February 28, 2025

I’m not mincing words: the “Trump/Musk” Administration is literally dismantling our government. They are carrying out a relentless assault on our democracy and its institutions– like children having temper tantrums in a room filled with antiques.

Today, I want to focus on our wonderful federal employees. Trump, Musk, and their cronies have already callously and carelessly terminated over 100,000 federal workers. Career public servants– experts in national security, environmental protection, public health, and even 9-1-1– are being targeted, disrespected, and discarded. They are the backbone of our government, working with commitment and integrity– and 20% of them live in our area.

Five percent of our population are veterans, but they are disproportionately represented as they make up over 30% of our federal workforce. These women and men wore the uniform; sacrificed for our country; and then chose to continue to serve. Trump’s attacks on federal employees aren’t just cruel. They are un-American.

Cavalierly firing government workers is not about policy or efficiency. It’s about power, fear, and retribution. If you are one of our dedicated federal employees, thank you.

I see you, I stand with you, I support you!

Financial Assistance:

• Unemployment Compensation For Federal Employees
• Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund

Career Guidance:

• Federal Career Transition Programs
• If you are looking for a new career path, becoming an educator is a GREAT option– our State has a shortage of 15,000 teachers! The Maryland Department of Education offers fast-track opportunities for professionals with expertise in various fields to become certified through Maryland’s Alternative Teacher Certification Pathways and Teach for Maryland.
• Job Opportunities | Montgomery County Government Careers

Resource Listings:

Your elected officials in every level of government are working to help terminated federal workers. Here are some especially useful links:

• Gov. Wes Moore’s Resource Page
• MD Dept. of Labor Resource Page
• Sen. Chris Van Hollen’s Resource Page
• Sen. Angela Alsobrooks’ Resource Page
• Rep. Jamie Raskin’s Resource Page
• Rep. April McClain Delaney’s Resource Page
• Montgomery County Resource Page

1. Keep a record of everything on your personal computer, including hard copies of performance reviews and other key documents.

2. Consult your supervisor when you receive an order or request from outside your agency, such as a directive from OPM.

3. If you are targeted, you may have the right to file a complaint with the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) or the Merit Systems Protection Board. If you are part of a bargaining unit, you should consult with your union first.

4. If necessary, consider pursuing legal advice from an attorney specializing in federal employee law or from your union.

5. If you have been fired for any reason, you should apply for Unemployment Insurance. Each claim will be evaluated individually. (This will not compromise your right to pursue legal action for wrongful termination.)

* This information has been pulled from various sources and should not be interpreted as legal advice. If that is what you need, speak with an attorney; if you are in a bargaining unit, refer to your union.

Don’t forget about my Senatorial Scholarships; the deadline is coming soon…

All the best,

Cheryl

Cheryl C. Kagan

State Senator, District 17

(Gaithersburg & Rockville)

Vice Chair, Education, Energy, & the Environment Committee

www.CherylKagan.org

NOTE: My Annapolis phone number is now 410/841-3134.

Please Note: If you are experiencing a mental health crisis,

9-8-8 is available by phone or text 24/7/365.