March 3, 2025

On Friday afternoon, I testified in support of our Leadership Energy Package during a joint hearing that focused on tackling rising utility costs, strengthening grid reliability, and creating a more predictable regulatory environment. As Maryland faces steep increases in electricity bills and the potential for energy shortages as soon as July 2026, this package offers practical solutions to protect ratepayers and secure our energy future.

The hearing covered three pivotal bills:

• Senate Bill 937 (Next Generation Energy Act): This bill directs the Public Service Commission to solicit bids for new dispatchable energy generation projects in the State and allows for an expedited permitting and siting process for approved projects. New Maryland made power means lower prices on our energy bills, fewer new transmission lines, and a more secure future where we control energy policy.

• Senate Bill 931 (Renewable Energy Certainty Act): This legislation strengthens private property rights for Marylanders who want to deploy solar generation or battery storage on their land but who may be prohibited unnecessarily by their local government. It sets basic siting standards that all projects must comply with, providing certainty for surrounding residents. By cutting red tape, we can accelerate the deployment of renewable energy and help stabilize utility costs.

• Senate Bill 909 (Energy Resource Adequacy and Planning Act): Establishing an Integrated Resource Planning Office within the Public Service Commission, this bill aims to improve long-term energy forecasting and modeling while reducing Maryland’s reliance on the grid operator. By enhancing in-state expertise, we can make more informed decisions that balance affordability, reliability, and environmental goals.

A recent poll conducted by the University of Maryland Baltimore County underscores the need for this balanced approach, showing overwhelming support from Marylanders for expanding solar, natural gas, and wind energy production. More than half of respondents also support adding new nuclear generation, highlighting broad public alignment with our legislative goals.

My testimony emphasized our commitment to taking bold, practical steps to lower utility bills and secure Maryland’s cleaner energy future. This package is not just about mitigating immediate cost impacts—it is about building a resilient, sustainable energy grid that meets the needs of every Marylander.

Maryland is bracing for the fallout from continued chaos at the federal level. The Trump Administration’s erratic policies—including a federal hiring freeze, mass layoffs at federal agencies, and the sudden closure of Social Security Administration offices near Baltimore—are causing deep uncertainty for Maryland's workforce and economy. Nearly 200 federal employees have already lost their jobs, and University of Maryland students who secured federal internships this summer found their opportunities abruptly canceled. With our State home to approximately 160,000 federal employees, these impacts are felt especially acutely. 

The situation worsened when Congressional Republicans in the House of Representatives passed a budget outline prioritizing tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans while proposing hundreds of billions in cuts to Medicaid. With few viable alternatives, these cuts could threaten critical healthcare services for Maryland’s most vulnerable residents and lead to the shuttering of hospitals in rural areas which are heavily dependent on these federal funds.

The impact on Maryland and our State budget remains highly uncertain and will evolve in the coming months. March 14 provides the first statutory deadline whereby Congress must pass a funding extension to prevent a federal shutdown. If the government shuts down, that could significantly impact the State budget outlook before the General Assembly adjourns in April.

The Trump Administration’s chaotic policies are forcing Maryland to make tough financial decisions. As federal instability continues to ripple through our State, we are preparing for up to $500 million in additional budget cuts. These cuts are not a choice but a necessity, driven by the fallout from federal dysfunction. The reckless budget outline passed by House Republicans, described above, only compounds this financial strain.

I am working closely with the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee and House of Delegates’ leadership to navigate these unprecedented challenges. Our priority is clear: maintain a structurally balanced budget while protecting essential investments in healthcare, public education, and improving public safety.

We are adjusting our budget schedule to respond swiftly to whatever decisions emerge from Washington, with the Board of Revenue Estimates set to release updated fiscal projections this Thursday, March 6. Maryland will remain a model of thoughtful and responsible leadership, putting our communities' needs first.

On the final day of Black History Month, I stood alongside Maryland’s Senate Black legislative leaders at our weekly Leadership Press Conference. The Maryland Senate stands as the most representative in the Nation, with 35% of its members being Black—mirroring the State's population. Senate President Pro Tempore Malcolm Augustine, Senator Joanne C. Benson, Senator Antonio Hayes, and other members of the Maryland Senate Black Caucus led the conversation, demonstrating their resolute commitment to equity, justice, and opportunity for all Marylanders.

My colleagues highlighted critical legislative priorities, including supporting Maryland's historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and advancing maternal health initiatives. They also addressed the urgent need to defend diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives from federal threats. 

Senator Benson spoke passionately about the progress Maryland has made and the challenges that remain, while Senator Charles Sydnor emphasized our role as a "guardrail" protecting the rights of Marylanders. Working with these remarkable leaders reinforces my deep respect for their unwavering representation of their constituents in a legislative body that has not always lived up to its commitment for all our State’s residents. 

You can view the full press conference here.

Maryland’s child care workforce has declined by over 26% since 2019, creating challenges for families and businesses statewide. I recognize the strain this places on working parents and providers alike. The Maryland General Assembly is considering several bills to help stabilize the industry and ensure families have access to reliable child care.

Senate Bill 611 would allow certain child care providers to access State employee health benefits, while Senate Bill 868 would establish a pool of vetted substitutes to keep centers open when staff take leave. House Bill 911 and House Bill 785 aim to prevent landlords and zoning laws from restricting home-based child care businesses. Another measure, House Bill 1303, would create a hiring pathway allowing individuals to work in child care while completing certification requirements. 

These efforts reflect the ongoing work of Maryland legislators to strengthen child care access and support Maryland’s workforce.

The Port of Baltimore showed incredible resilience in 2024, even in the face of the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26. The disaster blocked the Patapsco River’s main shipping channel, forcing a temporary halt to port operations. Thanks to the swift response from the numerous local, State, and federal agencies, a temporary channel opened within weeks, and the port managed to handle 90% of its pre-collapse ship volume by the end of the year. While the port slipped slightly in national rankings, it still delivered its second-highest cargo tonnage ever—46 million tons valued at $62 billion.

The Maryland Port Administration (MPA) is focusing on bringing back cargo diverted to other East Coast ports. Baltimore maintained its number one ranking for wheeled farm and construction machinery, imported forest products, and gypsum. As we look ahead, I share the MPA’s confidence that Baltimore will reclaim its top spot for car imports and continue to serve as a vital engine for our State’s economy.

Maryland’s high school graduation rate climbed to 87.6% in 2024, the highest since 2017. Targeted programs and student support efforts through the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future are making a real impact, especially for multilingual learners and Latino students. This progress underscores the importance of continued investment in education to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed. We must keep building on this momentum to close achievement gaps and prepare the next generation for college and career success.

The Senate is closely examining how Maryland manages major IT projects, addressing concerns about wasted funds and inadequate management. The current system led to cost overruns and failed projects, deepening our State's $3 billion budget gap. We're advancing stronger oversight and accountability measures to make certain taxpayer dollars are used wisely and effectively.

The General Assembly is considering legislation to require Maryland governors to place their financial holdings in a blind trust or divest from potential conflicts of interest. Nothing is more important than ensuring strong safeguards to maintain public trust. Strengthening accountability reinforces that decisions are made in the best interest of Marylanders, not personal financial gain.

Concerns over U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities in Maryland are growing as the Trump Administration ramps up immigration enforcement, including controversial policies allowing removal actions at houses of worship. A Maryland judge recently blocked ICE from conducting raids in specific religious institutions, citing potential violations of religious freedom.

The State reached a $55 million cost-sharing agreement with the Ravens to support upgrades at M&T Bank Stadium. These upgrades, including expanded concourses and new amenities, will enhance the fan experience while keeping our commitment to fiscal responsibility.

The Wren, a new pub in Fells Point, opened its doors at 1712 Aliceanna Street in the 46th Legislative District. Chef Will Mester and his wife, Millie Powell, preserved the historic charm of the former Birds of a Feather bar, keeping the original 19th-century wooden bar and an impressive scotch selection. The Wren aims to be a community gathering spot, embracing Baltimore’s rich heritage and Irish traditions.

If there is anything we can do to help, please do not hesitate to contact my office via email, bill.ferguson@senate.state.md.us, or by phone, 410-841-3600.

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