March 10, 2025

Next Monday, March 17, marks the General Assembly’s Crossover deadline whereby legislation needs to pass their original chamber to avoid going to the Senate or House Rules Committees and have the best chance of passage before we adjourn. The week leading up to Crossover is always a flurry of activity, both in committees with the final set of bill hearings and long voting sessions, and on the Senate Floor as we move bills to the House. 

This year in particular we know every decision is critical for Maryland's future. Each committee hearing, every debate on the Senate Floor, and all the behind the scenes negotiations with stakeholders bring us one step closer to delivering on the promises we made to our State’s residents.

March is bringing some of the toughest challenges to the 2025 Legislative Session. The stakes are high with an increasing State budget deficit due to misguided federal policy, and pressing decisions on energy, education, and our economy. We are responding to immediate fiscal and policy challenges, and we are laying the groundwork for a more resilient and equitable Maryland. My priority remains advancing initiatives that keep Maryland on a steady path forward while protecting our most vulnerable residents and ensuring that every community is able to thrive.

As we approach the final stretch of this Legislative Session, budget negotiations remain a top priority. Last week, members from both chambers introduced legislation to establish a 2.5% tax on targeted business-to-business services to generate $1 billion in revenue. This narrowly tailored approach focuses on business-to-business professional services like accounting, consulting, and technology support, offering a balanced solution to potentially avoid broader tax increases on Maryland families and maintain stability for all Marylanders.

Last week, the Board of Revenue Estimates announced a projected $280 million revenue shortfall for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 due to the actions of the Trump Administration in recent weeks. Maryland’s heavy reliance on federal employment and contracting means that job cuts, declining income tax, and economic uncertainty continue to pose significant risks to our State’s fiscal health. These challenges demand thoughtful planning and strategic adjustments as we work to navigate this difficult budget cycle.

In collaboration with the Moore Administration, we restored $200 million to the Developmental Disabilities Administration through a supplemental budget. Although this replacement of funds was necessary, it required tough trade-offs, including cuts to clean energy projects, State employee raises, and a delay to the Family and Medical Leave Insurance program. 

This will be a pivotal week with the federal budget deadline to avoid a government shutdown approaching in a few days on March 14. It is very likely a slower State budget process will play out this year so we can account for any related impacts of a potential shutdown and take an intentional approach to resolving any new issues.

With the Trump Administration's mass firings of federal workers, legislators and the Moore Administration are focused on supporting those impacted by these sudden job losses. The hardworking individuals struck by these arbitrary layoffs are dedicated public servants who are devoting their life’s work to building a better Maryland and United States. Governor Moore's plan to expand Maryland’s workforce assistance portal, streamline hiring processes, and help laid-off workers transition into teaching roles is a critical step in easing this transition.

Our Congressional Delegation highlighted the heartlessness of the Trump Administration’s approach to federal workers by bringing impacted Marylanders as guests to his address before Congress last week. The presence of former federal workers who lost their jobs due to mass layoffs served as living reminders of the resulting damage, both to these individuals and their families, as well as the broader public as critical government functions go unstaffed. Guests included a cancer researcher, a conservationist, and a government accountability specialist.

We remain committed to finding practical solutions that support struggling families and strengthen Maryland's workforce. By working together with Governor Moore, local governments, and community partners, we can create new opportunities for displaced workers and keep Maryland on a path to prosperity through these challenging times.

Tackling the opioid crisis at both the statewide and local levels remains one of the most important and lifesaving efforts for the government to undertake. The recent approval of more than $14 million in funding by the Baltimore City Council's Budget and Appropriations Committee marks a significant step forward in this work. These funds, designated for community organizations and City agencies, will drive overdose prevention strategies and manage opioid restitution funds responsibly. Once approved by the full City Council, this funding could start reaching organizations as early as April, providing much-needed resources to those on the front lines of this battle.

Despite political disagreements and the ongoing legal battle with pharmaceutical companies, the progress made behind the scenes is encouraging. Mayor Scott’s Administration established an Opioid Restitution Advisory Board to oversee grant applications and recommend the best use of settlement money. While public discussions remain limited due to the pending lawsuit, these strategic moves demonstrate a deliberate approach to maximizing the funds' impact.

Low-income families in Baltimore will soon benefit from 170 free solar panel installations through Civic Works’ Baltimore Shines program. This initiative aims to save residents around $200,000 annually on utility bills while reducing carbon emissions by 700 metric tons. Backed by more than $4.6 million in grants, Civic Works will handle the installation and maintenance of the panels for the next 20 years, providing lasting financial and environmental benefits.

As energy bills continue to rise, programs like Baltimore Shines offer real relief for Marylanders. Expanding renewable energy projects at a hyperlocal level is a crucial step in maintaining our ambitious climate goals while promoting energy affordability and reliability for all residents.

I was thrilled to host community leaders from the 46th Legislative District’s vibrant South Baltimore’s neighborhoods in the Senate last week. While in Annapolis during the Legislative Session, there’s nothing more rewarding than our incredible Baltimore community coming to see the General Assembly in action.

In 2021, I hoped to transform the vacant Baltimore City Community College Bard Building in the heart of Downtown Baltimore into additional greenspace instead of a parking lot. The General Assembly allocated funding for the demolition of the Bard Building and the cost to create a new public green space while a long term plan for the site is finalized. Work is nearing completion and will be a welcome addition to residents and visitors alike.

Lawyers Mall was frigid last Monday night, but it did not deter the many advocates who flocked to Annapolis to support the Maryland Legislative LGBTQ+ Caucus. This Session, the group is working to address Trump Administration orders ending diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and attacks on transgender Marylanders.

The Trump Administration is taking aim at numerous anti-poverty, mortgage lending, inspection, and social services programs across the country, potentially turning a historic Black community in Baltimore into a ghost town. The Housing Authority of Baltimore City spent years developing a proposal for a $50 million federal Choice Neighborhoods grant to replace Poe Homes, the City’s oldest public housing project, with a mixed-income community. That project is now on hold due to the so-called Department of Government Efficiency cuts to related federal programs.

Baltimore Center Stage recently announced it will not comply with the National Endowment for the Art’s (NEA) new grant guidelines mandating that applicants  “…not operate any programs promoting ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion’” or “gender ideology.” The theater typically receives an annual NEA grant worth approximately $30,000. Managing Director Adam Frank said compliance with the guidelines is antithetical to Center Stage’s mission and sends a chilling message to organizations that are committed to “democratic, pluralist values.”

Fort McHenry, the location where American forces held off a British bombardment and Francis Scott Key wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner,” celebrated 100 years as a National park this March. The anniversary drew protesters who gathered to object to the elimination of over 1,000 Park Service jobs—six of whom work at Fort McHenry. More than 700 Park Service employees also accepted a deferred resignation, meaning the Park Service is losing up to 9% of its entire workforce just as the warmer weather is approaching.

The Ravens are making a number of moves this offseason, including a recent announcement that left tackle, Ronnie Stanley, was resigned with a three year deal. Shoring up our defense will be vital to making a Super Bowl run in the 2025 season.

As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, you can get your fill at one of the many Irish pubs located in the 46th Legislative District. From Canton to Federal Hill, there’s ample opportunity to celebrate just in time for the warmer weather.

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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