ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore this week convened leaders from major veterans organizations at the State House on Thursday, October 16, 2025, to strategize on leveraging cross-sector partnerships to enhance post-service career opportunities for Maryland’s veterans. The meeting, which included representatives from Hiring Our Heroes and Student Veterans of America (SVA), took on added urgency as essential federal resources for veteran transition, such as the GI Bill Hotline, remain unavailable due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Governor Moore emphasized the critical nature of the discussion, stating, “You can’t understand the significance of this conversation without understanding the gravity of this moment, and how this government shutdown impacts our veterans… Today we aren’t here to talk about parties or politics. We’re here to talk about results.”
Shutdown Disproportionately Affects Veterans
The federal shutdown has created significant instability for Maryland’s more than 300,000 veterans and their families. Veterans comprise one in every four federal workers, making them disproportionately affected by the current crisis. Compounding the issue are announced mass federal layoffs, uncertainty over backpay for federal workers, and disruptions to government contracts, many of which are held by Veteran-Owned Businesses.
The unavailability of critical federal support was a key focus of the discussion. Services like veteran career counseling, transition assistance programming from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and regional benefits offices are all closed. The shutdown, now in its third week, has effectively shuttered the GI Bill Hotline, which veterans rely on for financial assistance for education and training.
Maryland Steps Up with Workforce Initiatives
Despite the federal setbacks, the Moore-Miller Administration affirmed its commitment to taking “innovative steps” to ensure post-service opportunities remain accessible. The Maryland Department of Labor has ramped up efforts this year, hosting 13 job fairs that connected over 2,700 veterans with approximately 360 employers. Furthermore, workforce professionals have provided more than 2,500 veterans, qualified spouses, and caregivers with one-on-one career support, including resume-building and mock interviews. In total, the department has engaged over 9,000 employers seeking to hire veterans.
Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families Acting Secretary Ed Rothstein underscored the state’s proactive stance. “During times of uncertainty, such as the federal government shutdown, Maryland’s veterans and military families often feel the impact first,” he said. Rothstein highlighted the importance of programs like Maryland Joins Forces and partnerships with groups like SVA and Hiring Our Heroes in connecting veterans to higher education and meaningful careers.
Partnerships Forge New Pathways
The roundtable discussion underscored the power of collaboration in addressing veteran needs.
Student Veterans of America (SVA), which boasts chapter representation on more than 30 college campuses in Maryland, focuses on connecting veterans with supportive communities, higher education, and skill-building opportunities. SVA President and CEO Jared Lyon noted that student veterans are among the most capable talent and expressed gratitude for the support dedicated to helping them integrate into the workforce, including through Grow with Google initiatives to embed AI training into learning paths.
Hiring Our Heroes, an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, works to connect the military community with a vast network of businesses. Hiring Our Heroes President Eric Eversole stressed the importance of supporting military spouses, stating, “a military spouse’s ability to find a career is critical to a student veteran’s success.”
Maryland Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Mary D. Kane emphasized that the voices heard during the roundtable will “help shape stronger, more inclusive pathways for veterans across Maryland’s workforce and education systems.”
The state’s legislative leaders also voiced their support. Senator William C. Smith, Jr., stated, “Our service members have given so much to our state and our nation, and it’s our obligation to ensure that when they return home, they have every opportunity to build meaningful careers and to thrive.” Delegate Michael J. Rogers, House Chair of the General Assembly’s Veterans Caucus, affirmed his partnership with the administration in supporting impactful opportunities for the state’s veterans.
Key Takeaways from the Roundtable:
- Federal Crisis: The government shutdown has suspended critical veteran support resources, including the GI Bill Hotline and VA career services.
- State Action: Maryland’s Department of Labor has held 13 job fairs and provided over 2,500 veterans with one-on-one career assistance this year.
- Partnerships: Collaboration with groups like Hiring Our Heroes and Student Veterans of America is crucial to connecting veterans to jobs and higher education.
Photo via the Maryland Governor’s Office
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