Celebrating one of our own! The new Baltimore County executive John Olszewski Jr. has named BCFPE President and AFT-Maryland Vice President John Ripley to his transition team. Ripley has been assigned to the public safety workgroup. This selection demonstrates Ripley's leadership in Baltimore County and is evidence that those in the county know and respect the Baltimore County Federation of Public Employees.  Read more on baltimorecountymd.gov.

The Maryland Department of Health is Unhealthy! This is the message that AFT Healthcare-Maryland members wanted the public to know when they held an organizing rally and a press conference during a day of action. Members were frustrated with the poor indoor air quality, the persistent infestation of rodents and roaches, as well as the non-potable water. This all comes after a giant snake was found stuck inside a mouse trap in the 201 W. Preston St. complex.

Members came to the podium and addressed news cameras, telling their stories about what the working conditions were like in the Maryland

Early Voting in Maryland runs from Thursday, Oct. 25 through Thursday, Nov. 1. Early Voting centers are open for the General Election from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. For more details, visit elections.maryland.gov. Forgot to register to vote? You can register and vote during early voting. Visit elections.maryland.gov for more information.

If you live in Baltimore County or Baltimore City, click here to download a flyer with Early Voting locations in your area.

(Baltimore City residents, please note that the early voting location at Carter G Woodson school has changed this year. An additional early

A federal judge ruled Wednesday that Maryland can't force state retirees to switch to a federal prescription drug plan during this enrollment period. On Thursday, the State announced that they would extend coverage through December 2019.

“This means impacted retirees DO NOT have to enroll in a Medicare Part D plan for 2019 and may continue the coverage they have now into 2019 and at the same premium they are paying now,” the administration said in a post to the website of the Department of Budget and Management. “Details will follow in a notice mailed to retirees' homes.”

Read more at The

“Have a COLA on MPEC!” That and other clever puns were shared throughout the day as the Maryland Professional Employees Council celebrated a win for state workers. As the union prepares to head into economic negotiations with the state, they held a rally for the upcoming negotiations at the state highway administration office in Baltimore. President Jerry Smith was there in addition to other staff of the union.

Members (and even some potential members) stopped by the table inquiring what the free gifts and snacks were about. There, MPEC reminded members of the 2% increase and $500 bonus state