March 31, 2025

Just over one year ago, the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge shattered lives and disrupted a core component of Maryland’s economy. I stood with affected families last week as wreaths floated across the Patapsco in honor of the six workers who never made it home that tragic day. I was honored to offer brief remarks at the commemoration ceremony, but the moment rightly belonged to the loved ones, first responders, and community members who continue to carry the weight of that day.

Emergency crews, local nonprofits, union leaders, and government agencies effectively collaborated to meet urgent needs by rescuing, recovering, and helping impacted communities begin to heal. In addition, crew members from the Dali, the cargo ship that struck the bridge, have been assisting investigators.

Thousands across Maryland felt the impact of the collapse far beyond the shoreline. Workers at the Port of Baltimore lost jobs overnight. The shutdown rattled supply chains, strained families, and slowed commerce across the region. Despite the setback, port workers pushed forward through training and adapting, showing what resilience looks like on the ground. Their recovery didn’t happen by accident—it came through legislative action via the PORT Act, persistence, and a shared belief that the Port of Baltimore must remain a force for opportunity and growth.

With electricity rates set to rise again this summer, the Senate advanced a major energy package out of committee over the last few days, with additional refinement still to come. As introduced, the Next Generation Energy Act is focused on making more Maryland-made electricity as quickly as possible to bring down prices and keep the lights on amidst growing demand for energy.

After working with stakeholders, the package also absorbs proposed legislative changes to remove waste incineration from Maryland’s RPS program, puts guardrails around utility company spending on gas infrastructure and multi-year rate plans, and will scale up battery storage in the State.

This marks the beginning of a broader effort to lower costs both immediately and in the future, create a more reliable electric grid, and create market predictability to spur private investment. As we face rising demand and aging infrastructure, we need new tools, new in-state generation, and smarter planning. All three bills in the package must now move through the Senate Floor and House of Delegates before the legislature adjourns next week.

The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future remains one of the most transformative education investments in our State’s history. It is already expanding access to publicly funded Pre-K, strengthening teacher pipelines, and building clearer pathways to college and career readiness as students graduate. 

Last week, the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee and Committee on Education, Energy, and the Environment advanced an amended version of this year’s bill to further refine the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. The legislation as passed by both committees now includes a program for statewide academic coaching, targeted support for struggling schools, and adjustments to help districts implement reforms based on the current workforce. These updates reflect the reality that successful implementation depends on both vision and capacity.

At the same time, we cannot ignore the deep fiscal challenges ahead. As we work to present a balanced budget, we must evaluate what’s working, adjust what isn’t, and stay focused on policy that delivers the greatest impact for students and families. These efforts include addressing the crisis of chronic absenteeism, which now affects nearly half of students in some districts. This Session, the Senate is pushing forward multiple strategies—from wraparound service expansions to school climate reforms—to reconnect students to classrooms and opportunity. It is our responsibility to protect the Blueprint’s promise while preparing for long-term sustainability grounded in equity, data, and results.

The General Assembly reached a framework agreement to restore major funding for the Developmental Disabilities Administration. The House Appropriations Committee voted to reverse $300 million of the $457 million in proposed cuts for Fiscal Year 2026. That action followed the introduction of an earlier supplemental budget that addressed much of the shortfall for Fiscal Year 2025. Although reductions remain, they are significantly less severe and far more manageable for providers and families.

This outcome did not happen by chance. Marylanders spoke up, organized, and stayed committed. Legislators, Administration officials, and community advocates worked together to protect core services while navigating one of the toughest budget cycles in recent memory. The path forward still requires close attention, but we are taking a meaningful step. The Senate will continue working through the final days of Session to get a budget that reflects this commitment across the finish line.

The Trump Administration’s policies are choking economic opportunity across Maryland’s rural communities. First came the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s abrupt cancellation of the Local Food for Schools program, which was an initiative that gave our farmers stable income while feeding children healthy, locally grown produce. With no warning, this lifeline vanished. Dozens of Maryland farms are now scrambling to adapt after investing in trucks, staff, and storage to meet demand in school districts from Baltimore City to Garrett County.

Now, Republicans in Congress are pushing a budget that slashes nearly $880 billion from Medicaid, placing hundreds of rural hospitals at risk. These proposals don’t just jeopardize access to care—they threaten the economic backbone of entire communities. In some Maryland communities, the local hospital is the largest employer. When Medicaid dollars disappear, clinics close, jobs vanish, and families suffer. These choices aren’t just shortsighted—they’re cruel, and they reveal a disturbing disregard for our rural areas. We’re fighting back here in Maryland, and we won’t stand by while any community is treated as collateral damage.

Maryland received nearly $115 billion in federal dollars last year, more than $18,500 per resident, with agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Federal Drug Administration (FDA), and Department of Defense powering jobs and research across the State. Now, the federal government is slashing that support. Cuts to NIH and National Science Foundation grants, caps on research overhead, and downsizing of federal employers threaten everything from rural defense installations to world-class research hubs. Institutions like Johns Hopkins and our public universities stand to lose hundreds of millions of funding, along with thousands of jobs.

The State’s reliance on federal spending has collided with a Trump Administration determined to cause as much disruption and chaos as possible. As federal dollars vanish, entire regions—especially those without strong private sector buffers—will feel the ground shift beneath them.

The rain did not stop us from honoring a true public servant last week as we stood proudly at MD Route 450 & Race Track Rd in Bowie to unveil the roadway dedication sign for former Senator Douglas J.J. Peters. It was a fitting tribute to Doug’s decades of leadership on behalf of Maryland’s 23rd Legislative District and all of Maryland.

Longtime senator, Bryan Simonaire, announced he will not seek reelection in 2026. Representing northeastern Anne Arundel County’s District 31 since 2006, Senator Simonaire is a valuable member of the Senate Committee on Education, Energy, and the Environment, but says he's ready to focus on family and give others time to prepare for the race. The Senate appreciates his years of public service, including as the previous Senate Minority Leader.

President Trump’s push to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services puts dozens of Maryland programs at risk—from Braille textbooks for blind college students to community efforts preserving Black history. Despite a legal mandate to fund cultural grants already approved by Congress, the Administration is pressuring the agency to scale back. Maryland institutions are preparing to fight back to protect this vital support for education, truth, and access.

Health officials confirmed three measles cases in Maryland this month, all tied to international travel. With a vaccination rate above 96%, the risk of a major outbreak remains low. Still, Marylanders should stay vigilant, check their vaccination status, and take precautions to keep themselves and others safe.

Kermit the Frog will take the stage as commencement speaker at the University of Maryland - College Park’s graduation on May 21. The iconic Muppet honors the legacy of his creator, Jim Henson, a proud UMD alum. In true Kermit fashion, he promised to share a few encouraging words as the Class of 2025 leaps into the world.

As we celebrate Opening Day, Camden Yards is refreshing its food lineup this season. Starting today, fans can grab Ekiben’s famous chicken or tofu sandwiches and ramen broccoli, or head to Attman’s Delicatessen for corned beef, pastrami, coddies, and chocolate-top cookies. With newcomers like The Nutty Pitch and Pat & Stugg’s also on deck, plus a ballpark value menu offering snacks under $5, there's plenty to cheer for beyond the scoreboard.

With much of Central Maryland under red flag watch, officials are urging residents to avoid outdoor burning and stay cautious with open flames. A six-acre brush fire broke out in Sparks Glencoe last Wednesday, damaging a shed and vacant home—but thankfully, no injuries occurred. The incident serves as a timely reminder to take fire risk warnings seriously.

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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