President Trump was sworn-in last week for his second term, issuing a series of executive orders and actions aimed at reshaping the federal government. As I noted since the election in November, there remains immense uncertainty with the Presidential transition, but we started getting a sense of just how the Trump Administration will function and the costs Marylanders will incur as a result.
Many of these early day actions present significant threats to our State’s residents, budgetary outlook, and the cost of everyday necessities like utility bills, food, and housing. From pardoning individuals convicted in the January 6 insurrection to halting the development of offshore wind energy, many of these early decisions endanger public safety, undermine economic stability, and jeopardize both national and state-level efforts to address an exigent climate crisis.
Marginalized communities already facing systemic inequities are now confronted with policies that reject notions of shared humanity and dignity, like unconstitutional attempts to end birthright citizenship. Weakening protections for frontline communities impacted by pollution and introducing anti-LGBTQIA+ measures reflect a divisive agenda that is aimed at fostering fear and negating our country's progress.
The chaos we have seen today with the freezing of federal funds doesn't lower the price of eggs or bring down costs for Americans. As we navigate the winds of disruption, we in Maryland will do what we can to restore stability and certainty for our State's residents.
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Record-Breaking Health Insurance Enrollment
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Maryland’s private health insurance marketplace achieved a record-breaking 16% growth in enrollments during the latest open enrollment period, with nearly 250,000 residents signing up for coverage. Young adults aged 18 to 37 drove much of this increase, with a 21% rise in enrollment, addressing a demographic that historically struggles with insurance access. Expanded coverage for young adults not only improves their ability to access critical care, including behavioral health and substance abuse treatment, but also helps stabilize premiums for all Marylanders.
This year marked the first time Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients could participate in Maryland’s state-based marketplace, with approximately 250 individuals obtaining coverage. While their inclusion represents progress, ongoing legal challenges at the federal level could jeopardize DACA recipients’ ability to maintain these plans.
Maryland is actively working with other states to defend their right to affordable health care, ensuring they are not penalized for decisions made by adults during their childhood. Expanding access to affordable health insurance for children remains a top priority, as growing enrollment strengthens Maryland’s overall market and reduces disparities in well-being.
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Where Maryland's Budget Deficit Came From
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Despite attempts to oversimplify the reasons for Maryland’s $2.8 billion deficit, it is vital that we acknowledge and address the many factors driving the State’s current financial position. The reality of how we got here involves the one-time influx of federal money for COVID-19 aid that was required to be spent quickly, a stagnant economy rocked by sluggish employment and population growth, and unexpected cost increases in programs such as Medicaid, child care scholarships, and inmate medical costs.
Federal pandemic aid was critical for Maryland to provide much-needed support to residents, businesses, local governments, and nonprofits. It was used to boost the economy in a time of acute need by funding capital projects in communities across the State, and to fund parks and recreational areas, school construction, homeownership programs, and environmental protection initiatives. These were welcomed resources, but those dollars were not a reliable indicator of the health of the State’s budget, which is why the MGA prudently invested a significant portion of surplus funds to hedge against future financial challenges.
First, the General Assembly and Governor used pandemic relief funds significantly increase the State’s Rainy-Day Fund by well over $1.2 billion. Second, significant deposits were also made into the Dedicated Purpose Account, a fund created to fund very specific projects. Finally, the State invested in K-12 education by diverting over $1.7 billion in surpluses to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund to ensure the State has the resources needed to meet our education policy commitments.
We will continue to invest in core programs that support our most vulnerable residents and put our economy back on the track of sustainable growth. There’s significant work ahead of us before the legislature adjourns in April, and it starts with internalizing the myriad of factors that explain how we got to our current budget situation.
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Balancing Justice for Children and Fiscal Challenges
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The Child Victims Act, passed by the MGA in 2023, demonstrates Maryland’s commitment to justice for survivors of child sexual abuse, and the State bears a moral responsibility to address any verified cases of abuse that occurred in its care. Settlement negotiations between plaintiffs and the State are ongoing, and while no amount of money can reverse the pain these survivors endured, compensation remains a necessary step towards accountability. This chapter of our history serves as a stark reminder of the need for stronger protections for vulnerable children in State systems.
At the same time, we must approach these settlements with fiscal responsibility, given the significant budgetary constraints Maryland currently faces. We are actively collaborating with the Attorney General’s office to ensure the State meets its obligations to survivors while minimizing the broader financial impact on critical programs and services. Our focus remains on achieving justice without undermining State funding for essential public services.
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I was proud to swear in the newest member of the Senate of Maryland, Senator Dalya Attar, on Friday. Senator Attar makes history as the first Orthodox Jewish woman to serve in the Senate, and I could not be happier to see our Baltimore City Senate Delegation back to full strength with representation from all five legislative districts. As a lifelong resident of Baltimore and an experienced public servant, Senator Attar brings a strong focus on improving education, uniting diverse communities, and addressing key challenges within the 41st Legislative District.
Senator Attar’s swearing-in reflects the trust her constituents and colleagues place in her ability to lead with determination and vision. She replaces former Senator Jill P. Carter, who now serves on the Maryland Board of Contract Appeals.
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National Aquarium's Henry Hall Summer Scholars Program
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The National Aquarium’s Henry Hall Summer Scholars program offers Baltimore City Public School students a unique, cost-free opportunity to explore aquatic science through immersive, week-long summer camps. Open to students rising into grades 5-12 for the 2025-2026 school year and 2025 graduates, the program features hands-on experiences in diverse habitats across the United States. Priority is given to students demonstrating financial need, making it an accessible and enriching summer opportunity.
Applications are due by February 14 at 5 p.m., with teacher recommendations due by February 21 at 5 p.m. For more information on camp descriptions and dates, click here.
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Congratulations to the over 1,000 Maryland educators who earned the National Board Certified Teacher designation this year! The program, operated by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, requires candidates to complete four components: a knowledge assessment, a portfolio of student work, a video of classroom teaching, and evidence of professional growth. The number of teachers who earned the certification has skyrocketed since the passage of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. Teachers typically complete the process in one to five years and can earn an additional $17,000 annually.
Community schools are a foundational component of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, providing additional personnel and programming funding for schools serving children in areas where there is concentrated poverty. Governor Moore is proposing freezing funding for community schools for the next two years, which will be a fiercely debated topic this Session.
Maryland's Attorney General, Anthony Brown, joined 22 states in a lawsuit challenging President Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship, which is guaranteed under the 14th Amendment. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Massachusetts, argues that denying citizenship to children born on U.S. soil violates the Constitution and will harm states by reducing federal funding tied to immigration status. Brown called the order “un-American” and pledged to fight the decision, which was temporarily blocked by a Reagan-appointed federal judge last week.
I strongly encourage you to read this article, published by The Baltimore Banner, which takes one of the most nuanced and historical approaches to understanding the turn towards figures like President Trump in places like Dundalk in the 6th Legislative District. The globalization of trade and its economic impact on communities reliant on high-paying manufacturing jobs is undoubtedly present in Maryland, just like much of the remainder of the country.
Baltimore chefs and restaurants earned recognition as semifinalists for the 2025 James Beard Awards, with Jasmine Norton of The Urban Oyster and Dre Levon of Clavel highlighted for their culinary and cocktail excellence. Cindy Wolf’s Charleston, a 46th District institution, also received a nod for its Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program, showcasing the City’s continued prominence in the national culinary scene.
Oriole Park at Camden Yards will introduce the Birdland Value Menu this season, offering $4 or less food options and $5 beers at select locations to make the stadium experience more affordable. The Orioles aim to enhance the fan experience and accessibility, reflecting their commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all attendees.
Baltimore Restaurant Week is the region’s oldest and largest dining promotion, featuring approximately 100 restaurants offering discounted multi-course menus. It began last weekend and runs through February 2. Presented by Downtown Partnership of Baltimore and Visit Baltimore, the event encourages diners to explore new eateries and revisit favorites while supporting the City’s vibrant culinary scene.
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