June 2, 2025

Ready Report: Breaking Down Maryland’s Fiscal Crisis, Memorial Day Remarks & Local Activities

I hope you and your family are doing well as get to the end of Spring. Below is an update including some continuing coverage on the aftermath of Maryland losing its AAA bond rating, as well as some upcoming events and summer activities in Carroll County.

Ready in the Press –Debunking Democrat Excuses for Loss of AAA Bond Rating & Fighting for Fiscal Sanity.

As you may have heard, Maryland has lost its AAA Bond Rating for the first time in over 50 years. Governor Moore promised to make this “Maryland’s Decade,” however we are now seeing the consequences of the Democrats’ high spending and tax raising policies. Maryland ranks as the 5th highest cost of living state in America! Last week I joined Maryland Public Television’s State Circle to discuss this further. You can watch this interview where I counter Democratic Senator Rosapepe who was trying the blame game by clicking here.

Also, last week I had an OpEd “We Need a Return to Fiscal Sanity in Maryland” in the Carroll County Times & Northern News. Click here to read: https://www.justinready.com/we-need-a-return-to-sanity-in-marylands-budget/

Ready in the Community – Memorial Day Remarks

It was an incredible honor to be asked to give the address at Westminster’s 158th Annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony. None of us can adequately describe how deeply thankful we are to the brave men and women from Carroll County and all over America who have laid their lives down in defense of our freedom and our nation. What we CAN do is remember and honor their sacrifice by supporting those they’ve left behind and serving together to keep our community and America that shining city on a hill that President Reagan so eloquently spoke of decades ago.


Addressing the Memorial Day Commemoration at Westminster Cemetery

No matter our political or even personal differences, Memorial Day is the perfect time to refocus and come together. May God continue to bless America. Thank you to all the volunteers from the American Legion and VFW as well as Westminster’s outstanding police department and Westminster Fire Department for their part in making this once again a wonderful (and safe) event.

Carroll County Launches 1st Agritourism Passport Program

Carroll County Economic Development is excited to launch the inaugural 2025 Carroll County Agritourism Passport Program starting June 1st!  Join the fun and adventure today!

This inaugural passport program is a guide to discovering the best of Carroll County’s agritourism — from local farms and fresh foods to unforgettable seasonal experiences. Whether you are a resident, visitor, child, adult, individual or family, the passport encourages exploration, supports local farms, and highlights the rich agricultural heritage of the region. With over 20 participating sites across the county, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

How it Works:

From June 1 through October 2025, those interested are invited to visit participating Carroll County farms and agritourism destinations. At each stop, collect a stamp in your passport. Beginning June 1st, passports can be picked up at the following locations:

  • Participating farm/agritourism sites
  • Carroll County Visitors Center at 500 S. Center Street, Westminster (at the Farm Museum)

Visit! Stamp! Enjoy! Repeat! Participants can earn a prize by collecting stamps from at least 10 different locations, and those passports will then be entered into a grand prize drawing!

Carroll County’s agritourism offerings include animals, crop mazes, u-pick farms, farmers markets, hayrides, wineries, and more — a true celebration of rural charm and community spirit.

For a full list of participating passport farms and more information, visit carrollgrown.org.

“We understand the importance of agribusiness to our county and appreciate this industry’s positive influence on our quality of life,” said Department of Economic Development Director Denise Beaver. “We believe this fun adventure will increase the visibility of some of our shining stars of agriculture within the community and encourage residents and visitors to explore our beautiful county. The goal of this outreach is to support local businesses and the agriculture community with a new and interesting approach.”

RETURN completed passports to the Carroll County Visitors Center, Carroll County Government Office Building or at a Carroll County Public Library branch. All eligible returned passports (at least 10 stamps) will receive a participation prize. Completed passports must be returned by November 15, 2025. Grand prize drawing in November.

To learn more about Carroll County local farms, agriculture and agritourism, please visit: carrollgrown.org.

Maryland State Police Annual Leadership and Career Development Seminar for Students

The Maryland State Police is pleased to announce that applications are now open for our Annual Leadership and Career Development Seminar, taking place July 24–27, 2025. We would greatly appreciate your help in sharing this opportunity with students and families in your district.

This free, four-day program is designed to introduce rising high school juniors and seniors, as well as incoming college freshmen, to leadership development and career opportunities within the Department of State Police. Participants will engage in hands-on activities, leadership workshops, and career exploration sessions led by MSP professionals.

For more information, click here.

10 Days to Go! –Join us June 12th for Senator Ready Annual Business Breakfast:

I want to invite you to my June 12th Annual Business Breakfast fundraiser at Greenmount Station in Hampstead. Tickets are $75 and there are also sponsorships available all by clicking here. Or, if you cannot attend but want to support our campaign, please click here to make a contribution.

This is a very important fundraising event for our campaign but it is also a great opportunity to connect and network with fellow business and political leaders. I will be discussing the outcome of the 2025 Legislative session and our Senate Republican plans to move forward.

Please click here to reserve your spot to join us in Hampstead on Thursday, June 12th – or to make a contribution to help. As always, if you’d prefer to mail a check, you can do so to “Friends of Justin Ready”, P.O. Box 402, Westminster, MD 21158.

Your support means so much to Ruth, me and our family. As always, feel free to reach out to my office anytime with any questions or concerns. Have a great week ahead!

Return To News >