area governments are responding to significant alterations to the federal workforce, offering resources to constituents impacted by these changes. The Council of Governments is supporting these efforts by sharing data, information, and by connecting public, private, and non-profits leading this work in metropolitan Washington. These tools provide essential guidance on navigating employment transitions, securing benefits, and understanding the broader economic effects of federal workforce changes. Local and State Resources Maryland: Charles County Frederick County City of…

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March 19, 2025

County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources

MACo’s Annual Reporting on County Employee Salaries, Health Benefits, & Pensions

Every year, Human Resources Officers from each jurisdiction provide valuable insights into key components of public sector employment, including employee salaries, health benefits, and pensions. The FY 2025 County Employee Salaries, Health Benefits, and Pensions Report offers a comprehensive look at compensation trends for 149 positions and current benefits packages. For employers, these annual data sets are critical tools for informed decision-making. As government agencies and public organizations work within specific budget constraints and strive…

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March 19, 2025

Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / Labor / MACo Testimony

MACo Opposes Local Collective Bargaining Mandate That Threatens Local Control

On February 27, Associate Policy Director Karrington Anderson testified before the Senate Finance Committee in opposition to SB 976 – Collective Bargaining – Local Government Employees and Public Employee Relations Act. This bill mandates collective bargaining rights for local government employees statewide, imposing binding arbitration requirements, and significantly altering local government labor relations MACo supports fair and competitive employment policies, which Maryland jurisdictions have pursued through the years both locally and through State-level authorizing legislation.…

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March 4, 2025