Standing Up for the People Hurt by the Federal Shutdown: Democratic Women’s Caucus Visits Upcounty Regional Services Center in Germantown

For Immediate Release: Friday, October 3, 2025

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, County Council President Kate Stewart and other Councilmembers welcomed Rep. April McClain Delaney (MD-06), leaders from the Democratic Women's Caucus (DWC), and House Democrats to the Sidney Kramer Upcounty Regional Services Center in Germantown this week to witness how essential health and human services, such as income support, workforce development, childcare, nutrition assistance, and public health services, are delivered to our community members.

Among the special guests were DWC Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (New Mexico), DWC Whip Emily Randall (Washington), DWC member Nanette Barragán (California), Rep. Mark Takano (California), and Rep. Steven Horsford (Nevada.)

The Upcounty Regional Services Center is unique in its role as a one-stop shop for health and human services for the community, primarily serving low-income residents, many of whom are insured through Medicaid. Currently, the Trump administration and Republicans support cuts to Medicaid that will hurt the center's ability to provide services.

"This visit puts a human face on the fight for residents like this these who need vital services," said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. "These visits matter because they show what is at stake for the families we serve. Support from the federal level has helped reduce the percentage of medically uninsured residents in Maryland to just 6%. Even still, tens of thousands of people in every county across our nation stand to be hurt by rising healthcare costs or a loss of coverage."

"This shutdown affects every aspect of our lives and all Marylanders," said Council President Stewart. "As we have been for the last 10 months, we are unified in service to support residents and families impacted by the actions of the Trump administration to ensure their needs because that is what we do in Maryland."

A press conference followed the visit, during which the members of Congress shared their reflections on it.

"The needs of our communities aren't partisan-they're human. This shutdown has incited real uncertainty, and it's our job as lawmakers to stand up and stand together for our constituents," said Rep. McClain Delaney. "The Upcounty Regional Services Center embodies the stewardship and unwavering perseverance that is alive and well in Maryland's 6th, and I was honored to share their work with my fellow Representatives. On Wednesday, we went into this shutdown unified, and we will continue to defend accessible health care and other vital community resources-together. I'm proud to join House Democrats, the Democratic Women's Caucus, and our county officials in this effort, and I will continue to show up, serve our people, and work to re-open our government."

Approximately 2,000 people visit the Center daily. The Center also averages 150 meetings per month in its four meeting rooms, which are available for public use.

"We heard today that 75% of the people that come here [the UpCounty Regional Services Center] for services are women," said DWC Chair Leger Fernández. "All of these cuts that Republicans are proposing, and all of the cuts that they have already done, have taken advantage of women. So that's why we have come here today, because we know that when people open those envelopes and open those emails, they will know that their health insurance premiums have gone through the roof because Republicans refused to work with Democrats to address the health care crisis."

The Upcounty Regional Services is one of five Montgomery County regionally based offices serving residents.

"We came to Congress to work for our neighbors, like the neighbors who are served in this incredible facility," said Randall, the DWC whip. "I'm going to keep fighting alongside my colleagues for everyday Americans to ensure that we have the support that we deserve -- that we should be able to rely on our federal government to deliver. And I represent 27,000 federal employees, so just like this district I know what's at risk. But I know that the risk to our health care coverage is even greater."

Councilmember Marilyn Balcombe represents district 2, where the center is located.

"It was so powerful to have members of Congress visit the Upcounty Regional Services Center to see, firsthand, how Montgomery County provides necessary health services to our communities in need," said Councilmember Balcombe. "It was also great to see the Upcounty hub as a shining example of how we treat everyone with dignity and respect."

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Media Contact: Scott L. Peterson, 240-255-8462