July 29, 2026

Ready Report: Special Session Next Week, SNAP Audit, Carroll 4-H Fair Begins & More…

A lot to get to, including Special Session starting Monday, recent news about more waste in the Moore administration, the Carroll County 4-H Fair beginning and more.

Ready Interview with WBAL on Special Session & SNAP Audit

On Monday, I joined the C4 & Bryan Nehman Show on WBAL Radio 1090 AM (hear the interview here) to discuss the upcoming Special Session over congressional redistricting (but no other issues that would actually help Marylanders) and the ongoing SNAP audit findings. As a member of the Joint Audit and Evaluation Committee, the recent July audit, found the following going back several years:

  1. Massive Mismanagement of Taxpayer Funds
  • The audit shows systemic failures in verifying eligibility for welfare programs, resulting in millions of dollars in improper payments.
  1. Welfare Programs Without Accountability
  • FIA allowed individuals to receive benefits without required documentation, including missing income verification, criminal record checks, and employment records.
  • Welfare programs need stricter controls, not expansions.
  1. Failure to Stop Benefits for Lottery Winners and Incarcerated Individuals
  • One recipient continued receiving benefits after winning $2 million.
  • 1,858 incarcerated individuals received SNAP/TCA benefits.
  1. High SNAP Error Rate Costing Maryland $28 Million
  • Maryland was penalized $28 million due to an excessively high SNAP error rate
  • These Moore Adminstration agencies consistently fail to manage federal programs effectively, costing taxpayers more.

Bottom Line: This demonstrates why strong oversight and fiscal responsibility are essential—government must protect taxpayers, not waste their money. I actually was able to work with Senators from both parties this last Session to get some oversight reforms and changes made in the Department of Budget & Management and address some of the other problems that were in the news in the last year – but this is a whole new set of bad audits. It’s a game of whack-a-mole and the General Assembly must hold the bureaucracy and the Governor accountable – instead of kow-towing to Wes Moore’s political ambitions.

You can watch/listen the full interview by clicking here.

ICYMI: Special Session Next Week – Redistricting Fight – Nothing on Real Issues Affecting Marylanders:

As you may have heard, a few weeks ago Governor Moore, Senate President Ferguson, and House Speaker Peña-Melnyk called for a special session of the General Assembly – the sole purpose of which would be to propose an amendment to the state constitution that eliminate the guardrails that currently govern how congressional districts are drawn, clearing the way to eliminate Maryland’s only Republican voice in Congress. This amendment would have to go on the ballot this November for voters to decide.

This comes after the Democrat Leadership in the Maryland Senate, including Senate President Ferguson, chose not to pursue this redistricting battle during just months ago during the 2026 Legislative Session. Below is our statement from the Senate Republican Caucus and we will certainly have more on this fight:

Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week – August 9th to August 15th

Shop Maryland Tax-Free Wek will take place from Sunday, August 9th to Saturday, August 15th. During this week, qualifying clothing and footwear priced at $100 or less, plus the first $40 of any backpack or bookbag purchase, are exempt from Maryland’s 6% sales tax. This annual event gives families a meaningful break on back-to-school costs, however I will keep fighting for more taxpayer relief.

Carroll County 4-H Fair – July 31st to August 8th

The Carroll County 4-H Fair will take place from July 31st to August 8th at the Carroll County Agricultural Center in Westminster. The fair includes a slew of fun events perfect for families. You can find a full schedule of the fair by clicking here.

Board of Commissioners Urge Residents to Submit Comment About BGE Rate Increases

Earlier this week, the Maryland Public Service Commission (MPSC) issued a press release announcing that BGE has filed a rate case with MPSC, seeking an increase of $156 million based on a Return on Equity (ROE) of 10.4%. The utility says the additional revenue is needed to ensure it can maintain the integrity of its electrical system and continue providing safe, reliable service to its customers in Maryland.

According to the press release, MPSC’s next step is to work with the parties to set a procedural schedule for the case, which will include public comment hearings in BGE service territory and evidentiary hearings in MPSC offices in Baltimore.

The Carroll County Board of Commissioners urges residents to submit public comments about the increases and how the rates will affect their households and communities. The application has been docketed as Case No. 9888, where testimony and other filings by the parties in the case may be viewed. Members of the public may click here to submit comments online.

Comments may also be sent by mail and should be addressed to: Jamie Bergin, Chief Clerk, Maryland Public Service Commission, William Donald Schaefer Tower, 6 St. Paul Street, 16th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202. So that they are noted in the proper case file, all comments should reference Case No. 9888.

“During the Public Service Commission’s evaluation of BGE’s request, our focus will continue to be on delivering a decision that is both just and reasonable, while safeguarding the affordability of vital electric services for ratepayers,” stated Commission Chair Kumar Barve.

A decision on BGE’s application is expected in January 2027. Until a decision is reached, the current rates for BGE’s customers are frozen and will not change.

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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