Posted on 10/01/25
| News Source: WBAL
Annapolis, MD - Oct. 1, 2025 - Maryland’s governor on Wednesday called the federal government shutdown unnecessary and said it will hurt residents, not just federal workers.
“Leaders at the highest levels of government, and inside the White House itself, are looking at each and every one of us, all 50 states, and saying, ‘You’re now on your own,'” Gov. Wes Moore said. “But while Washington sows division, in Maryland, we stand united.”
Moore, a Democrat, announced three immediate actions to protect residents, particularly the state’s 150,000 federal workers, amid the shutdown.
“We will do everything in our power to deliver relief to those who are struggling,” Moore said.
The governor announced state agencies have been directed to employ contingency plans to ensure federal programs continue to operate in Maryland for the time being.
Moore said Maryland will also ensure state employees whose positions are supported by federal funding will continue to get paid.
The governor said the state is also working to shield federal workers from eviction, foreclosure and utility shutoffs.
Moore said the state will also protect and expand emergency assistance programs for federal workers, including unemployment insurance.
“If you are a federal worker, you may be eligible for unemployment insurance,” Moore said. “Those eligible for unemployment will repay the funds once they start receiving a paycheck again.”
The governor said the state has set up a website to help Maryland federal workers to find assistance: go.md.gov/federalshutdown.
The sole Republican member of Maryland’s congressional delegation, U.S. Rep. Andy Harris, R-District 1, who is also chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, posted a statement on X shortly after the shutdown took effect, saying: “The Democrats chose to shut the government down over free health care for illegal aliens.”
During Wednesday morning’s news conference at the State House, Moore said: “The shutdown was avoidable, the shutdown was unnecessary, the shutdown will directly hurt Maryland and directly hurt Marylanders.”
The governor also had a message for the president and Republican leaders, saying: “On behalf of the 6 1/2 million Marylanders, my message to President Trump is clear: Stop this shutdown. You’re the one causing it. We’re the ones dealing with it. And, Marylanders are the ones feeling it.”