Eastern Shore workforce directors push for inclusion in workforce investments; bill SB777/HB1358 cited
February 28, 2026 | Eastern Shore, Delegation Committees, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative, Maryland
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Representatives from the Maryland Workforce Association and local workforce boards told the Eastern Shore delegation on Feb. 27 that the region needs sustained, coordinated investment in apprenticeships, health-care training and CDL and maritime pathways.
Brandon Butler (Maryland Workforce Association) described efforts to connect legislators with local workforce experts. Leslie Porter Cabell (Lower Shore Workforce Alliance) and Elin Lafranchi (Upper Shore WIB) outlined local training programs, a $150,000 impact grant focused on health-care training, and upcoming events including an April 29 summer kickoff for students and an August maritime conference.
The workforce directors also flagged a legislative priority: Senate Bill 777 and House Bill 1358, which would ensure that when Maryland invests in workforce-related projects the local workforce boards are included in funding decisions. “What this bill in a very quick nutshell... is that when Maryland makes investments in workforce development... that workforce boards be included in those funding,” Butler said.
Why it matters: Workforce boards act as the local delivery system for training, apprenticeships and employer connections; directors argued including them formally in funding decisions will help channel state investments to regional priorities.
What happens next: Workforce leaders asked the delegation to support the bills and to promote local events that connect students with industry pathways.
Brandon Butler (Maryland Workforce Association) described efforts to connect legislators with local workforce experts. Leslie Porter Cabell (Lower Shore Workforce Alliance) and Elin Lafranchi (Upper Shore WIB) outlined local training programs, a $150,000 impact grant focused on health-care training, and upcoming events including an April 29 summer kickoff for students and an August maritime conference.
The workforce directors also flagged a legislative priority: Senate Bill 777 and House Bill 1358, which would ensure that when Maryland invests in workforce-related projects the local workforce boards are included in funding decisions. “What this bill in a very quick nutshell... is that when Maryland makes investments in workforce development... that workforce boards be included in those funding,” Butler said.
Why it matters: Workforce boards act as the local delivery system for training, apprenticeships and employer connections; directors argued including them formally in funding decisions will help channel state investments to regional priorities.
What happens next: Workforce leaders asked the delegation to support the bills and to promote local events that connect students with industry pathways.
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