February 10, 2025

I hope you’ll join me, along with Delegates Clippinger, Lewis, and Edelson for a 2025 Legislative Session Town Hall on Saturday, February 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Baltimore Rowing & Water Resource Center (3301 Waterview Ave, Baltimore, MD 21230).

With the Legislative Session underway, this is an important chance to discuss our work on behalf of the 46th District in Annapolis, and how it impacts Baltimore and our neighborhoods. We’ll provide updates, answer questions, and hear directly from you about the issues that matter most. I look forward to the conversation and hope to see you there!

On Wednesday, Governor Moore delivered the annual State of the State Address, outlining Maryland’s economic challenges and priorities for the year ahead. The Governor acknowledged the State’s $3 billion budget deficit and the difficult decisions ahead. Maryland’s fiscal reality is increasingly challenging, especially as the Trump Administration unilaterally cut billions of dollars in National Institute of Health funding across the country over the weekend, jeopardizing cancer and other scientific research. 

Those concerns are on top of the possibility that Congressional Republicans will pursue a federal budget that shifts Medicaid costs to the states to help pay for tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans. These underlying dynamics explain Governor Moore’s emphasis on Maryland’s need to become less reliant on federal funding, as he outlined investments in key industries, including aerospace, life sciences, AI, clean energy, and defense. 

He also reaffirmed his commitment to public education by addressing the State’s teacher shortage. Governor Moore highlighted public safety efforts, including crime reduction and expanded expungement eligibility, and pushed for investments in housing, transportation, and workforce development. 

As noted in this year’s State of the State, we must strive for bipartisan cooperation, in stark contrast to what we’re seeing in Washington, D.C., to meet this moment with bold action to ensure Maryland’s long-term stability and economic growth.

The past few weeks demonstrate just how recklessly, dangerously, and lawlessly the Trump Administration is willing to act. With Elon Musk leading an unchecked purge of federal agencies, career civil servants are being forced out, critical programs are being shut down overnight, and members of Congress—who have constitutional authority over federal funding—are being denied access to government buildings. 

The dismantling of USAID, a pillar of global humanitarian and public health efforts, is an attack on international stability and American soft power across the globe. Unfortunately, these efforts are being replicated domestically as this Administration also took a sledge hammer to the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau over the weekend despite its success obtaining nearly $20 billion in relief for consumers since its inception.

These actions are an assault on the separation of powers embedded in the United States Constitution and the thousands of Marylanders who dedicated their lives’ work to public service for the public good. At some point, Congressional Republicans must step forward to slow the chaos and protect the integrity of their institution as a check on executive overreach.

Maryland, like much of the country, is battling an unprecedented opioid crisis, devastating families and communities. But for the first time in nearly a decade, overdose deaths in our State dropped by 38% in 2024, marking our lowest number since 2015. Baltimore, once at the epicenter of the crisis, saw a similarly steep decline. This progress reflects the expansion of harm reduction strategies, increased access to addiction treatment, and the tireless efforts of healthcare workers and first responders.

This decline is a milestone, but we cannot become complacent. Overdoses continue to disproportionately impact older Black men and younger Hispanic Marylanders, underscoring the need for targeted outreach and culturally responsive care. As opioid settlement funds present a once-in-a-generation opportunity to expand access to high-quality addiction treatment, the Senate remains committed to evidence-based policies that save lives and help Marylanders on their path to recovery.

Last Monday, Governor Moore and the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) revealed the design for the new Francis Scott Key Bridge, nearly a year after the tragic collapse that claimed six lives and disrupted thousands more. The new cable-stayed bridge will restore a critical transportation link, expand the Port’s shipping channel, and strengthen Baltimore’s role in global trade. With federal funding appropriated in the last Congress, this project will be built to the highest safety standards without burdening Maryland taxpayers.

Though construction won’t begin anytime soon, preparation is already in motion, including soil sampling and site surveying. The remaining sections of the old bridge will be demolished this spring, clearing the way for construction to begin shortly thereafter. We are hopeful for a 2028 opening.

Beyond rebuilding the bridge, the State is committing $15 million to expand Tradepoint Atlantic, bringing thousands of jobs and boosting private investment. The new bridge’s construction marks a defining moment in Maryland’s resilience and strength.

Marylanders with disabilities, their families, and advocates gathered in Annapolis last week to voice concerns over proposed budget cuts to the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). These changes have created uncertainty for some of the most vulnerable Marylanders and their families who rely on essential services to live independently and with dignity.

The disability community’s message was heard loud and clear: financial challenges must not come at the expense of Maryland’s most exposed residents. Although tough budget decisions lie ahead, any changes must be made transparently and with direct input from those affected. As the General Assembly reviews the budget, we will work to protect the critical support systems that thousands depend on. The Senate will prioritize solutions that support the well-being of individuals with disabilities and their caregivers to the best of our abilities as we navigate a challenging budget ahead.

Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay watershed now features a new national wildlife refuge—the first in over 25 years. The Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge will conserve up to 40,000 acres across five counties, protecting critical habitat for birds, rare species, and wetlands threatened by development. With the first 30+ acre land donation secured, the new refuge is a crucial step in preserving Maryland’s natural landscapes. 

Maryland’s Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the 2023 Child Victims Act, allowing survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file lawsuits without time constraints. In a 4-3 decision, the Court ruled that lifting the statute of limitations did not strip defendants of vested rights. 

Maryland is under a winter storm watch from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning, with forecasts predicting 4 to 6 inches of snow. In Baltimore, there is about a 50% chance of accumulating 5 inches or more. Be cautious of slippery road conditions during evening and morning commutes.

Baltimore and Mayor Brandon Scott are suing President Trump over executive orders eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, arguing they threaten federal funding and overstep presidential authority. In response to growing attacks on DEI, Scott launched the “Definitely Earned It” campaign to highlight Black leaders who overcame systemic barriers.

U.S. Senator Van Hollen and education advocates criticized President Trump’s executive orders on school choice and efforts to reshape public education. Van Hollen raised concerns about Trump’s nominee for Education Secretary, Linda McMahon, citing her lack of experience and misleading claims about her education background. Labor leaders warned that Trump’s agenda threatens public schools and called for investment in teachers and students instead of efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education.

The Baltimore Orioles added outfielder Ramón Laureano on a one-year, $4 million deal, bolstering an already deep outfield. This signing follows their recent acquisition of Dylan Carlson, though the team has yet to make a major move for an ace pitcher. With six outfielders now in the mix, Baltimore seems to be prioritizing depth as they prepare for the upcoming baseball season.

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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