NACo and Federal Issues Archives

NACo and Federal Issues / Summer Conference

Federal Shifts and Maryland’s Economic Future at #MACoCon

Maryland saw its sharpest one-month drop in federal employment in nearly 30 years this June. As federal job losses mount, Maryland is bracing for broader effects on employment and economic stability. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, Maryland lost a total of 8,500 jobs in June, including a net loss of 2,900 public sector positions. The state lost 3,500 federal government jobs, marking Maryland’s largest single-month drop in federal employment in decades. As a…

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July 29, 2025

Medicaid at a Crossroads: Preparing for Shifts in Federal and State Policy

Medicaid is at a pivotal moment under pressure from fiscal, political, and structural forces at both the state and federal levels. For Maryland’s counties, the ripple effects could redefine how essential services are delivered and funded. Few programs touch as many lives or budgets as Medicaid. In Maryland, the program covers more than 1.5 million residents, spanning children, low-income families, older adults, and individuals with disabilities. At the federal level, lawmakers passed major reforms, including…

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July 28, 2025

County News / Emergency Management / Feature / NACo and Federal Issues

No Help on the Way: FEMA Refuses Aid After Devastating Western Maryland Floods

Maryland is preparing to appeal the federal government’s decision to deny disaster assistance for Western Maryland after catastrophic flooding in May caused tens of millions of dollars in damage. Governor Wes Moore announced the denial this week, following the State’s formal request for federal aid to support recovery efforts in Allegany and Garrett counties — two areas that bore the brunt of severe flooding that damaged homes, roads, public utilities, and essential infrastructure. Over several…

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July 23, 2025

County News / Courts / Economic Development / NACo and Federal Issues / Summer Conference

Submit Questions for the “Navigating Federal Shifts” Panel at #MACoCon

Federal policy changes are creating new challenges and uncertainties for both the private and public sector across legal, economic, and operational fronts. A panel at MACo’s Summer Conference will explore how Maryland can adapt amid shifting national priorities. As the federal government continues to shift its priorities through sweeping legislation, executive action, and agency rulemaking, state and local governments are navigating a dynamic and often unpredictable policy environment. To help guide the conversation, we invite attendees…

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July 21, 2025

County News / Economic Development / Intergovernmental Relations / NACo and Federal Issues

US Senate Committee Strips Van Hollen Amendment Protecting FBI HQ Funds for Prince George’s

The US Senate has stripped language from a spending bill that would have limited how the federal government could spend funds already set aside for a new FBI headquarters — a setback for Maryland leaders working to prevent the president from reversing the General Services Administration’s decision to relocate the agency to Prince George’s County. Maryland US Senator Chris Van Hollen secured the provision last week with bipartisan support from the Senate Appropriations Committee. The…

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July 18, 2025

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

Congress Approves $9B in Spending Cuts, Slashes Public Broadcasting and Foreign Aid

Update -- July 18: The US House of Representatives has approved the $9 billion rescissions package, sending the bill to the president’s desk. The package includes deep cuts to public broadcasting and foreign aid. The US Senate has approved a $9 billion rescissions package that cancels previously authorized federal spending, including deep cuts to public broadcasting and foreign assistance. H.R. 4 reflects the president's request to rescind previously approved funding from earlier budget laws. The…

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July 17, 2025

County Budgets / NACo and Federal Issues / State Budget and Fiscal Issues / Taxes and Revenues

OBBBA Tax Overhaul: New SALT Cap, Business Boosts, Maryland Impact

The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” — or OBBBA — was signed into law on Friday, July 4, 2025, marking the first significant tax package of the president's second term. The newly enacted OBBBA rewrites significant sections of the federal tax code — locking in expiring provisions, tweaking others, and introducing a few new twists. While most of the headlines have focused on national politics, Maryland counties should keep a close eye on what’s inside:…

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July 16, 2025

Employee Benefits and Relations / Health and Human Services / NACo and Federal Issues

Free July 28 Webinar: Prescription Drug Costs & County Impacts

The National Association of Counties, through its Public Promise Insurance program, is hosting an informational webinar on prescription drugs and county healthcare costs. Register here for this July 28 online meeting. Webinar: Legislative Landscape: Prescription Drug Costs & County Impacts Wednesday, July 23, 2025 | 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET There is significant legislative activity at both the federal and state levels focused on prescription drug costs. These developments have important implications for employer-sponsored…

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July 16, 2025

County News / NACo Achievement Awards / NACo and Federal Issues

Maryland Counties Shine in 2025 NACo Achievement Awards

Maryland counties once again earned national recognition for innovation, service delivery, and community impact through the 2025 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards. The program honors creative and effective county government programs in 18 categories across a wide range of county responsibilities, including public safety, technology, economic development, health, and more. Howard County led the pack, receiving a record-setting 83 awards — the most ever by a Maryland county in a single year —…

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July 15, 2025

Health and Human Services / NACo and Federal Issues / Summer Conference

Find Out What Fed Medicaid Changes Mean for MD at #MACoCon

Federal changes to Medicaid are expected to bring significant coverage losses and added strain to state and local health systems. Nearly 12 million people nationwide could lose coverage over the next decade, including thousands in Maryland. The recently signed federal budget reconciliation bill, formally known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” makes sweeping changes to Medicaid that could have serious implications for Maryland. The new law aims to reduce $1 trillion in federal Medicaid…

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July 15, 2025