Maryland
Maryland leaders consider program to help fired federal workers manage mortgage payments
MD leaders consider mortgage program for fired federal workers
Maryland is home to approximately 150,000 federal employees and thousands of them have already lost their jobs as DOGE continues to make federal cuts to the workforce. Now, many are at risk of losing their homes and leaders in Prince George’s County are looking for ways to help.
PRINCE GEORGE’S CO., Md. – Maryland is home to approximately 150,000 federal employees and thousands of them have already lost their jobs as DOGE continues to make federal cuts to the workforce. Now, many are at risk of losing their homes and leaders in Prince George’s County are looking for ways to help.
Local perspective:
It’s an uncertain time for federal workers — if they have not already been part of the mass layoffs, many are questioning their job security. This poses not only a problem for how to pay their mortgages but for the lenders that receive the funds.
The Prince George’s County Council passed a resolution to ask Gov. Wes Moore to help families avoid foreclosure. Knowing more job cuts are coming, they are being proactive with this as one of many initiatives. It doesn’t forgive the debt but allows the homeowner and lender to have conversations about a payment plan.
“How can we implement it so it is a win-win for not just our federal displaced federal employees but the lender, because there’s going to be money held up that they will not receive,” said Calvin Hawkins, Prince George’s County Council Member at-Large.
They have not yet heard from the governor’s office but Hawkins said it will likely take another two months to implement and then in the third month they plan to be prepared to work with the resident and the lender.
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What they’re saying:
FOX 5 asked people for their thoughts and found out almost everyone knows someone impacted by the cuts.
“I think it’s a great idea. I mean, if we can keep them in their house and not be homeless, like, that works for me,” resident Jason Byrd said.
“One of my friends, she just lost her job two weeks ago and…you know, I imagine she’s going to be struggling,” said Nadie Shoenam.
Hawkins said the proposal has been mostly met with support, although there are some that have reservations about the financial impact it will have at the local and state level. But that is where they intend to get the lenders in on the conversation early to work out a plan.
“The few that have reservations in this fiscal situation we find our Dire Straits of physical state and at the local level, which is more concerned what kind of financial impact this more important is working with the mortgage lender to see how much they work with us helping these Individuals
In Maryland, residents can find parades, concerts, history programs, fireworks, volunteer opportunities and family-friendly celebrations leading up to Independence Day.
America250, the national semiquincentennial initiative, is encouraging communities to take part through local commemorations, block parties, service projects and July 4 events. State and local commissions, historical societies, museums, libraries, parks departments and civic groups are also hosting events tied to the milestone.
Open primaries advocate Jeremy Gruber says nearly 100,000 independent voters in D.C. remain locked out of primary elections despite voters overwhelmingly approving open primaries in 2024. On The Final 5 with Jim Lokay, he blames the D.C. Council for refusing to fund the change and says similar efforts are gaining momentum in Maryland, where more than one million independents are also excluded from primaries. Gruber argues that in many one-party jurisdictions, the primary is effectively the election, making voter access even more critical.
Maryland
Federal Disaster Declaration Issued Following April Freeze: New Resources Available for Maryland Agricultural Producers – Washington County
This federal designation makes critical financial assistance available to agricultural producers who experienced significant crop losses due to the sudden freeze. The event caused extensive damage to perennial crops across Maryland, with losses exceeding the 30 percent threshold required for a federal disaster declaration. Many growers are now facing substantial expenses related to crop recovery, plant health, labor, and ongoing maintenance despite having little to no harvestable yield this season.
In addition to freeze-related impacts, many areas of the state continue to experience prolonged drought conditions, further increasing the financial challenges facing Maryland’s agricultural community.
As a result of the disaster declaration, producers in Washington County and 11 other designated primary counties, as well as eligible contiguous counties, may qualify for low-interest emergency loans and other assistance programs through the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). These resources are intended to help producers recover losses, maintain operations, and support the long-term viability of Maryland agriculture.
Affected producers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency office as soon as possible to discuss available assistance programs and begin the application process.
The assessment of agricultural losses in additional Maryland counties remains ongoing. Additional information, resources, and updates are available through the Maryland Department of Agriculture.
Washington County remains committed to supporting our agricultural community and encourages producers impacted by the freeze event to explore the assistance programs available through this federal disaster declaration.
Click here to view Governor Wes Moore’s announcement.
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