Maryland Expands Aid to Federal Workers Amid Extended Government Shutdown

Governor Wes Moore has announced a series of expanded state initiatives aimed at assisting Maryland residents affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown. These measures include enhanced loan programs for federal employees, complimentary public transit, and dedicated funding to maintain crucial energy assistance benefits for households.

The state’s commitment to supporting Marylanders extends to providing a financial safety net for public servants who are working without compensation. The Maryland Department of Labor’s Federal Shutdown Loan Program has been augmented with a second, no-interest loan of up to $700 for essential federal employees facing financial hardship. This program, initially launched during the second week of the shutdown, offers an additional financial bridge for those continuing their duties without pay. Information and application details for this program are available online through the Maryland Department of Labor’s submission portal.

In an effort to alleviate the daily commute burdens for federal workers, the Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) will provide free rides on core transit services. This includes access to local buses, light rail, metro subway, and paratransit services. These provisions are in addition to existing free ridership programs for MARC trains and commuter buses, aiming to ease the financial strain on federal employees, many of whom are essential personnel such as air traffic controllers and TSA agents.

Furthermore, Governor Moore has authorized $10.1 million from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund to address a gap in federal funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This state funding is critical to ensure that nearly 13,000 Maryland households can continue to receive support for heating their homes and powering essential medical and household equipment, especially as winter months approach. The Governor’s executive order aims to prevent families from facing the cold due to the federal government’s failure to provide necessary funding.

These new initiatives build upon previous efforts by the Moore-Miller Administration since the shutdown began on October 1. These have included making resources available for public servants, declaring a State of Emergency that directed $10 million to food assistance organizations, and allocating $62 million to support SNAP recipients in November. The administration also previously announced measures in February to assist federal workers impacted by workforce reductions and funding changes.

Beyond these immediate supports, Maryland continues to offer a comprehensive suite of resources for federal employees and other affected workers. These include services through 33 American Job Centers and a specialized Professional Outplacement Assistance Center, which provides career guidance, resume workshops, mock interviews, and job search strategies. Additional resources cover career transitions, such as information on entering the teaching profession, and weekly virtual workshops tailored for former federal employees and contractors. Job fairs, recruitment events, unemployment insurance, and assistance related to veterans’ affairs, legal matters, health coverage, housing, and food security are also available.

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

---