On Tuesday, The Baltimore Banner hosted its annual Inside the Legislative Session event at the Graduate Annapolis, bringing together Maryland’s top policymakers, business leaders, and community advocates to discuss the policy choices shaping our state. Among the featured conversations was “Social Safety Net in the Trump Era,” a timely panel that included Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of Fello, alongside leaders from across the public and nonprofit sectors.
The panel explored how potential shifts in federal policy could impact the programs and systems that millions of Americans rely on—from health care and housing to food access, education, and disability services. For Maryland, where thousands of people depend on these supports to live, work, and thrive in their communities, the stakes could not be higher.
As Jonathon emphasized during the panel, “When we talk about potential shifts in federal policy, we are really talking about people’s lives. Programs tied to health care, housing, food access, education, and disability services are not abstract line items. They are the systems that allow millions of Americans to live with stability, dignity, and opportunity. Decisions made at the federal level ripple quickly to the local level, and it is essential that those choices protect the supports communities rely on every day.”
Why the Social Safety Net Matters
The social safety net is more than a collection of programs—it is the foundation that allows people to stay housed, remain healthy, and participate fully in community life. During the discussion, Jonathon offered a powerful way to think about how these systems function together: “I often use the metaphor of playing Jenga when talking about these programs. They depend on one another to maintain a complete, stable structure of support for the people we serve. Removing or weakening any one of them can have a disruptive impact at both the personal and the policy level.” For people with disabilities, these systems often determine whether someone can live independently, access employment, or receive the supports they need to succeed.
As national conversations turn toward budget cuts and restructuring of federal programs, the panel focused on what those changes could mean on the ground. Jonathon spoke to the importance of protecting and strengthening these systems, emphasizing that a strong safety net is not just about crisis response, but about long-term stability, dignity, and opportunity.
At Fello, this perspective is central to the work. From housing and behavioral health to employment and community-based supports, Fello’s services are designed to meet people where they are and help them build the lives they choose—work that depends on smart, compassionate public policy.
About the Panel
Inside the Legislative Session offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from leaders navigating the intersection of policy, funding, and community impact. The “Social Safety Net in the Trump Era” panel brought together voices from government, advocacy, and service delivery to unpack how proposed federal shifts could affect Marylanders.
Panelists discussed the importance of state-level leadership, the role of nonprofits in filling gaps, and the need for collaboration across sectors to ensure no one is left behind. The broader event also included conversations with state officials about Maryland’s budget and legislative priorities for the year ahead.
Fello’s Role in Strengthening Communities
At Fello, advocacy and direct service go hand in hand. Whether through building inclusive housing, expanding access to behavioral health care, or supporting people in finding meaningful work, Fello operates at the point where policy becomes lived experience.
Jonathon’s participation in this panel reflects Fello’s ongoing role as a voice for people with disabilities and the communities that support them. By contributing to these high-level policy conversations, Fello helps ensure that the realities of everyday life—housing stability, access to care, and community connection—remain at the center of decision-making.
As Maryland navigates an uncertain federal landscape, conversations like those at Inside the Legislative Session are critical. They create space to confront challenges, share expertise, and push for policies that uphold dignity, opportunity, and inclusion for everyone.