ANNAPOLIS, Md. – In response to recent job cuts affecting federal employees in Maryland, Governor Wes Moore has announced a series of state-backed initiatives to help displaced workers transition into new careers. The state is expanding job resources, organizing recruitment events, and directing agencies to streamline hiring for those impacted by workforce reductions.
The move comes as thousands of federal employees and contractors in Maryland face layoffs due to funding shifts and restructuring at the federal level. The state, home to one of the nation’s largest concentrations of federal workers, is taking proactive steps to offer employment support, benefits assistance, and career transition programs.
State responds to federal job cuts
At a roundtable discussion in Annapolis, Moore met with affected workers, union leaders, and state officials to hear firsthand how job losses are affecting families across Maryland. He was joined by U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu, Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Harry Coker, and several key state legislators.
“We have an obligation to step up for our federal workforce,” Moore said. “These public servants have dedicated their careers to serving our communities, and now it’s our turn to serve them. Maryland will not stand by while hardworking families are left without support.”
Lt. Gov. Aruna K. Miller emphasized that federal employees in Maryland represent a diverse workforce of parents, veterans, and professionals who deserve job security. “These layoffs are not just statistics—they are real people facing real hardships,” Miller said. “Our state is committed to giving them the support they need to move forward.”
Job placement and career assistance
The Moore administration is rolling out several initiatives aimed at providing displaced federal workers with immediate assistance:
- The state’s Live Work Maryland Job Search now highlights nearly 130,000 job openings across key industries.
- A new virtual session, “Joining Team Maryland,” will connect federal workers with state government job openings.
- Teach Maryland, an online resource hub, will help federal employees explore career opportunities in public education.
- Programs targeting military veterans—who make up 15 percent of Maryland’s federal workforce—are being expanded.
- State agencies are working with county and municipal leaders to coordinate recruitment events tailored to affected workers.
The state is also offering access to Maryland’s Unified Benefits Screener, a tool designed to help residents determine eligibility for financial and employment assistance programs.
Criticism of federal layoffs
The federal job cuts, which have already led to widespread uncertainty among workers, have drawn criticism from Maryland leaders.
“The Trump-Musk Administration’s illegal purge of federal workers is not just devastating for public servants—it’s harming essential government services that millions of Americans rely on,” Van Hollen said. “We are fighting to reverse these reckless actions, but in the meantime, Maryland is stepping up to provide immediate relief.”
Among those affected is Jonathan Hairston, a former AI specialist at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, who lost his job due to the cuts. “I’ve spent my entire career serving this country,” Hairston said. “To suddenly lose my job has been devastating for me and my family. But seeing the state step in gives me hope that we’re not in this alone.”
State agencies streamline hiring
To help federal employees transition into state roles, Moore has directed three major agencies to fast-track hiring processes:
- The Maryland Department of Transportation is piloting a Federal Worker Navigation Program to assist workers in transitioning to state jobs.
- The Maryland Department of Budget and Management is implementing measures to handle the influx of applications for state positions.
- The Maryland State Department of Education is working with the Maryland Higher Education Commission to develop pathways for federal employees seeking careers in education.
Strong demand for resources
Maryland’s workforce support programs have already seen significant engagement. In the two weeks since launching, the Maryland Public Servants Resource Website has received more than 69,000 visits, while the Maryland Department of Labor’s support portal has assisted over 450 federal workers in filing for Unemployment Insurance.
Governor Moore emphasized that the state will continue adapting its response to meet the needs of impacted workers. “This isn’t just about managing a crisis—it’s about making sure Marylanders have access to stable, meaningful employment,” he said.
Federal employees and contractors in need of assistance can access state resources through the Maryland Public Servants Resource Website and the Maryland Department of Labor’s support page for federal workers.
