The state needs to be “smarter” about how it funds workforce development programs after a $4.7 million cut in federal funds this year with more cuts expected next year, Maryland Labor Secretary Portia Wu told lawmakers Tuesday. “We’re very dependent on the federal funds,” Wu told a virtual meeting of the legislature’s Joint Audit and Evaluation Committee. “So we are in a situation where state investments in workforce are going to be critical in the coming years.” Secretary Wu also said her department has been looking at ways of “investing more, but also investing smarter” in workforce development.
Growing the tax base: Investing in workforce development not only equips Maryland’s labor force with the skills needed for high-demand industries, but also expands the tax base by creating more high-quality jobs. By reducing reliance on federal funds and focusing on state-driven solutions, Maryland can ensure sustainable growth and a stronger economy for the long term.
