Read more about the article Comptroller Report: Federal Spending Tops $150B in Maryland — Local Impacts Loom Large
County News / Intergovernmental Relations / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use
Comptroller Report: Federal Spending Tops $150B in Maryland — Local Impacts Loom Large

New data from the Maryland Comptroller highlights the state’s significant economic ties to the federal government, with approximately $150 billion in federal spending flowing into Maryland each year. But behind the big numbers, counties manage the day-to-day systems that keep this engine running — and bear the brunt when federal priorities shift. According to a new report from the Maryland Comptroller’s Office, the federal government directed $150.2 billion into Maryland in the most recent fiscal…

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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 Cybercrime Is Booming: Why Local Govts Should Pay Attention
County News / Cyber / Information Technology / NACo and Federal Issues / Public Safety and Corrections
Cybercrime Is Booming: Why Local Govts Should Pay Attention

Cybercrime is no longer just a consumer issue; it’s a growing threat to public trust, local services, and the financial well-being of communities. In a recent Maryland Matters article, former FBI investigator Greg Louderback explains how international criminal networks now run large-scale operations that employ psychological strategies to exploit individuals, utilizing tactics such as romance scams and fake investments. These networks operate mostly outside US jurisdiction and evolve faster than law enforcement can keep up.…

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June 16, 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 Maryland Opens Emergency Loan Program for Former Federal Workers
Employee Benefits and Relations / Labor / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use
Maryland Opens Emergency Loan Program for Former Federal Workers

Maryland has launched a new emergency loan program to support former federal employees experiencing financial hardship following job loss, providing short-term relief as broader workforce support efforts continue. The Maryland Department of Labor has launched the Federal Emergency Loan Program, offering interest-free loans to former federal workers who are facing financial hardship due to layoffs, closures, or relocations. The online application portal opened on Wednesday, June 5. The General Assembly established the program through the…

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June 6, 2025
Read more about the article County Webinar: Harnessing AWARE Flood Sensors via NACo PPP
County News / Emergency Management / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use / Risk Management
County Webinar: Harnessing AWARE Flood Sensors via NACo PPP

Discover how counties can deploy the AWARE Flood System—rugged, solar-powered IoT sensors available through the competitively bid NACo Public Promise Procurement Safeware contract—to turn rising water into actionable intelligence. This webinar will demonstrate how each lightweight node tracks depth, temperature, and barometric pressure, pushes real-time alerts over cellular or Iridium satellite link, and keeps reporting for seven days even without sunlight. Learn the simple “piggy-back” procurement steps inside Public Promise Procurement (PPP), funding streams that…

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June 4, 2025
Read more about the article Proposed Health Insurance Rate Increases Could Price Out 70,000 Residents
Health and Human Services / NACo and Federal Issues
Proposed Health Insurance Rate Increases Could Price Out 70,000 Residents

Maryland has made significant gains in expanding access to health coverage, but that progress is now at risk as insurers seek significant rate increases for 2026. In a recent Baltimore Banner article, health insurers in Maryland are requesting substantial premium increases for plans offered through the State’s health exchange. On average, insurers want to raise rates by 17 percent for individuals and 5.5 percent for businesses. These hikes are largely tied to the potential expiration…

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June 4, 2025
Read more about the article Medicaid Management and How Contracting Gaps Create Local Headaches
County News / Health and Human Services / NACo and Federal Issues / State Budget and Fiscal Issues
Medicaid Management and How Contracting Gaps Create Local Headaches

Medicaid may be funded and regulated by government, but in practice, it runs through a maze of private contractors. As the federal government looks to tighten Medicaid spending, the lack of direct oversight could leave local communities exposed to the fallout when errors occur. As previously covered by MACo, Medicaid is a broad program that ensures low-income residents receive health care through a nationwide network, with costs split between the federal and state governments. Maryland’s…

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May 29, 2025
Read more about the article Feds Pushing “Science of Reading,” But MD Already On Track
Education / NACo and Federal Issues
Feds Pushing “Science of Reading,” But MD Already On Track

The US Department of Education has announced "Evidence-based literacy instruction" among its priorities for education grant funding. Maryland's own variation of these concepts are already embedded in its Blueprint for Maryland's Future plan. Last week, the US Department of Education published a series of "Proposed Priorities" into the Federal Register for public comment prior to enactment. Among them is a focus on specific reading education approaches, collectively known as "Evidence Based Literacy." Read the complete…

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May 28, 2025
Read more about the article Deep Dive: US House Passes Reconciliation Bill — What it Means for Counties
Feature / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use
Deep Dive: US House Passes Reconciliation Bill — What it Means for Counties

This article is part of MACo’s Policy Deep Dive series, where expert policy analysts explore and explain the top county policy issues of the day. Read all of MACo’s Policy Deep Dives.  Last week, the US House of Representatives narrowly passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) by a vote of 215-214. The bill advances significant federal tax cuts, entitlement program changes, and regulatory rollbacks, and includes provisions with profound implications for state and…

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May 27, 2025
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