NACo and Federal Issues Archives

Pitching Policy & Fielding a Federal Shutdown – A DC View with Congressman Johnny O

A federal shutdown hits close to home in Maryland. This week, Congressman Johnny Olszewski, Jr. joins the Conduit Street Podcast to talk about the pressure on local governments, how his Baltimore County experience guides his work in Washington, DC, and why practical, bipartisan focus matters when residents feel the squeeze. Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe to the Conduit Street Blog and stay in the know!

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October 30, 2025

County News / Cyber / Information Technology / NACo and Federal Issues / Risk Management

Maryland Launches Cybersecurity Disclosure Program Covering State and Local Systems

The State of Maryland has implemented a new cybersecurity program that gives security researchers and the general public a legal pathway to report cybersecurity vulnerabilities in web-facing State of Maryland IT systems and websites. Vulnerability Disclosure Programs (VDPs) are widely used by the federal government and private sector to identify vulnerabilities before threat actors use them to breach IT systems and websites. While some state governments have limited VDPs, the State of Maryland’s is one…

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October 30, 2025

Education / Health and Human Services / NACo and Federal Issues / Policy Deep Dive

Deep Dive: Subsidized School Meals Safe From Shutdown… for Now

Amidst the federal government's shutdown of "non-essential" services, its central food assistance program is slated to cease support on November 1. Guidance suggests that in-school free and reduced-price meals will not be an immediate casualty of the federal freeze -- but this comfort is not certain if the shutdown continues for multiple weeks. The US Government, in the absence of either an annual budget or a comprehensive "continuing resolution," has ceased its functions deemed non-essential.…

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October 30, 2025

County Budgets / County News / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use / State Budget and Fiscal Issues / Taxes and Revenues

CBO: Shutdown Slows Growth, Costs Economy Billions

The ongoing federal government shutdown could wipe out up to $14 billion in economic output and drag fourth-quarter growth down by as much as two percentage points, according to new estimates from the Congressional Budget Office. According to a new analysis from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the ongoing federal government shutdown, which began on October 1, could shave up to two percentage points from real GDP growth this quarter and permanently erase as much…

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October 29, 2025

NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use / Taxes and Revenues / Winter Conference

Comptroller Announces Tax Relief for Federal Workers Amid Shutdown

As the federal government shutdown drags on, Comptroller Brooke Lierman announced new tax relief measures to help Maryland’s federal workers weather the financial strain. Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman today announced new state tax relief measures for federal workers affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown. The Comptroller’s Office will defer state tax payment plans for employees who cannot meet their obligations while paychecks remain on hold. “We recognize the financial strain this shutdown is placing…

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October 27, 2025

County News / Health and Human Services / NACo and Federal Issues

MD Hospital Association To Host Summit on the Future of Health Care

Maryland’s health care landscape is changing fast. Federal policy shifts are reshaping everything from hospital payments to public health programs. Join the Healthy Hospitals. Healthy Communities. Ideas Summit on November 13 to collaborate and plan for what’s next. There are evolving federal policies on the AHEAD model, Medicaid, and SNAP that are reshaping health care in Maryland. To help local leaders navigate what’s ahead, the Maryland Hospital Association (MHA) will host the Healthy Hospitals. Healthy…

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October 22, 2025

County News / Feature / Intergovernmental Relations / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use

Counties Urge Swift End to Federal Shutdown

The ongoing federal government shutdown is straining local economies and threatening essential services nationwide. Counties are urging a bipartisan solution to restore stability and protect the federal–state–local partnership that residents depend on. The National Association of Counties (NACo) this week issued a statement urging a swift, bipartisan resolution to the ongoing federal government shutdown, warning that lapses in operations undermine critical partnerships that counties depend on to serve residents effectively. NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase…

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October 16, 2025

Employee Benefits and Relations / Labor / NACo and Federal Issues

Prince George’s County Moves to Support Federal Workers During Shutdown

Federal workers play a major role in Maryland’s economy, but they’re often the first to face uncertainty during shutdowns. A new proposal in Prince George’s County aims to provide a local safety net. On October 7, the Prince George’s County Council held a public hearing and final vote on CB-24-2025, the Federal Worker Emergency Assistance Act, proposed by Council Member Wala Blegay. The resolution and bill aims to provide local relief and stability for the…

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October 9, 2025

County News / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use

Maryland Launches No-Interest Loan Program for Federal Employees Working Without Pay

As the federal government shutdown continues, Maryland has launched an emergency loan program to assist federal employees who are required to work without pay. Governor Wes Moore announced the Maryland Department of Labor’s Federal Shutdown Loan Program, now accepting applications from “excepted” federal workers — those required to continue working during the shutdown but not receiving paychecks. The program offers a one-time, no-interest loan of $700 to help cover essential expenses, such as rent, food,…

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October 7, 2025

County News / Cyber / Information Technology / NACo and Federal Issues

Federal Shutdown Heightens Cyber Risks for Local Governments

With a federal shutdown, local governments face a growing cyber threat landscape, as fewer federal experts are available to call on for help. State and local governments must stay prepared to defend their systems as bad actors exploit uncertainty and stretched resources. As the federal government shutdown continues, cybersecurity experts warn that local agencies may face a surge in sophisticated phishing and ransomware attacks. With reduced federal support, counties may need to be prepared to…

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October 7, 2025