Maryland Governor Wes Moore unveiled a new website on Friday aimed at providing essential resources for federal employees in the state affected by workforce reductions and shifts in federal funding.
These widespread layoffs are part of ongoing initiatives by the Trump administration to downsize the federal workforce. According to CBS News, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announced on Thursday that federal agencies must terminate nearly all probationary employees who have not yet secured civil service protections.
Some agency employees have received warnings about potential larger cuts, as reported by CBS News. Since assuming office, Mr. Trump has expressed his discontent with federal employees, particularly those who work from home. "Nobody is gonna work from home," the president stated on Monday. "They are gonna be going out, they're gonna play tennis, they're gonna play golf, they're gonna do a lot of things. They're not working."
In Maryland, the governor's office estimates that there are approximately 160,000 federal civilian jobs, accounting for about 6% of the state's total employment. Additionally, around 225,000 jobs in Maryland in 2023 were supported by federal contract funding, according to the governor. Maryland ranks second in the nation for the number of federal employees, following Washington, D.C.
"The White House continues to take actions that jeopardize the livelihoods of our public servants and disrupt the federal government's ability to effectively serve the American people and pursue our shared objectives," remarked Gov. Moore. "We still hope to collaborate with this new administration to achieve common goals. However, given the recent actions that are negatively impacting Marylanders, we must take a stand to protect our citizens."
Gov. Moore's Maryland Public Servants Resource Website serves as a vital hub for information on unemployment insurance, career assistance, legal resources, and a comprehensive index of rules and regulations. This platform will receive regular updates to ensure it remains a reliable source for Maryland residents.
Impact on Marylanders
This initiative represents the latest commitment from Maryland leaders to support residents affected by shifts in the workforce. Earlier this month, Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, alongside 11 other states, cautioned federal employees about the Trump administration's buyout offer.
As reported by CBS News, this buyout offer, also known as the deferred resignation program, was an initial strategy aimed at reducing the federal workforce. It proposed financial incentives for employees willing to leave their positions by September 30.
A federal judge permitted the program to move forward, and the White House indicated that approximately 75,000 individuals expressed interest in participating, according to CBS News. In response to this buyout offer, Howard County took proactive measures by enhancing resources available to federal workers. County Executive Calvin Ball noted that around 50,000 federal employees in the county were eligible for the buyout.
Additionally, the Maryland Department of Labor suggested postponing the launch of its Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program due to the ongoing federal workforce reductions, stating that the "unprecedented changes at the federal level have created significant instability and uncertainty for both Maryland employers and workers."
The FAMLI program in the state is scheduled to begin in July 2025, aimed at offering job security for employees needing time off to care for themselves or their loved ones. Participation in the program will be voluntary for employers, while employees will contribute to a state-managed fund. However, the Department of Labor has revised the timeline, delaying payroll deductions until January 2027 and pushing the availability of benefits to January 2028.