March 17, 2025
Ready Report: “Crossover,” Blueprint Flexibility & More…
The 10th week of the 2025 Legislative Session has concluded. Today, March 17th, is known as “Crossover,” which is the deadline for bills to pass one chamber and be sent to the opposite chamber. Any bills that do not pass at least one chamber by Monday will likely not pass during the 2024 Legislative Session.
Below is my video update on several pieces of legislation that I am working on in Annapolis.
Click the picture below to watch my Weekly Video Update for Session Week 10.
Blueprint Implementation in Carroll County
Over the past several months, I have been hearing the concerns from Carroll County residents regarding the implementation of the Blueprint and how it will affect our public schools. I voted against the Blueprint when it was rammed through the General Assembly right before we locked down for Covid and have been fighting to gain flexibility on its implementation.
Delegate Stonko, who represents District 42C, has been working closely with me throughout discussions with several decision makers regarding the implantation of the Blueprint, and we are hopeful to have some good news soon. We recorded a video together last week discussing the historical background, as well as what we are doing to address issues specific to Carroll County. You can watch the video by clicking here.
Continuing to Fight Tax Increases
Last week, Maryland Senate Republicans stood with Maryland’s business community in opposition to SB 1045 – the proposed new 2.5% sales tax on business-to-business services. Maryland has never taxed services. This proposal would be crippling to businesses across Maryland. The Senate Republican released a press release with our thoughts on this proposal, which you can read by clicking here.
ICYMI: Carroll County Announces FY2026 Budget Overview & Public Meetings
On Tuesday, during Open Session, Mr. Ted Zaleski, Director of Management and Budget, presented the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Budget Overview to the Carroll County Board of Commissioners (BoC). The presentation outlined the county’s financial landscape, key budget considerations, and upcoming public meetings where residents can provide input. The entire Budget Overview presentation can be viewed on the county website, or by clicking here.
The Recommended Budget will be presented to the BoC on March 18, followed by agency meetings for funding requests on Thursday, March 20 and Tuesday, March 25.
Commissioners will deliberate in several Proposed Budget Work Sessions beginning on March 27.
Budget sessions that are open to the public will be televised on Channel 24 and streamed live on the county website. Unless otherwise noted, meetings will be held in the County Office Building, 225 N. Center Street, Westminster, MD 21157. Meeting dates, times, and places are subject to change, so please check the county website or call 410-386-2400 to confirm.
Community Presentations (7:00 pm – 9:00 pm):
Tuesday, April 22, Exploration Commons
Wednesday, April 23, Eldersburg Library
Thursday, April 24, Mt. Airy Library
Tuesday, April 29, Taneytown Library
Wednesday, April 30, North Carroll Library
A Budget Public Hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Carroll Arts Center, located at 91 W. Main Street in Westminster. More information will be provided closer to the date.
Final Budget Work Sessions to adjust the proposed budget based on public input are tentatively set for Tuesday, May 13th and Tuesday, May 20th.
The FY26 budget adoption is planned for Thursday, May 22nd.
Senatorial Scholarships Available
If you are or know a high school senior or college student, please consider applying for a Senatorial Scholarship. For more information or to request an application, email Emily Van Horn at [email protected] and include your full address. Scholarships will be accepted up to April 15, 2025.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me anytime. My office can be reached by emailing [email protected], and my staff and I will do our best to get back to you in a timely manner.
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