August 8, 2025

Ready Report: MPRP Public Feedback, Tax Free Week, & Local Update

I hope you and your family are staying cool during this hot period and having a great summer season. A lot to update you with below:

Public Service Commission Now Accepting Public Feedback on MPRP

The Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) is now accepting public comments on the schedule proposed by its Technical Staff for reviewing the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project (MPRP). This follows a July 31 notice inviting feedback on how the proceeding should move forward.

The Staff-recommended schedule mirrors the timeline proposed by the Power Plant Research Program (PPRP), allowing for a more thorough and transparent review of the 67-mile transmission project. Unlike PSEG’s accelerated timeline, the Staff’s version ensures key data—including environmental studies and field surveys—is submitted before critical decisions are made.

The proposed timeline includes:

  • Public hearings in each county affected by the MPRP in the Fall of 2026
  • A March 2027deadline for the final PSC decision
  • A realistic window for testimony, evidence review, and public input

PSEG has resisted this approach, stating in a federal court filing that without the MPRP, it stands to “lose significant revenue.” This reinforces concerns that the project is being driven by profit—not public need.

Message from STOP MPRP Inc.: We strongly encourage all Stop MPRP supporters to submit comments fully supporting the Staff’s recommended schedule. You do not have to be an intervenor in the case to comment on the schedule. EVERYONE can show support! Please ask your family, friends, and neighbors to help!

  • Deadline to Comment: August 14, 2025
  • Reference: Case No. 9773

For instructions on how to submit your comment and more background on why this matters, read our full blog post here: Read the Full Blog Post

Shop Maryland Tax Free Week

The 2025 Maryland Tax-Free Week is from August 10th to 16th. Qualifying apparel and shoes under $100 or less per item will be exempt from the state sales tax. Also, the first $40 of a backpack purchase will be tax-free as well.

If you have any questions, check out this FAQ sheet from the Comptroller’s Office, or call (800)-MD-TAXES for more information.

Carroll County Republican Central Committee to Fill County Commissioner Vacancy

The Carroll County Republican Central Committee will nominate an individual to be appointed by the governor to serve out the remainder of the term through 2026.

The timeframe for interested applicants to submit applications has now ended (lasting 7/23/2025 to 8/2/2025). The Carroll County Republican Central Committee has received applications from the following individuals:

Alan Grasley

Susan Krebs

Robert Whittaker

Public comment in relation to the applicants, including letters of support/endorsement, can be submitted to the Carroll County Republican Central Committee via email at [email protected]. The public comment period will close on Tuesday 8/12/2025 at 6PM.

Carroll County Patriot Picnic

The Carroll County Republican Central Committee is hosting their first ever Patriot Picnic on Sunday, August 24th at Bennett Cerf Park, 400 Bennett Cerf Dr. Westminster, MD. The event begins at 1pm with speakers beginning at 2pm. It is a free event, however the Central Committee is asking that you bring a side dish to share with everyone. For more information, click here.

It is an honor to represent you in the Maryland Senate. As always, feel free to reach out to my office anytime with questions or concerns. Please be sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter/X for the most up-to-date information.

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