The Prince George's County Council on Oct. 7 adopted a resolution urging creation of job-placement supports, training and a food-assistance directory for federal employees and federal contractors who have been laid off or furloughed amid recent federal workforce reductions.

The resolution, introduced by Councilmember Blige and carried at final vote by Councilmember Begay, passed unanimously 11-0 after a public hearing in which furloughed federal employees described sudden job losses and the household harms they face.

Union leader Dr. Ashaki Robinson, president of AFGE Local 476 and a HUD employee who said she has been furloughed after 19 years of federal service, told the council the measure would “offer a bridge of stability” by providing emergency financial aid, food assistance and job retraining. A federal employee who said she has eight years of service described losing her paycheck and scrambling to keep a mortgage; Wendy Joiner, also RIF'd from a federal position, urged more district-by-district collaboration on training and resources.

Councilmember Begay, the measure’s sponsor, said the resolution replaces an earlier draft of a county bill because certain business and tax incentives would require state action. She summarized the resolution’s practical elements: priority hiring through the Office of Human Resources Management, job training through Employ Prince George’s County, and a county-managed food-bank assistance directory so affected workers can find help without waiting for ad hoc announcements. Begay emphasized that the adopted document is a county resolution recommending actions and coordination rather than an appropriation of county funds.

Several council members framed the vote as a local response to federal action. Chair Burrows, Councilmembers Fisher, Harrison, Hawkins, Ivy, Olson, Rivera and Watson each spoke in support; Fisher and others described the layoffs as disproportionately affecting Black federal employees who live in the county and urged broader, long-term economic strategies to reduce dependence on federal employment.

The council suspended rules earlier to allow the resolution’s introduction and then voted to adopt it. The roll call on adoption shows Begay moved to adopt, Fisher seconded; the final recorded result was 11 votes in favor, none opposed. The resolution asks county agencies to develop or expand the programs described and to coordinate with state and nonprofit partners where needed.

The resolution does not appropriate funding. Begay and other members said the county will pursue state-level assistance where tax or business incentives are required and that individual council offices are providing constituent support. Councilmembers also discussed convening a resource fair and further outreach to residents who decline to speak publicly.

Public comment and the council debate made clear the measure is intended as immediate, coordinated relief (information, hiring priority, training and food access) rather than a comprehensive funding package; the council indicated it will pursue additional steps with the county executive and the state as appropriate.