This legislative update was provided by:
Johnny Mautz, Maryland State Senate District 37
The 2025 Session of the General Assembly just wrapped up at midnight on April 7th, and I need to be straight with you – they just approved one of the largest tax increases in Maryland history.
When Governor Moore was elected, he inherited a $5 Billion surplus. Now, just three years later, we have accrued a $3 billion deficit.
I stood my ground and voted NO on this Budget.
Let me be clear: our fiscal problems aren’t because you aren’t paying enough taxes. The problem is runaway spending and weak economic growth. The so-called “Blueprint for Education” simply costs more than we can afford, and the state keeps adding more employees, agencies, and departments. These new taxes and fees will only drive businesses and jobs away from Maryland.
I know many on the Shore are struggling with inflation and skyrocketing energy costs. It’s even tougher for folks who rely on government assistance for energy, food, and housing – many of these programs have been cut or face reductions.
Making matters worse, the state pushed many costs down to our county governments while authorizing increases in local income taxes (the “piggy-back tax”). This creates pressure for counties to either raise these taxes or hike property taxes to meet state mandates.
Most of these mandates come from the Blueprint for Education. Despite our efforts to provide relief to local jurisdictions, all we got was a three-year freeze on “collaborative time” for teachers. Not nearly enough.
Our Eastern Shore has become a target for out-of-state solar developers. They see our flat, affordable farmland and Maryland’s generous renewable energy standards as an opportunity. Despite united opposition from all Eastern Shore legislators, outside interests pushed through legislation to fast-track solar projects here as their “solution” to energy costs.
Two harmful solar bills passed this year: SB931, the “Renewable Energy Certainty Act,” gives the Public Service Commission new power to approve massive projects and override our local zoning decisions. SB909, the “Energy Resource & Adequacy Planning Act,” creates yet another government office within the PSC (funded by your utility bills) to make energy policy recommendations. I fought against both bills because they trample local control and ignore the true value of our agricultural land.
There were a few bright spots on public safety. The General Assembly finally made possession of stolen firearms a felony. Legislation also passed allowing parole consideration for seniors and those convicted between ages 18-24 after serving 20 years – but the Parole Board must still approve any release.
Our top local priority – funding for the new Eastern Shore Regional Medical Center – received $20 Million in the Governor’s Budget to continue construction of this critical facility that will replace the aging Easton Memorial Hospital.
After years of trying, we finally amended the permanent revocation law for commercial watermen. Violations of oyster laws will still result in revocations, but watermen will now have a path to petition for reinstatement so they can apply again to work on the water.
We also approved an important pilot program for Dorchester County that allows private sector resources to review well and septic permits – a critical function often delayed in our local health departments.
And small towns with less than $100,000 annual revenue will now be exempt from costly Legislative Audits – a win for many Eastern Shore communities.
But make no mistake – our Budget troubles aren’t over. With federal spending cuts on the horizon, we may face a Special Session before 2026.
Attached below is a list of the new taxes and fees pushed through this legislative session.
Serving as your Senator is the honor of my lifetime. During the months ahead, I’ll continue fighting for our Eastern Shore values and preparing for the 2026 Session. My office is always open if you need assistance.
