The 447th Legislative Session of the Maryland General Assembly (MGA) officially concluded on April 7, marking the end of one of the most consequential 90-day periods in a generation. We entered the 2025 Session with several overarching tasks, the main one being a multi-billion-dollar budget deficit amidst the chaos created by the federal layoffs and budget reductions.
Passing legislation to improve the lives of all our State’s residents required honest and difficult conversations about our fiscal responsibilities and enduring priorities. From the moment we gathered in Annapolis on January 8, our work focused on adapting to new realities while maintaining the stability Maryland individuals, families, and small businesses rely on.
In the wake of the transition to a new presidential Administration in January, the MGA faced seismic shifts in policy coming from Washington, culminating in a nearly $350 million reduction in expected personal, corporate, and sales tax revenues over a two-year period due entirely to federal chaos and job losses. In addition, the State learned of up to $418 million in federal funds being withheld from our public schools, $305 million of which school systems had already spent, in addition to $330 million in transportation funding summarily pulled back despite grant agreements.
These drastic and unprecedented actions spurred the MGA to redouble our commitments to core Maryland values including reinforcing Marylanders’ constitutional protections, safeguarding access to health care, enhancing protections for Maryland’s immigrant communities, defending reproductive freedom, and accelerating the State’s transition to cleaner, cheaper energy. When federal support wavered, we provided clarity and a vision for the future.
Throughout it all, we remained focused on delivering results for the people of Maryland. Now, with the 2025 Session behind us, I look forward to continuing the work in Maryland’s 32nd Legislative District until the MGA reconvenes next.
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Below is an overview of budget issues the MGA addressed during the 2025 Legislative Session:
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Passing a Balanced Budget that Maintains Core Commitments to Marylanders:
The MGA met its constitutional obligation to balance the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget (HB350 and HB352) by cutting spending while protecting schools, law enforcement, and health care services. The legislature approached the State’s budget deficit with a strategic mix of nearly $2 billion in necessary cuts and $1.2 billion in new revenue proposals, including changes to personal income taxes which will result in 94% of filers paying the same or a lesser amount. This targeted and balanced approach allowed us to avoid other revenue options like a $.75 delivery tax, a broad-based business-to-business tax, or the elimination of itemized deductions for Maryland tax payers.
Despite disruptions in federal funding streams, we committed to preserving core services and protecting Maryland’s most vulnerable residents. Our $66.9 billion FY26 Operating Budget, which was $400 million less in general funds than the FY25 budget, includes:
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$15.6 billion in funding for Medicaid, covering about 1.5 million residents;
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$594.4 million in new funding for our public schools, representing a 7.3% increase from FY25;
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$500 million in new revenues to support the State’s transportation and aging infrastructure needs;
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$181.5 million restored in Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026 for community services for those with developmental disabilities;
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$139 million invested in growing the private-sector economy;
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$121.8 million in police aid, $46 million above the statutorily required amount, in addition to $60 million in victim services funding and $5.5 million for community-based services for young people;
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$100 million for climate pollution reduction efforts at the State and local levels; and
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$2.4 billion in cash reserves, including $2.1 billion in the Rainy Day Fund and $317 million in the General Fund to protect against continued federal uncertainty in the year ahead.
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Fighting Back Against Federal Government Chaos and Overreach:
Maryland is one of the most vulnerable states in the country to the fallout from the chaos in the federal Administration, with an outsized number of federal employees and contractors, a large number of federal agencies physically headquartered here, and billions of dollars granted to our research institutions. In response to the mass and indiscriminate firings of dedicated federal public servants, the MGA advanced SB749, requiring the Maryland Department of Health to expedite license approval for fired federal health care workers who have been licensed in other states.
Through HB1424, we created a financial assistance program for laid-off federal workers outside of the normal unemployment insurance system and created an expedited process for hiring those workers into State government roles. And we appointed a bipartisan, Senate and House Joint Federal Action Oversight Committee to monitor how ongoing federal actions are impacting the State so we can respond quickly and as needed.
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Funding Our Local Economies and Anchor Institutions:
The MGA worked collaboratively to invest a historic amount of capital funds to stimulate our local economies and provide Marylanders with family-sustaining jobs in HB351. That funding provides vital support to our local institutions and invests State dollars in our community. Projects funded in Maryland’s 32nd Legislative District include:
- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport Storefront – Visitor Experience $ 50,000
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Glen Burnie Center Medicine and Behavioral Health Build Out $ 250,000
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Maryland City Volunteer Fire Department $ 6,000
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The Arc of the Central Chesapeake Region $ 175,000
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University of Maryland BWMC Oncology Center $ 500,000
Schools:
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Glen Burnie High School – renovations (building enclosure/windows/roof) $3,800,274
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Lindale Middle School – renovations (windows/roof) 3,052,285
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Old Mill High School – construction 5,284,454
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Severn Elementary School – renovations (boilers) 38,560
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Van Bokkelen Elementary School – renovations (air handling units) 2,200,000
This is only a small portion of the State contribution to Anne Arundel County.
To see additional detail, visit page A-113 of the 90-Day Report.
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Advancing Basic Consumer Protections:
Far too often, consumers get locked into costly subscriptions they never meant to renew—buried in fine print or auto-renewed without clear notice. This year, we took action. The Maryland General Assembly passed SB49 which requires companies to clearly disclose the terms of any automatic renewal offers, including the post-trial price and a simple way to cancel — no more surprise charges months later. This law ensures Marylanders are fully informed and in control when they sign up for services, protecting both their wallets and their rights.
You can find a complete review of the 2025 General Assembly session in The-90 Day Report on the General Assembly website.
Information on the BluePrint and the Energy programs will be coming soon.
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Linthicum Shipley Improvement Assoc. Meeting
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I was pleased to join Delegate Mark Chang and Delegate Sandy Bartlett on Wednesday evening to speak with the members of Linthicum Shipley Improvement Association about the 2025 legislative session. It was a great opportunity to discuss the work we’ve been doing and to hear directly from the community.
If your community association would like us to present and discuss the session's outcomes, please feel free to reach out to schedule a time. We’re always happy to connect with constituents and share updates.
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BWI Partnership Breakfast
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The BWI Business Partnership hosted another incredibly informative breakfast. We were joined by Secretary Paul Montiero, Secretary Jake Day and the new Executive Director of BWI Airport, Shannetta Griffin.
Secretary Paul Montiero, Secretary of Service and Civic Innovation, provided a brief overview of the Service and Innovation program, which offers valuable opportunities for young people during their gap year.
Secretary Jake Day, Secretary of Housing and Community Development, discussed the significant economic impact of the housing shortage and shared a plan to redevelop the 13,000 vacant homes in Baltimore City.
Director Shannetta Griffin is the new Executive Director and CEO of the Maryland Aviation Administration. She comes to BWI from the FAA and has nearly 40 years of experience working at airports around the country.
It was a fantastic way to start the day and engage in important discussions.
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Governor Moore recently visited Tokyo and rode the "bullet" train, publicly expressing support for the Maglev project in Maryland. Unfortunately, this project threatens to decimate parts of Anne Arundel County, including District 32 and Prince George's County, having the potential for displacement of residents, environmental impacts, and unaffordable costs—estimated at $80 per ride—on those who can least afford it.
For over a decade, I have stood alongside residents, community leaders, and local officials across Anne Arundel County, Prince George’s County, and Baltimore City, to oppose the Maglev train, and I am not backing down now. Despite our long-standing concerns, the Governor's recent comments about supporting this project have only made it more critical to continue our fight.
This project will not benefit our communities—it will divide them. That’s why I co-sponsored Senate Bill 55 with Senator Alonzo Washington and Senator Malcolm Augustine, which prohibits the use of any state taxpayer dollars for the Maglev project. Unfortunately, neither the Senate nor House bill got out of Committee.
We must keep pushing back, and I need your voice in this fight.
Join us to hear the latest updates and next steps in stopping the Maglev:
Rally to Stop the Maglev
Saturday, April 19th, 2025
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Greenbelt Library, 11 Crescent Road, Greenbelt, MD 20770
Let’s stand together. Your voice, your presence, and your advocacy are essential to protecting our neighborhoods and ensuring Maryland invests in transportation solutions that serve our communities, not harm them.
Together, we will stop the Maglev.
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Preparing for Severe Weather and Lowering Your Energy Bills: Tips for BGE Customers
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As BGE prepares, customers should prepare before severe weather events:
Before the Storm:
Save Energy and Lower Your Bills This Summer:
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Maintain your A/C system: Ensure your cooling system is running at peak efficiency by scheduling regular maintenance.
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Track your energy usage: Use the MyAccount online tools to monitor your energy usage in real-time, compare trends, and set alerts for when usage spikes.
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Reduce hot water usage: Water heating makes up about 20% of your energy bill. Install faucet aerators and efficient showerheads, and set your water heater to 120°F (or low setting).
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Manage your thermostat: Keep your thermostat at a comfortable level when home. During extreme heat, raise the thermostat setting to save more. Consider installing a programmable thermostat for automatic adjustments when you’re away or asleep.
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Close window shades and blinds: Prevent sunlight from heating your home by closing blinds or drapes, which helps reduce the workload on your A/C.
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Conserve lighting: Turn off unnecessary lights and switch to LED bulbs. LEDs can save you about $80 in electricity costs over their lifetime.
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Reduce kitchen heat: Opt to cook outdoors on a grill when possible to keep your kitchen cool.
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Keep the air moving: Use your ENERGY STAR® certified ceiling fan to create a cooling effect by running it counterclockwise.
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Take advantage of Energy Savings Days: On days when electricity demand is high, typically in hot weather, BGE will notify you of an Energy Savings Day. Use less energy between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. to earn bill credits.
By taking these simple steps, you can stay prepared for extreme weather and reduce your energy costs this summer. Let’s work together to keep our homes safe and energy efficient!
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Resources for Impacted Federal Workers
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My office has heard from numerous federal employees expressing concerns about job security and the potential defunding of essential services they provide. In addition, many constituents have voiced worries about funding and their rights.
To assist those affected by these challenges, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth has also compiled a comprehensive resource guide, which will be especially valuable to federal workers, immigrant families, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community during this period of uncertainty. Click here to view the guide.
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Governor Moore has also launched the Maryland Public Servants Resource Website, which serves as a centralized hub for programs and resources to support Maryland’s federal employees and contractors impacted by federal workforce layoffs, firings, and changes to federal funding.
The website provides resources for impacted federal workers, including information on unemployment insurance, job search and career support, legal resources, and an index of key rules and regulations that govern the federal employment process.
The site includes resources for Unemployment Insurance, Career Support, Health Coverage, Legal Resources and more.
The website will be updated regularly as additional information becomes available.
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The Comptroller of Maryland - Frozen Federal Funds Reporting. Recent federal actions have resulted in the freezing and/or revocation of federal loans and grants to some nonprofit organizations. The Comptroller of Maryland has been closely monitoring this situation, particularly given the potential impact on Maryland’s economy, workforce, and communities. To assist us in assessing the scope and impact of these funding cuts, we invite you to share information with us if you have had problems accessing federal funding.
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The Maryland Department of Labor (MD Labor) has prepared resources to support Maryland workers impacted by the federal government transition, including employees of the federal government and federal government contractors.
- Resource pages
The MD Labor resource page provides information about unemployment insurance benefits and reemployment support, linking to our FAQs, application portals, and most-requested flyers for rapid access to key information. Governor Moore’s Resources for Impacted Workers page also provides legal resources, information on federal employment rules and regulations, and county programs and resources.
- Unemployment insurance FAQs
Federal civilian employees who become unemployed due to no fault of their own can apply for Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE). See our Unemployment Insurance FAQs for Federal Workers. Other workers impacted by federal actions—such as employees who worked for a private sector employer that contracted with the federal government—may be eligible to apply for regular unemployment insurance. See the Regular Unemployment Insurance Overview flyer for details. Individuals who are found eligible can receive up to $430 in weekly benefits (pre-tax).
Workers should apply for UI benefits in the jurisdiction of their "duty station." This means, for example, that if you are a Marylander who is laid off from a federal job based in Virginia, you should apply for benefits in Virginia. Here are direct links to apply for UI benefits in Maryland; Washington, DC; and Virginia.
- Unemployment insurance phone line
To apply for unemployment, workers can file online or call 667-207-6520 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Federal workers should select option #9.
- Virtual workshop for impacted workers
A virtual workshop designed specifically for former federal employees, federal contractors, and other workers impacted by federal government transition is available on Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. See workshop details (información del taller en español) and email FedWorker.Transition@maryland.gov to sign up.
- Support in finding a new job
MD Labor offers résumé workshops, individualized career guidance, mock interviews, career and skills assessment, effective job search strategies, support in coping with job loss and job transition, networking support, reemployment workshops, and more. These resources are provided through 33 American Job Centers (AJCs) and our specialized Professional Outplacement Assistance Center (POAC). See our resource guide (guía de recursos en español) for details. See our FAQ page for answers to common questions from workers transitioning from federal employment to new opportunities.
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My office remains open year-round to help you with issues and answer your questions. During the interim, my Chief of Staff, Nancy Lipin Crawford, and Legislative Aide, Ash-Lynn Randolph, will be in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays and working remotely on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
The interim will be busy but not as stressful as the session. There will be community events, meetings, committee site visits, task force studies, and oversight committee meetings to attend.
Thank you, District 32, for allowing me to serve as your State Senator. I am looking forward to seeing you out and about in the community.
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Pamela Beidle
Senator, District 32, Maryland General Assembly
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DPW Holiday Curbside Collection Schedule
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Visit this LINK to view the entire 2025 Holiday Collection Schedule.
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Glen Burnie Summer Concert Series
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The Glen Burnie Town Center Summer Concert Series dates have been announced:
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MTA Earth Day: Free Transit, April 22nd
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Each year, Earth Day reminds us of the vital need to protect our planet. This year, the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) proudly joins the global community in celebrating environmental conservation and sustainable living. For the second consecutive year, MDOT MTA will offer a day of free transit on Earth Day, Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
Riders can easily plan their trips by visiting mta.maryland.gov or using the Transit app for route and schedule information. By choosing transit, riders also help reduce traffic congestion and vehicle emissions in the region.
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Community Events/Opportunities
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SAVE THE DATE for Anne Arundel County's FREE Homeownership Resource Fair this spring at the Severn Center! Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a homeownership counseling class (pre-registration will be required), learn about ACDS' housing programs, speak with lenders and realtors, take advantage of other housing resources and more!
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