February 7, 2025

Ready Report: State of the State, Electric Bill Help, District Night & More…

The fifth week of the Maryland General Assembly Legislative Session has concluded. Here is an update on what happened this week in Annapolis:

Click the picture below to watch my Weekly Video Update for Session Week 5:

Governor Moore’s State of the State

On Wednesday, Governor Moore gave his yearly State of the State Address to the entire Maryland General Assembly, as well as some of his Executive Branch officials. Although Maryland is facing a $3 Billion budget deficit which is expected to grow to nearly $7 Billion by FY30, an energy crisis due to lack of Maryland-made energy, out of control crime, and economic stagnation, Governor Moore doubled down on the very failed Democrat-passed policies that have put our state in these situations.

The Governor’s speech presents lofty rhetoric about Maryland’s future, but at its core, it embraces big government, higher taxes, and misplaced spending priorities. While he correctly identifies some of Maryland’s economic and fiscal challenges, his approach relies on the failed liberal playbook: more government intervention, more taxes, and more spending, all while ignoring the consequences of his own policies.

The Republican alternative is simple. Our state must focus on fiscal responsibility by putting the government on a diet, economic freedom by cutting taxes and regulations to make the state more competitive and supporting law enforcement by passing legislation that ensures criminals face real consequences.

House Minority Leader, Delegate Jason Buckel offered the Republican response to Governor Moore’s State of the State Address, which you can watch by clicking here.

Additionally, Torrey Snow on WBAL Radio had me on to discuss the Governor’s speech, as well as some Republican alternatives, which you can listen to by clicking here.

Finally, you can watch me on Maryland Public Television’s State Circle program debating Democratic Senator Jim Rosapepe on taxes and the budget by clicking here.

 

Senator Ready speaking to press following Governor Moore’s State of the State Address

BGE High Bill Resources

My office received an email from BGE this week explaining ways they are trying to help customers who are receiving higher-than-expected energy bills.

In case you missed it, last week I sent out an email explaining in detail how our state has gotten into this energy crisis, as well as some of the legislation that I am working on to get us back on track. You can read that email by clicking here. I will also be laying out other legislative initiatives and amendments soon that our Senate Republicans are working on to bring relief both in the short term and fix our energy problems in the long term.

 

The Message from BGE –

“BGE is taking the following steps to help customers:

 

  • Waiving late payment fees for January and February 2025.
  • Suspending disconnections for nonpayment in February 2025.
  • Offering payment arrangements to pay current charges over 12 months or longer and extending due dates on bills, if needed.
  • Streamlining their process to get any customers who were already disconnected back in service sooner.

You can visit https://www.bge.com/my-account/customer-support/bill-help for ways to manage your bill, use energy more efficiently, or access energy assistance. This includes:

 

  • BGE’s self-service Assistance Finder, which provides simple and personalized recommendations.
  • Financial assistance through state programs and the Fuel Fund of Maryland.
  • Pay your current high bill over 12 months or extend the due date to receive more time to pay by using the following self-service options: Payment arrangement and due-date extension. For extenuating circumstances needing payment arrangements beyond 12 months, please call us at 800.685.0123.
  • Budget billing information and online self-serve sign-up for customers who prefer a predictable monthly bill that spreads energy costs throughout the year.”

 

Farmers Could Qualify for Federal Emergency Loan Assistance due to 2023 & 2024 Severe Droughts

 The United States Department of Agriculture has issued a disaster designation for many Maryland farmers – including in Baltimore, Carroll & Frederick counties affected by the summer’s heat and droughts. Some farmers may be eligible for federal emergency loan assistance. More details can be found by clicking the link here, and filling out a quick questionnaire.

District 5 & Carroll County Night in Annapolis:

 

You are cordially invited to attend “An Evening in Annapolis with the Carroll County Delegation” on February 17th, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. The event will take place in the Miller Senate Office Building, in President’s Conference Center East (11 Bladen Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401).

All District 5 residents are invited to this event as is anyone else in Carroll County as Senator Chris West & Delegate Josh Stonko who represent the rest of Carroll County in District 42C will be joining us. This is a free event where refreshments will be served.

Following the event, guests are welcome to walk over to the Statehouse and watch either the House or Seante session at 8pm. Please bring a photo ID with you for entry into both the office building and Statehouse.

NOTE: Pocketknives are not permitted so leave those behind in your vehicle or at home.

RSVP: Senator Justin Ready at 410-841-3683 or email [email protected].

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 rest of the week!

The Trumpower Foundation Scholarship

Last year, The Harold Glen and Audrey G. Benson Trumpower Foundation Scholarship Fund awarded 76 scholarships to Carroll County students, totaling more than $729,000.

Applications for the 2025-26 school year must be completed online. Scholarships are awarded to Carroll County residents who are pursuing post-secondary education, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, or certifications. Scholarship money can be used to pay tuition, room and board, books, and other fees; and can be used for part-time or full-time study. Please learn more in the attached press release and visit our website to learn more and access the application at TrumpowerScholarships.org.  The application must be completed online by 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 28. Students must complete the FAFSA before applying.

Get more information and apply at TrumpowerScholarships.com. Reach out to our Community Impact team at 301-695-7660 or email [email protected] with questions.

Have a great week ahead and please reach out with any questions.

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