COLLEGE PARK, MD –
As part of a continued initiative by the Moore-Miller Administration to provide support for the federal workforce, Lieutenant Governor Aruna K. Miller joined Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu, Acting Prince George’s County Executive Tara Jackson, and partners in the public and private sectors for a job fair offering resources and guidance to Maryland’s displaced federal workers.
The event, which was hosted by Employ Prince George’s, the Prince George’s County Executive’s office, and the Prince George’s County Office of Human Resources Management, connected more than 40 employers with roughly 1,000 job seekers.
Actions initiated by the Trump Administration have led to over 700 former federal employees and hundreds of federal contractors in Maryland to apply for unemployment benefits. Today, many of them were able to speak with human resources staff from public- and private-sector employers, as well as state agencies that have resources available for laid-off workers.
In Prince George’s County—Maryland’s second-most populated county—9.5 percent of jobs are federal civilian jobs and 15.6 percent of wages earned by residents comes from the federal government. Continued layoffs threaten widespread impacts on households and the overall economy.
“Our fear is that the arbitrary cuts and firings we have seen are just the beginning, so we are mobilizing Maryland in the face of this domestic threat and assault on the livelihoods of our hard-working citizens,” said Lt. Governor Miller. “Maryland has a wealth of assets, but our crown jewel is our people, our workforce. They should be given every opportunity to thrive, not be sidelined. They are public servants who raised their hand because they love their country. They deserve, and have earned better treatment than this.”
“Federal workers have dedicated their careers to public service, and it is our duty to provide them with the support they need at this incredibly challenging and uncertain time,” said Secretary of Labor Portia Wu. “Our state and our nation have benefited greatly from their talent, expertise, and experience, and we want to make sure they have opportunities to continue contributing, whether that is through the private sector, state or local public service, or as entrepreneurs.”
“Employ Prince George’s and our American Job Centers are being showered with calls and emails from laid-off federal workers and contractors,” said Employ Prince George’s President and CEO Walter Simmons. “In this pivotal moment, we are providing key resources to assist them in their time of need and access to tons of employment opportunities to relaunch their careers. This is the first of many events to come.”
Federal Workforce Facts & Layoff Impacts:
Maryland is home to more than 160,000 federal jobs, and 11 percent of our state’s GDP is directly associated with the federal government
In Prince George’s County, 9.5% of jobs located in the county are federal civilian jobs
Thus far, the layoffs initiated by the Trump administration have led to over 700 former federal employees in Maryland applying for unemployment benefits.
The Moore-Miller Administration Response:
On February 28th, Governor Moore announced a series of actions to support Marylanders affected by federal workforce reductions, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to protecting workers and local economies. Key initiatives include:
Expanded Resources for Federal Workers: The Maryland Public Servants Resource Website now features a job search portal highlighting 130,000+ open positions, benefit screening tools, and support resources for veterans and impacted workers.
State Job Recruitment Efforts: The state is hosting virtual and in-person job fairs in partnership with local governments to connect federal workers to public and private sector jobs.
Hiring Process Improvements: The Governor directed state agencies to streamline hiring processes and develop tailored pathways for federal workers to transition into state jobs, particularly in hard-to-fill roles.
Pathways to Teaching: The Maryland Department of Education and Higher Education Commission are developing new policies for federal workers pursuing teaching careers, helping address the state’s teacher shortage through expedited licensure and transition guidance. This also includes an expanded online resource page for those interested in becoming teachers.
Continued Workforce Transition Support: Maryland’s Department of Labor launched a dedicated resource page and hosts weekly virtual career transition workshops, which more than 400 people have already attended.
