March 8, 2025
Ready Report: Fighting Miles-Traveled Tax, County Budget Update & More From Annapolis
The 9th week of the 2025 Legislative Session has concluded. Below is my video update on what happened in Annapolis.
Click the picture below to watch my Weekly Video Update for Session Week 9.
Ready in the Press – Vehicle Miles Traveled Legislation & Revenue Write Down
Over the past few years, the Democrat supermajority has been calling for an increase in transportation-related taxes and fees, citing the decline in revenues from the state fuel tax. One proposed solution is to charge citizens by the mile. This would include “highly efficient vehicles,” which get 25 miles per gallon or more.
Earlier this week, I appeared on ABC Channel 2 News to discuss a bill that I have sponsored which would prohibit the state from implementing a vehicle-miles-traveled tax. You can read the full article, which includes a short video, by clicking here.
Additionally, the Senate Republican Caucus put out the following press release reacting to the additional $280 Million revenue write-down by the Board of Revenue Estimates – budget deficit projects to be even bigger than thought – the answer is clear – we need to cut spending:
Honoring the Memory of Sykesville Councilman Eugene Johnson on Senate Floor
On Thursday, I rose on the Senate floor to honor the memory of Sykesville Councilman Eugene Johnson. Mr. Johnson passed away earlier this week, and I wanted to be sure to take a moment to recognize how much his dedication and leadership meant to the surrounding community. The Senate of Maryland adjourned in “Mr. Gene’s” honor on Thursday, March 6th. You can watch my floor speech by clicking here.
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.
Carroll County GOP Legislative Breakfast
Thank you to Carroll County GOP for invitation to give update on the General Assembly Session at their Legislative Breakfast on Saturday at Winfield Community Volunteer Fire Department. Our Delegation discussed the state’s budget, education, taxes, energy and some of the wacky bills that we’ve seen as well. I really appreciated the conversation and delicious breakfast too!
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.
Have a great week ahead!
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