Maryland Offers Free Transit and Comprehensive Aid to Federal Workers Amidst Government Shutdown

In response to the ongoing federal government shutdown, Governor Wes Moore has announced that the Maryland Transit Administration will provide complimentary MARC and Commuter Bus service for federal employees. This initiative, detailed in a press release from the Office of Governor Wes Moore, aims to alleviate some of the financial pressures faced by federal workers who are still required to report to their jobs without pay. The free transit will be available to any individual who can present a federal ID badge to the bus operator for the duration of the shutdown.

The State of Maryland recognizes the significant impact the federal government shutdown has on its residents, as the federal government stands as the largest employer within the state. Prior to recent federal workforce reductions, over 269,000 Marylanders were employed by the federal government, with more than 160,000 federal civilian jobs located within the state. The announcement of free transit was made at a resource fair in Howard County, where state and local agencies were on hand to offer various forms of assistance.

A wide array of resources were made available to federal workers and their families at the resource fair. The Department of Housing and Community Development provided information on protections against eviction and foreclosure, housing counseling, legal services, affordable housing options, and homelessness prevention. The Department of Labor offered guidance on unemployment insurance eligibility for furloughed employees and federal contractors, along with career navigation services and a specialized $700 no-interest loan program, the Federal Shutdown Loan Program, for “excepted” federal employees working without compensation.

Furthermore, the Department of Health was present to offer access to mental health services and support through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and local behavioral health authorities. The Department of Human Services provided on-site assistance with applications for food, cash, and other essential aid through marylandbenefits.gov, including programs like the Emergency Food Assistance Program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Temporary Cash Assistance. For veterans and active duty military personnel, the Department of Veterans and Military Families offered information on resources such as the Veterans Trust Fund and assistance with filing federal benefits claims.

Beyond the immediate support offered at the resource fair, Maryland is continuing to provide a broad spectrum of services for individuals affected by federal actions. These ongoing supports include job placement assistance through 33 American Job Centers and a dedicated Professional Outplacement Assistance Center, offering personalized career guidance, resume workshops, mock interviews, skills assessments, and networking opportunities. Additional career resources are available, including information on transitioning into a teaching career. The state also hosts a weekly virtual workshop specifically for former federal employees and contractors, which has seen participation from over 1,600 individuals to date. Job fairs and recruitment events are also being organized to help connect affected workers with new employment opportunities.

Other continuing supports include access to unemployment insurance, resources for veterans, legal aid, and assistance with health coverage, housing, and food security. The Moore-Miller Administration is also actively working to ensure the continuity of major federal programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, Head Start, and veterans’ services. This commitment is contingent upon the state being reimbursed for eligible federal expenses incurred during the shutdown, a practice typically followed in previous federal government closures. However, the sustained duration of the shutdown and the level of federal commitment could ultimately affect the state’s ability to maintain these programs over an extended period.

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

---