Dear Friends,
In case you missed it, I encourage you to watch this week’s Senate hearing with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
I am outraged by the reckless words and actions of Secretary Kennedy and the Trump administration. Public health is on the line, and misinformation from the highest levels of government threatens lives.
During the pandemic, Montgomery County set the standard for what was possible when science guided our response. Among all large jurisdictions in this nation—those with more than a million residents—no county had a higher vaccination rate or a lower death rate. That did not happen by chance. It happened because our residents trusted science, trusted their neighbors who work in federal agencies and life sciences companies, and understood that vaccines save lives.
Let’s remember Operation Warp Speed was actually something that Donald Trump got right in his first term. That program produced COVID vaccines in record time, and it worked. The alternative was so-called “herd immunity,” which would have meant millions more deaths. That is not a matter of opinion. That is what science tells us.
When someone in charge of public health actively undermines vaccines, they are not only ignoring science but also endangering every American. Here in Montgomery County, we know better because we lived through it, and we saw what saved lives.
And let’s be clear: it is not just Democrats who are saying this. Even Republicans, like Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a physician, are alarmed at what is happening. Here is what was reported in Politico.
“But Cassidy said he saw a contradiction, pointing to Kennedy’s past work for anti-vaccine group Children’s Health Defense and his decision to cancel $500 million in federal mRNA vaccine research funding, as well as his past statement that “the Covid vaccine killed more people than Covid.”
Cassidy also raised alarms about Kennedy’s effort to overhaul the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine advisory panel, saying many of Kennedy’s appointees to the panel had served as paid witnesses in cases against vaccine makers.
“That actually seems like a conflict of interest,” Cassidy added. Kennedy pushed back, saying bias was acceptable “if that bias is disclosed.”
Cassidy also raised concerns about new restrictions on access to Covid vaccines that will make it more difficult for healthy, young people to get the shots.
“I would say effectively we’re denying people vaccine,” Cassidy said.
The evidence is overwhelming, and yet this administration continues to elevate denial over fact. Republicans need to convince Donald Trump that Secretary Kennedy must be removed before he causes more damage. Public health is not a partisan issue—it is a matter of life and death.
Honoring Workers Locally While the Federal Government Continues Its Reckless Actions
Every year, on Labor Day, I enjoy shining a spotlight on the important role of workers. Last week, I used this letter to provide a little history and discuss the hard work undertaken to ensure fair treatment for everyone who earns a paycheck.
This past Monday, I walked in the Kensington Labor Day Parade. It was really nice to see so many people on a beautiful day. It gave me another opportunity to express my thanks and appreciation for our County’s workers, while I also have foremost on my mind is the fate of thousands of federal workers, contractors, NGOs, and immigrant workers. All are caught in the turmoil caused by our federal government, having their lives (and the lives of their families) disrupted by the chaotic decisions made by President Trump. For the workers who keep their jobs, Trump is tossing out negotiated labor agreements — basic rights that came from hard-fought struggles to recognize the right of workers to form unions. You can read more about that here.
The clear direction here for the President is backwards, whether it’s racial justice, immigration, scientific integrity, investment in science, women’s rights, workers’ rights, environmental protections, or anything to do with dealing with historic injustices — progress is under attack.
We are seeing the impact of the federal government's cutbacks. I mentioned some of these examples a few weeks ago, but they bear repeating:
- Through July, while employment has grown in Montgomery County this year, the number of residents employed by the federal government has declined. Exact numbers are hard to find, but roughly 5,000 residents are no longer employed by the federal government, whether they worked in DC, Virginia, or in the County itself. However, I know this is not yet the full extent of federal job loses.
- Voluntary buyout offers for employees at dozens of agencies, a "deferred resignation" program, and deep budget cuts to non-defense agencies, could truly be felt starting in October. There are groups that speak up for the U.S. scientific enterprise, and I hope their efforts can soften the impact of these detrimental moves.
The chart above, detailing Federal Reserve Economic Data, tracks the last decade of unemployment rates for Montgomery County. The most recent data may only show part of the picture. Potentially 20,000 jobs, and up to 40,000 jobs might still be lost when you factor in contractors, NGOs, and vendors who support federal operations that may not survive in the next federal budget.
From the County’s economic perspective, this situation reinforces what I have long argued - that we cannot afford to be so dependent on federal jobs. This is why we have focused many of our efforts over the last six years on diversifying our economy by capitalizing on our strengths in life sciences and other tech industries.
In response to federal layoffs, we invested an additional $700,000 to expand WorkSource Montgomery's in-person operations, helping our residents adapt and find new opportunities. With more than $3 million in funding now, WorkSource Montgomery is positioned to serve more clients than ever.
Talk to anyone who is looking for work and they will tell you how isolating it can feel to just be sitting on a computer applying for one job after another day after day. Our WorkSource Montgomery offices in Wheaton provide anyone looking for work with the opportunity to talk to someone.
There are additional resources in our community, like resume writing classes through our great Public Libraries. Montgomery College also has a host of training programs that displaced workers can utilize. Mobilize Montgomery is another important tool for former federal workers. I have been very impressed at the speed at which the Moore-Miller Administration has accomplished - working in partnership with Montgomery College and other higher education institutions - to transition former federal workers into teaching positions through Teach Maryland.
We are also deeply concerned about the impact of potential federal actions on our immigrant workforce, particularly regarding construction, service, and restaurant workers. This could cause major disruptions to our economy once the Trump administration has the billions of dollars that will be devoted to building what I call his “ICE Army.” This will be an economic disaster that impacts not just the County but our entire nation.
There are millions of immigrants in our country without legal status (even after having been here for decades) who are likely to get caught in this roundup simply because the Trump administration wants to deport 11 million people. There aren’t 11 million undocumented violent criminals. Federal efforts are now expanding and will take people from businesses that rely on this labor.
Contrary to common conservative-driven tropes, our immigrant workers are NOT freeloaders. Immigrants pay taxes, even if they are not allowed to utilize the services those taxes fund. If they work for most employers, they pay payroll taxes, including social security and Medicare. And if they buy a home, they pay property taxes. If they rent, the property tax is built into the rent payment. Without these workers, tax revenues from these individuals may be reduced.
On Wednesday, Maryland’s Department of Labor Deputy Secretary Jason Perkins-Cohen joined my weekly media briefing. He said that as of 2023, more than 74,000 federal civilian workers lived in Montgomery County, and 48,500 federal civilian jobs were based in Montgomery County. The National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration accounted for most of those jobs. The most recent data through August 23 shows that Montgomery County led the State in unemployment applicants and beneficiaries.
Because both Montgomery County and Maryland are resilient, we also have some better news from the Department of Labor. From the start of the Moore-Miller Administration in January of 2023 until July of this year, Maryland has added more than 101,000 non-farm jobs. That’s a rate of growth of 3.7% and ranks 9th in the nation. Montgomery County accounts for roughly 23% of the State’s Gross Domestic Product, thanks in part to groundbreaking innovations tied to our life sciences industry. The formation of the University of Maryland Institute for Health Computing will draw more entrepreneurs and companies to our area for decades to come and help us continue to grow our economy.
I encourage you to visit labor.maryland.gov/federalworkers if you need help finding a job, getting unemployment benefits, or finding reemployment support. I’m glad we have a State administration focused on continued economic growth in Maryland.
Community FY27 Operating Budget Forums Begin Next Week
We are in the early stages of formulating the FY 27 Operating Budget, and input from the public is important. That's why I, along with our regional services offices and community partners, will be hosting 12 Community Conversations through November. These conversations are an opportunity for the public to tell us how they think their tax dollars should be spent.
I urge residents to participate in these discussions because the feedback we receive helps shape our future. We gain valuable insights from these conversations that help guide our decisions and priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. The budget ultimately reflects our community's goals and values. We think it is important that people see in our budget the things we are trying to accomplish, how we’re trying to address problems in the community and take advantage of opportunities to move the County forward. There are still many question marks, particularly without knowing how more federal cuts will hurt the workforce and families that call Montgomery County home.
Our first meeting is Monday, Sept. 8, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. It will be held in the East-West Room at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Office. We understand that not everyone can attend in person. That's why this, like most of our forums, will be a hybrid event, giving residents the option to participate virtually.
Each of the County's five regions will host a meeting, and outreach to different audiences will be conducted. Two non-English-language forums will be held, one in Spanish and a multi-lingual forum conducted in English with interpretation services provided in Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.
Every year, we seek new ways to better connect with our community. We’ve initiated conversations aimed at educators and groups like the African diaspora and seniors. I look forward to hearing from the first community conversation participants beginning next week and over the next few months. Learn more about these meetings right now on our home page at montgomerycountymd.gov.
Habitat for Humanity Offers Affordable Homeownership Opportunities
For many people, the American Dream still includes a home they own and a recent project we introduced to the media last week will help make that a reality for some Montgomery County families.
Homeownership provides families with stability and a chance to build equity. I have pushed to make homeownership a priority when the County invests in affordable housing because it is the key to building wealth. Our investment will help more County families remain in our community and contribute to our tax base.
Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland purchased the 20 townhomes, originally constructed in the 1970s, from the Housing Opportunities Commission in 2024. Our Department of Housing and Community Affairs supported the acquisition of the properties through loans made using approximately $2 million in federal Community Development Block Grant funds, which will be paid back to the County upon the sale of the homes to the new homeowners. That money will be recycled, so to speak, and used to facilitate other affordable housing projects.
Every family deserves to live in a community where they can breathe clean air and where their children can play safely outdoors. This project prioritizes environmental protection, economic opportunity, public health, and building the kind of community where families want to put down roots and thrive.
MoCo Pride Center Opens
I want to recognize an important opening for our community. Last weekend, I attended the ribbon-cutting for the MoCo Pride Center, which is now open seven days a week at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center. It took a lot of work over the years to create a place to support our LGBTQ+ community. This center will feature workshops, wellness activities, and a library. It will be a refuge and beacon of hope for anyone struggling or searching for a supportive community. Learn more about the help it can offer by visiting mocopridefamily.org.
The LGBTQ+ community needs a place like this now more than ever. Trump and the federal government are trying to make discrimination and racism great again and here in Montgomery County, we say no. Opening this center now is a clear sign that Montgomery County will continue to be an ally and proud supporter of all of our diverse communities.
Silver Spring Jazz Festival
The Silver Spring Jazz Fest will be held at Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring from 3 to 10 p.m. tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 6.
I am excited to introduce the legendary Preservation Hall Jazz Band, who are headlining the festival this year. It’s a band I’ve traveled to New Orleans to see, and now they’re playing here in Silver Spring. The Grammy winners are nationally recognized for preserving and promoting traditional New Orleans jazz. They are one of several artists sharing two stages for the event, covering a wide array of jazz genres. Every time I attend Jazz Fest, I’m introduced to new music and artists.
While the music is the focus, the festival brings thousands of visitors to Downtown Silver Spring. Veterans Plaza is surrounded by wonderful restaurants, several with an international flavor. If you need suggestions, check out silverspringdowntown.com.
I was in Downtown Silver Spring last weekend for the Ethiopian Day Festival. We are lucky to have so many community organizations and supporters who can take the lead on large events like this and allow many people throughout our community to enjoy the arts and connect with each other.
As many people are aware, Purple Line construction has been hard for many of the local businesses. Events like the Ethiopian Day Festival and Jazz Fest help draw people to the area and hopefully, help these businesses sustain themselves during challenging times.
Checking In at the Start of the School Year
Earlier this week I visited several MCPS schools with fellow County leaders and I spoke with many teachers and students about the start of the new school year. Photos from those visits to John F. Kennedy and Albert Einstein High Schools can be found on the County’s Flickr page.
Land Use and Housing Conversations Resume with the University Boulevard Corridor Plan
As part of the ongoing discussions and proposals regarding land use and housing, the Council’s first public hearing on the University Boulevard Corridor Plan will be next Wednesday, Sept. 10 at Blair High School. In advance of the Council’s consideration of the Plan, I have sent a memo to the Council where I outline some of my major concerns about the planning process in general and the University Boulevard Corridor Plan in particular. You can read my memo here: Transmittal of Comments on the University Boulevard Corridor Plan.
As always, my appreciation for all of you,
Marc Elrich
County Executive
County Executive