Local Leaders Work to Protect Federal Workers

October 15, 2025

Maryland is facing significant challenges as more than 125,000 federal workers in the state have lost paychecks due to the ongoing government shutdown, with many experiencing furloughs or layoffs. Local leaders including Senator Angela Alsobrooks, Senator Chris Van Hollen, and Governor Wes Moore are responding by introducing bills, requesting utility companies to halt penalties, and offering resources like emergency assistance programs and loans to affected workers. Maryland Democrats have strongly criticized the Trump administration and Republicans for what they describe as attacks on federal employees and essential public services.

Who is affected

More than 125,000 members of Maryland's federal workforce
An estimated 70,000 federal employees in Prince George's County
Maryland families dependent on federal paychecks
Essential federal workers obligated to work without pay
Maryland's economy, which has entered a recession according to Moody's
Recipients of programs like Medicaid and food assistance

What action is being taken

Senator Alsobrooks is introducing a bill to provide additional assistance to essential federal workers
Senators Alsobrooks and Van Hollen are requesting utility companies pause penalties and shutoffs
Governor Moore is authorizing state agencies to employ contingency plans for federal programs
Maryland is offering a $700 loan to essential employees
Prince George's County is giving laid-off federal employees priority hiring in county government jobs
Major utilities have agreed not to cut off energy and water to federal workers in Prince George's County
Prince George's County is providing free access to career training at Prince George's Community College
Prince George's County is establishing a food assistance database

Why it matters

The shutdown threatens to cause financial hardship for thousands of Maryland families
Previous economic impacts from the administration have already pushed Maryland into recession
Essential public services provided by federal employees are at risk
The shutdown compounds existing economic problems in Maryland including previous layoffs and tariffs
Local communities like Prince George's County face particular economic risk with the closure of sites like the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center
Without intervention, affected workers could face foreclosure, eviction, or bankruptcy

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer