Federal Workers Shift to State Governments After Washington Rejection

State Governments Compete for Federal Workers Amid Trump Administration Job Cuts

In the aftermath of significant job cuts initiated by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), several state governments are proactively reaching out to federal employees facing layoffs, presenting themselves as attractive alternatives. While the federal government sees these cuts as a necessary means of efficiency, state officials view them as an opportunity—not only to provide support to displaced federal workers but also to counterbalance the current administration’s policies.

Since the Trump administration began its efforts to reduce the federal workforce dramatically, state and local governments have ramped up initiatives to recruit impacted employees. States such as Hawaii, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, and Maryland are making concerted efforts to attract these workers to fill their own vacancies, with some states even expanding resources to facilitate transitions into new careers.

Hawaii has implemented a fast-tracked job application process tailored specifically for former federal employees. Simultaneously, Virginia has introduced a dedicated website advertising job openings in the state. Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania has signed an executive order aimed at attracting federal workers to fill over 5,600 "critical vacancies" in the state government. Both New Mexico and Maryland have announced plans to enhance support systems for those transitioning out of federal roles, while New York’s Governor Kathy Hochul is extending a warm invitation to federal workers, emphasizing the value they bring to public service.

Thus far, there has been notable interest in these recruitment efforts. The New York governor’s office has reported that approximately 150 individuals have registered for informational sessions looking to learn more about potential employment opportunities.

However, experts caution that the long-term impact of these recruitment drives remains uncertain. According to William H. Frey, a demographer at the Brookings Institution, it is still too early to determine the total number of federal employees applying for state-level positions and how shifting demographics might unfold as a result of these initiatives.

Under the Trump administration, there were around 2.3 million civilians employed by the executive branch of the federal government. The DOGE’s cost-cutting measures have led to widespread job losses across multiple federal agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Institutes of Health. Some employees affected by the layoffs have managed to secure re-employment, and litigation has halted certain job cuts temporarily. Nevertheless, many federal employees, particularly those with specialized skills, find themselves in a precarious situation, preemptively seeking new opportunities.

The competitive landscape between states looking to attract federal employees has taken on clear political dimensions, with many efforts spearheaded by Democrats. "If the Trump administration turned you away, Minnesota wants you," noted Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota, reflecting the state’s welcoming stance toward federal workers. His administration announced measures on March 6, immediately following reports of substantial planned layoffs in the Veterans Affairs sector.

Similarly, Governor Hochul has launched targeted advertising campaigns to attract federal employees. She emphasized the dignity and respect that New York aims to extend to these workers, contrasting with the prevailing trends in federal management. In Hawaii, Governor Josh Green reported receiving over 1,200 applications for various positions, citing a pressing need for skilled workers.

Maryland, which boasts the second-highest concentration of federal employees outside Washington, D.C., is implementing a comprehensive array of initiatives for former federal workers. In a recent statement, Senator Chris Van Hollen labeled the federal job cuts an "illegal purge," further underscoring the political ramifications of the current administration’s moves.

"This is not about efficiency. This is about rigging the government for the already rich and powerful, like Elon Musk," he stated. Experts, however, suggest that while states leverage these developments to oppose Trump’s policies, it is improbable that most workers will base their job moves solely on political factors. Dr. Frey remarked, "People move because of jobs. They don’t move for politics," indicating that employment opportunities will be the primary motivator for these workers.

As states across the nation unveil initiatives aimed at supporting former federal employees, many public servants express a desire to remain in their roles rather than seek employment elsewhere. Colin Murphy, a former product manager at 18F, expressed hope that his experience in the federal government could translate into valuable contributions at the state level, regardless of where he ends up residing.

In contrast to other states, Virginia’s Governor Glenn Youngkin has launched a recruitment initiative titled “Virginia Has Jobs” while openly supporting DOGE reforms. He highlighted the need for structural changes in the federal government, framing it as inefficient, yet showing that he values federal employees and wants to assist them in transitioning to new opportunities in the commonwealth.

In conclusion, as federal layoffs ripple through the workforce, state governments are seizing the moment to attract talent and bolster their employment ranks. With various initiatives underway, the outcomes for federal workers caught in this transition remain to be determined, but the state-level efforts reflect a broader competition for skilled labor in an uncertain job market.