February 3, 2025

Today, Speaker Jones, Democratic General Assembly leadership, and I unveiled a legislative package to lower consumers' utility bills, ensure the reliability of our energy grid, and create more predictability in our State's regulatory environment. We are pulling every available policy lever to ensure we generate more Maryland-made electricity, we do it from cleaner sources, and we do it now to lower costs for Marylanders.

Along with Speaker Jones, I am introducing the Next Generation Energy Act, which proposes the construction of new in-state dispatchable energy generation. We need to deploy the most affordable, reliable, and fastest energy sources available in the short-term while reducing reliance on dirtier fossil fuels like coal and oil. More energy generation in Maryland means more control for the State, with numerous benefits, including less imported dirty energy from surrounding states and fewer transmission lines impacting private property rights, farmland, and conservation easements. Our goal of eventually achieving net-zero generation remains unchanged, and the legislation reflects our commitment to transition to the cleanest technologies as they become available. 

The Renewable Energy Certainty Act, led by Chairs Feldman and Wilson, will deploy solar generation and battery storage as quickly as possible by removing unnecessary local roadblocks. It creates regulatory certainty that the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) will site and permit projects meeting statewide standards. These actions will spur immediate growth in renewable energy and storage deployment to strengthen our local distribution grid. Additionally, the legislation expands community solar development across the State by streamlining local government procurements, which will lower electricity bills for Marylanders participating in the program.

Finally, the Resource Adequacy and Planning Act, introduced by Senator Hester and Delegate Crosby, creates an independent office within the PSC to engage in long-term modeling and forecasting. Doing so will strengthen the expertise in State government so the General Assembly has the tools to make the best possible decisions while decreasing our reliance on PJM for technical guidance.

Amidst ongoing federal uncertainty, this comprehensive approach addresses the urgent energy challenges facing Maryland, ensuring a sustainable and affordable energy future for all residents and businesses.

The National Assessment of Education Progress report was released last week and Maryland’s reading scores made a remarkable leap, with fourth-grade rankings rising from 40th to 20th place and eighth-grade scores improving from 25th to 21st in just two years. This progress is an early demonstration that the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future is working, as investments in literacy and college readiness begin to take hold. 

The statewide shift to the science of reading approach, combined with a $6.8 million grant for teacher training and research, is strengthening classroom instruction and providing our students with tools to excel.

Math scores are also showing gradual improvement and continued efforts will be key to sustaining long-term success. The Blueprint is a decade-long plan, and while challenges remain, this early progress signals positive momentum. Tracking these trends over time will be essential to maintaining consistent improvements in student achievement.

Last week, the sudden halt on federal grants threw critical programs into uncharted territory and hit Maryland particularly hard. Families, businesses, and research institutions are already feeling the strain. The Medicaid payment system outage left providers unable to process reimbursements, while the NIH funding freeze threatened life-saving medical research and thousands of jobs in our biotech sector. From public health to small business support, these unnecessary disruptions created instability in programs that millions of Americans rely on.

Last week’s actions do not reflect fiscal responsibility; instead, they were a calculated move to create confusion and disruption. Rest assured that the Maryland General Assembly will do everything possible to secure our State’s future regardless of these dangerous and unprecedented actions.

The Trump Administration’s decision to expand immigration enforcement into schools, hospitals, and other sensitive locations is generating fear and uncertainty across Maryland. Removing undocumented individuals who commit crimes while in the United States has long been a core tenet of both parties’ immigration policy, but we cannot ignore the real harm that broad, indiscriminate immigration sweeps will cause for families who have lived, worked, and contributed to our communities for years. 

The 46th Legislative District is home to vibrant and incredible immigrant communities that are the bedrock of many of our neighborhoods. Mass deportation efforts will destabilize key industries, drive businesses into crisis, and push thousands of Maryland children to stay home from school out of fear.

We are taking action to ensure public safety without supporting new and reckless federal policies. We will uphold the Constitution, federal law, and the dignity of our communities, while focusing on real threats rather than fear-driven policies that weaken the trust and stability of our State.

I want to extend my congratulations to Delegate Carl Jackson on his nomination to fill the 8th Legislative District Senate seat, following the appointment of former Senator Kathy Klausmeier to be the new Baltimore County Executive. Delegate Jackson is a dedicated public servant, known for his strong advocacy for his constituents and his work on economic and labor issues. I look forward to welcoming him to the Senate of Maryland, where I know he will continue delivering for Baltimore County and the entire state.

With this appointment, the Senate will return to full strength with representation for every of Maryland’s one 47 legislative districts.

Applications are now open for YouthWorks, offering Baltimore youth (ages 14-21) paid summer job opportunities in private companies, nonprofits, and government agencies. Participants will earn $15 per hour for up to 25 hours per week over five weeks, gaining valuable experience and career skills. Last year, over 10,000 young people were placed with nearly 750 employers.

Small businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies can host youth workers at no cost, while larger employers can hire directly from the YouthWorks talent pool. This program is a proven investment in Baltimore’s future, providing young people with job experience and professional development. You can apply now on the YouthWorks website, or call 410-545-1820 for more information.

Last Friday, I was thrilled to join the hundreds of Marylanders who once again braved the freezing Chesapeake Bay waters for the annual Polar Bear Plunge. This year’s event contributed to the $4.43 million raised this year in support of Special Olympics Maryland and the thousands of athletes it empowers. This event is more than a fundraiser—it’s a celebration of inclusion, perseverance, and the power of sports to transform lives. 

The Senate of Maryland continues  our participation in honor of former Senator Douglas J. J. Peters, a steadfast supporter of the Plunge and Special Olympics during his time in our body. Doug’s legacy lives on as we rally behind an organization dedicated to ensuring athletes of all abilities receive the training, competition, and encouragement they deserve. We’re already looking ahead to making next year’s 30th Plunge the biggest yet!

Congratulations to my 46th District colleague and friend, Delegate Robbyn Lewis, for organizing another successful City for All Forum. This year's event was focused on envisioning the future of transit and transportation in Baltimore to make everyone's commute easier.

Governor Wes Moore nominated Harry Coker Jr., a former national cyber director, CIA leader, and retired Navy commander, to serve as Maryland’s next Secretary of Commerce. Kevin Anderson, who previously held the role, will transition to an economic development advisory position within the Administration. 

Maryland lawmakers are considering multiple bills to regulate student cell phone use, with proposals ranging from outright bans during class time to policies allowing limited use during emergencies. Supporters argue that phones are a major distraction, while opponents, including students, stress the importance of having phones for safety and communication with parents. This will be a key issue to track in the coming months.

Maryland’s new Medicaid waiver will provide healthcare and reentry support for individuals leaving incarceration, including case management and addiction treatment. Another expansion doubles housing assistance for Medicaid recipients with chronic health conditions. These initiatives aim to reduce relapses and emergency room visits.

Five-time All-Star Adam Jones is rejoining the Baltimore Orioles as a special adviser to GM Mike Elias and a community ambassador. Jones will mentor players, contribute to baseball operations, and strengthen ties with the Baltimore community. 

The Baltimore Development Corporation is searching for a new permanent operator for the Baltimore Farmers’ Market, Maryland’s largest producer-only market. Open Sundays from April to December, the market remains a key source of fresh produce, local goods, and community engagement after nearly 50 years. The Request for Proposals is open through February 21.

Baltimore City launched its 2025 Point-in-Time (PIT) count, a crucial effort to measure the city’s homeless population and advocate for funding, housing, and supportive services. More than 200 volunteers, including those with lived experience, are surveying encampments and shelters to ensure accurate data collection. While the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requires this count every two years, Baltimore conducts it annually.

MGM National Harbor is celebrating The Year of the Snake with a Lunar New Year-inspired Conservatory display, available for viewing from January 10 to March 30. Visitors can also enjoy traditional performances and cultural experiences.

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.

(Only until February 10)

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