Maryland prioritizes hiring despite budget deficit

Maryland is actively hiring despite facing a budget deficit of $3.3 billion. Governor Wes Moore has made filling state jobs a priority as many former federal workers are attending job fairs to find new employment. The state is advertising a variety of job positions, including roles for elevator inspectors, case management specialists, and clinical psychiatric care providers. Salaries for these jobs range widely, from about $36,000 to nearly $463,000 annually. Governor Moore noted that while he is not setting hiring quotas, each state agency has the flexibility to determine their hiring needs. At a recent job fair in Frederick County, Governor Moore worked to connect recently laid-off federal employees to both state and private sector jobs. He emphasized the state's commitment to helping these workers find new opportunities, especially after thousands lost their jobs due to federal budget cuts. Over 1,100 former federal workers in Maryland filed unemployment claims as of late March, reflecting an increase as job losses mounted. The state has responded by organizing numerous job fairs and providing resources like resume workshops specifically for these workers. The job fairs have attracted a significant number of employers, both public and private. In one event, more than 900 job seekers registered, compared to only 250 attendees last year. In addition to state jobs, an online job board highlights around 130,000 openings in various sectors, from healthcare to retail. Local officials, such as Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman, are also seeking to recruit new teachers to address shortages in schools. Experts believe that hiring laid-off federal workers could benefit both the state and local economies by filling high-skilled positions. While the demand for jobs is high, experts warn that it may be challenging for the economy to absorb all the displaced workers quickly. However, Maryland's relatively low unemployment rate presents some opportunity for these individuals to secure new employment.