Empowering Experience and Elevating New Talent at #MACoCon

Bridging the expertise of seasoned employees with the perspectives of emerging talent is key to building a resilient and inclusive workforce. Workforce dynamics are evolving rapidly as employers navigate the challenges of an aging workforce alongside the need to attract and develop new talent. Older employees bring a wealth of institutional knowledge, but retaining them requires thoughtful approaches to workplace flexibility and inclusion. At the same time, building robust pipelines for young adults and non-traditional…

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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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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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Tackling Cybersecurity Staffing Needs: Insights From State IT Officers

As governments face the mounting challenge of evolving cybersecurity threats, strategies from other states reveal how tailored talent development initiatives can help build a skilled workforce. As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, the demand for a skilled and qualified workforce grows, especially within local government. However, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for state and local governments to maintain a robust cybersecurity workforce. During the recent NASCIO Annual Conference, leaders from Kansas, Nebraska, and New Hampshire…

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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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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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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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Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) Regulations Released

The Maryland Department of Labor has released the final regulations for the state's Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program this morning, October 18, 2024. While MACo is still reviewing the details to assess their effect on counties, it was imperative to get this information into the hands of our readers as soon as possible. Stay tuned for a full report on how these regulations may affect county governments. In the meantime, you can read…

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New Heat Illness Regulations Take Effect in MD

Maryland’s new Heat Illness Prevention Standard took effect on September 30, 2024. The Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH) Division has implemented the Heat Illness Prevention Standard, now published under the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) chapter 09.12.32. It requires employers to protect workers from heat hazards in indoor and outdoor settings where the heat index reaches 80°F or higher. The regulation mandates the creation of a written Heat-Related Illness Prevention and Management Plan. According…

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MD Dept of Labor Takes a Step Toward Making FAMLI a Reality

The Maryland Department of Labor is moving forward with the State's Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) system. Earlier this week, the Maryland Board of Public Works approved two contracts to develop the digital infrastructure necessary to administer the Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) system. This initiative is set to impact 2.5 million workers and 180,000 employers across the state. The FAMLI system will begin implementation with employer payroll deductions starting July 1, 2025,…

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