Maryland Boosts Veteran Support Amidst Federal Shutdown Challenges

Annapolis, MD – Governor Wes Moore’s administration is actively working to mitigate the impact of the federal government shutdown on Maryland’s veteran population by fostering partnerships and bolstering state-level resources. The governor recently convened representatives from veteran organizations, including Hiring Our Heroes and Student Veterans of America, at the State House to strategize on expanding post-service career opportunities for veterans. This initiative is particularly crucial as federal support systems, such as the GI Bill Hotline, have become unavailable due to the ongoing shutdown, affecting a significant portion of the state’s federal workers who are veterans.

The federal shutdown presents unique challenges for veterans, who constitute approximately 25% of federal employees. Uncertainty surrounding potential mass federal layoffs, the status of back pay, and the disruption of government contracts—many of which are awarded to veteran-owned businesses—create considerable instability for veterans and their families across Maryland. In response, the Maryland Department of Labor has intensified its efforts to connect veterans with employment. This year alone, the department has organized 13 job fairs, facilitating connections between over 2,700 veterans and roughly 360 employers. Additionally, workforce professionals have provided more than 2,500 veterans, their qualified spouses, and caregivers with individualized career support, encompassing resume building, mock interviews, and targeted job search assistance. These combined efforts have engaged over 9,000 employers throughout Maryland actively seeking to hire veterans.

The Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families is committed to supporting the governor’s vision for expanding educational and workforce development opportunities for veterans and their families. Through the “Maryland Joins Forces” initiative, partnerships with organizations like Student Veterans of America and Hiring Our Heroes are instrumental in directing veterans toward higher education and fulfilling careers. This collaborative approach with educational and workforce partners statewide aims to equip all Marylanders with the skills necessary to thrive in a dynamic economy. The ongoing federal shutdown has halted critical services from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, including veteran career counseling and transition assistance programs. The GI Bill Hotline, essential for accessing financial aid for education and training, is also non-operational, and regional benefits offices are closed. Despite these federal disruptions, Governor Moore has affirmed Maryland’s dedication to implementing innovative solutions to ensure that post-service opportunities remain accessible to veterans and their families.

Hiring Our Heroes, an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, plays a pivotal role by connecting the military community with a broad network of businesses and partners to foster economic opportunities and develop a robust workforce. Student Veterans of America champions service, research, programs, and advocacy for veterans pursuing higher education, boasting chapters on over 30 college campuses in Maryland that offer supportive communities for student veterans. The Maryland Chamber of Commerce has expressed its commitment to shaping stronger, more inclusive pathways for veterans within the state’s workforce and education systems, emphasizing the importance of hearing directly from student veterans about their challenges and proposed solutions.

Student veterans are recognized for their driven and capable talent, with organizations like Student Veterans of America working to ensure their success. Partnerships with entities such as Google.org are supporting initiatives that integrate critical Artificial Intelligence training into veterans’ educational paths. The success of student veterans is also intrinsically linked to the career stability of their military spouses, underscoring the importance of prioritizing military spouse employment through collaborations between state government and organizations like Hiring Our Heroes. State officials, including members of the Maryland General Assembly’s Veterans Caucus, have voiced their dedication to supporting initiatives that provide meaningful career opportunities and foster the success of Maryland’s veterans upon their return home.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Office of Governor Wes Moore.

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