January 10, 2024

Today at noon, the Maryland General Assembly (MGA) gaveled in for our 446^th Legislative Session. It was an absolute honor to be re-elected as President of the Senate of Maryland and I could not be more humbled to work alongside these talented public servants over the next 90 days. As we are every year, we will remain hyper-focused on addressing the challenges our State faces and seizing the opportunities that come with each new year.

 

The issues before us require robust and forward-thinking leadership that balance a need for growth with principles critical for the creation of caring and thriving communities. I am deeply proud of the many accomplishments we achieved in recent sessions, including historic investments in public education through the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, accelerating the implementation of the State’s $15 minimum wage, and safeguarding women’ right to reproductive healthcare.

 

During the 2024 Session, we will focus on five key areas: 

• Reducing crime and improving outcomes for youth;
• Improving access and availability to affordable housing;
• Safeguarding our State’s fiscal health through the budget;
• Strengthening democracy through special elections for MGA vacancies; and
• Adapting to a competitive and safe future with Artificial Intelligence.

I encourage you to visit Annapolis, sit in on a floor session, visit your senator, and contribute your testimony on some of the hundreds of bills our body will consider from now through April. Let’s get to work - together!

Over the last few days, I’ve spoken with members of the Annapolis press corps about what to expect this Session. I'm immensely grateful for their dedication and tenacity, keeping Marylanders informed over these 90 days. A few articles worth reading are below:

• Senate President Bill Ferguson wants to ‘prioritize’ investments during constrained fiscal year in 2024 session - Maryland Matters
• A look ahead to the 2024 General Assembly with Senate President Bill Ferguson - WYPR
• Tight budget, juvenile crime concerns top agenda in Annapolis as lawmakers go back to work - The Baltimore Banner
• Money issues, juvenile justice to animate Md. General Assembly session - The Washington Post

Earlier today, I also held my first weekly press conference of the 2024 Legislative Session. This media availability will typically take place on Fridays at 10:00 am and will feature different members of the Senate each week as we highlight the policies being advanced. You can watch today’s press conference here.

I was heartbroken to learn of former Senator Douglas J.J. Peters' sudden passing earlier this month. Just a few weeks ago, he and I were discussing his new passion project to celebrate the Maryland 400 with a new monument in Annapolis. After his retirement from the Senate in 2020, Doug never stopped working to help others and build a stronger Maryland. He was a dedicated public servant, decorated veteran, and loving father and husband. He represented the best of Marylanders. 

 

It was an honor to serve alongside him for over a decade in the Maryland Senate. The entire Senate family grieves this loss and we adjourned today in Doug’s memory.

In the 2021 Legislative Session, the MGA passed legislation to rebuild our State’s ecosystem through the planting of 5 million trees by 2031. I’m proud of the work that the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is doing to advance that priority with the recent milestone of 500,000 trees planted since the program’s inception.

 

A number of new State laws went into effect on January 1. Some highlights include the State’s minimum wage rising to $15 an hour, an effort to reduce spam calls, and expanded insurance coverage for gender-affirming care.

 

Vacancies have plagued our State government for years, straining a system that must work efficiently and effectively for Marylanders. I’m glad to see the recommendations from the Task Force on the Modernization of the State Personnel Management System that will streamline an outdated hiring process so Maryland capitalizes on the immense talent of our residents.

 

As I say consistently, if people don’t feel safe, nothing else matters. We have critical work to do in enhancing public safety, but it’s worth taking a moment to acknowledge the nearly 21% drop in homicides in 2023. There is nothing more important than ensuring that progress is sustained in 2024.

Baltimore has been named by The New York Times as “one of the 52 best destinations on the planet” to visit in 2024. The article cited the active art scene in Charm City as well as its network of waterways and the famed director John Waters.

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.