Dear Friends,

It is hard to believe the 2nd week of session is coming to a close! I hope you are all staying warm amidst this incredibly unpredictable and frigid weather. While it is only week 2, we had a busy week here in the Finance Committee. We had four briefings, a bill hearing, and a myriad of meetings regarding legislation that will be coming through the committee.  

You can follow the General Assembly schedule, including the Finance Committee,  watching our briefings and committee hearings on the General Assembly website.

On Wednesday, January 21st, 2026, Governor Moore announced the Moore-Miller Administration's Fiscal Year 2027 Proposed Budget. The main takeaways are as follows:

• Protecting the People of Maryland
  • $124 million allocated for local police enforcement ($2 million increase from FY26).
  • Focusing on building on the reductions in crime across the entire state, with a prioritization of public safety. The budget allots for expansions in DJS and community-based programs that serve justice-involved youth. 
• Lowering the Cost for Marylanders
  • The proposed budget includes lowering the cost of energy (over $300 million invested in clean and renewable energy), fighting child poverty (sustaining funding for the Child Care Scholarship Program), creating more affordable housing, and revitalizing local communities, including Anne Arundel County. 
• Increasing Maryland's Economic Competitiveness
  • Focusing resources into quantum investments, diversifying our local and state economies, and a $10.2 billion investment into K-12 education. 

Here are some examples of how the budget will impact District 32 specifically:

• Hilltop Elementary has been budgeted for a new roof and HVAC system

• Old Mill High School is slated to be replaced with a new facility

• Linthicum Elementary will undergo a roof and chiller replacement

For more information, see the full press release here. 

This morning, I joined Senate Leadership in a Press Conference to update Marylanders on the state of the Senate. We heard from Senate President Ferguson, President Pro-Tem Augustine, Chair Feldman, Vice Chair Waldstricher, Majority Leader King, and Subcommittee Chair Zucker.

I spoke about the many issues that the Finance Committee will be addressing this session, including healthcare affordability, crypto, heat stress regulations, e-cigarette licensing, and more. 

The Maryland Bankers' Association had its annual advocacy day here in Annapolis. I was happy to be joined by bankers from all across Maryland, as well as the CEO of The Bankers Association, Tisha Edwards. Tisha has been doing great work in her first year as CEO of MBA. I appreciated the bankers' thoughtful questions and was happy to provide some insight into how the work we do here in the Finance Committee impacts bankers all across the state. 

Regarding the upcoming winter storm, here are some tips from the office of the Governor to stay prepared:

• Stay informed by regularly checking weather updates from official sources, and be sure to have a way to access local forecasts and warnings.

• Have an emergency kit ready and a family emergency plan in place.

• Heed all warnings and stay indoors during severe weather.

• Check with local authorities for the latest information about public evacuation shelters.

• Keep devices charged in case of power outages.

• Know who to contact in the case of a power outage. Emergency phone numbers for utility companies can be found here

• Follow Maryland Department of Emergency Management and regional National Weather Service social media accounts for localized forecasts.

• Only use generators outdoors and never in a garage. The generator should be at least 20 feet away from the home and away from windows, doors, and vents.

If you lose power, here is information from BGE on how to report an outage:

• Online at BGE.com

• BGE's free mobile app, available at the Apple Store or Google Play

• Text message to 69243  

• Phone, by calling 877-778-2222  

For Anne Arundel County-specific resources, see the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) guide to winter storms here. 

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) has launched a new student discount that will save students 50% on MARC Train tickets. 

All students enrolled in high school, trade/vocational school, formal technical training programs, college, or university (including undergraduate and graduate programs) are eligible for this student d discount. This applies to in-state and out-of-state students. 

Detailed instructions and FAQs on how to register for the program are available on the MTA website and can be found here. 

The 2026/2027 Senatorial Scholarship application is now available! If you are a resident of District 32 and a college-bound High School senior or currently attend a Maryland college or university, you’re eligible to apply. Simply fill out the application at www.pambeidle.com/scholarships  by April 6th, 2026.

 If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact my office.

Thank you for your confidence in me to allow me to serve as your Senator representing District 32. You can contact us by phone at 410-841-3593 or by email at Pamela.Beidle@Senate.Maryland.Gov; my office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. My Chief of Staff, Nancy Lipin Crawford, and our Legislative Aide, Abigail Bento, will be happy to assist you and answer any questions you may have. 

Sincerely,

Pamela Beidle

Senator, District 32, Maryland General Assembly

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Have you been denied insurance coverage for medically necessary care or had your emergency appeals denied? Call the MIA Emergency Hotline at 1-800-492-6116

“Maryland law gives Maryland consumers the right to appeal a decision that denies you coverage for medically necessary treatment. If your health care provider has determined that certain medical treatment is needed, but your HMO or health insurer does not agree, this law allows you to appeal. Under the appeals and grievances law, the Maryland insurance Commissioner has the authority to overturn your health plan's decision if your treatment is determined to be medically necessary.”

For more information, click here. 

Anne Arundel County will open several county facilities to provide warming relief as we near closer to the winter season. These facilities are meant to be utilized by community members seeking temporary relief from the cold weather during their normal business hours. Click here for scheduling and locations. 

For additional resources, such as shelter, special accommodations, or more, contact the AAC Warm Line (see end of newsletter).

Click here to be directed to our Unemployment Insurance Assistance Form. 

The Anne Arundel Libraries have an abundance of exciting upcoming events. There are events for all ages, ranging from infants to adults. Please see the link below to help you find your local library and events near you: https://www.aacpl.net/