Wes Moore

Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson announced in May 2026 that he was reconsidering his previous opposition to redistricting following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Louisiana v. Callais that struck down congressional districts drawn with consideration of voter race. Ferguson stated he was in active conversations with Democratic senators about calling a special session and proposing a constitutional amendment to address Maryland's congressional district map, with the goal of placing the measure before voters in November. This represented a shift from Ferguson's earlier position during the 2026 legislative session, when he blocked two House-passed redistricting bills by refusing to bring them to a vote in the Senate.

The Community Trust Act, a fiercely debated immigration bill, became law in Maryland without Governor Moore's signature in May 2026. Moore did not sign the legislation, allowing it to become law through the normal legislative process without executive approval. Maryland sheriffs responded publicly to the enactment of the measure.

Governor Wes Moore toured flood-affected areas of Allegany County on May 23, 2026, marking the one-year anniversary of severe flooding that caused an estimated $33.7 million in damages. Moore stated that flood recovery efforts in the region would proceed according to Plan A, visiting communities including Frostburg and Westernport to assess reconstruction progress. The state has allocated $12 million in aid to support recovery in areas damaged by the May 2025 flooding that affected approximately 300 homes and critical infrastructure.

The Community Trust Act, a fiercely debated immigration bill, became law in Maryland without Governor Moore's signature. Moore allowed the legislation to pass without affixing his signature, a procedural action that resulted in the bill's enactment. The measure prompted responses from Maryland sheriffs regarding its implementation and effects on law enforcement.

President Donald Trump issued statements on Truth Social attacking Maryland Governor Wes Moore after the State Board of Elections announced a mail-in ballot distribution error that affected approximately 565,000 voters in the state's June 23 primary. Trump claimed the error was intentional and pledged to request that the Justice Department investigate the matter. Maryland election officials disputed Trump's characterization of the ballots as illegal, clarifying that some voters had received ballots for the wrong political party and that voided ballots included safeguards to prevent double voting.

Governor Moore signed Senate Bill 245 and House Bill 444 into law on February 17, 2026, legislation that prohibits formal agreements between local police agencies and federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials and requires sheriff's departments to terminate any existing 287(g) agreements within 90 days. The emergency legislation took effect immediately upon Moore's signature. As of the 90-day deadline in May 2026, at least seven of the nine Maryland counties that had previously held 287(g) agreements with ICE terminated those agreements.

Moore signed two bills into law in May 2026 designed to address squatting issues in Maryland following a Spotlight on Maryland investigation that documented how homeowners encountered legal obstacles when unauthorized occupants claimed tenancy rights. The legislation was enacted to streamline the legal process for property owners dealing with unauthorized occupancy. The specific bill names are not provided in the available article text.

Moore signed legislation requiring sprinkler systems in high-rise residential buildings, a measure prompted by a fatal fire in Silver Spring in 2023. The bill establishes new fire safety standards for tall residential structures across the state. The sprinkler requirement aims to reduce risks and improve emergency response capabilities in high-rise residential properties.

Governor Wes Moore appointed two of three members to the state search committee tasked with identifying finalists for Prince George's County Public Schools superintendent, with the other member appointed by State Superintendent Carey Wright. The search committee narrowed the candidate pool to three finalists and forwarded their names to County Executive Aisha Braveboy for final selection by June 1, 2026. Moore's appointees to the committee were county residents Jennifer Avelar and Gordon L. Sampson.

Governor Moore signed legislation establishing Maryland's statewide 311 non-emergency information line, making Maryland the first state to implement such a system. The service will be rolled out in stages through 2027 and will be accessible via phone call, mobile application, and website, utilizing artificial intelligence chatbots and voicebots to direct residents to appropriate government services. The system includes provisions to seamlessly transfer calls that require emergency services or mental health crisis intervention to 911 or the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Moore signed Maryland's Utility Relief Act into law on Tuesday, addressing rising energy costs and clean energy policy. The legislation was signed alongside Senate President Bill Ferguson and House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk. Republican lawmakers and environmental groups stated the measure does not sufficiently address their respective concerns regarding utility costs and clean energy standards.

Gov. Wes Moore's nearly $71 billion state budget provided the University of Maryland with $871.9 million in annual operating funds but included $104 million in base budget reductions, representing more than a 10% decrease in state support between 2025 and 2027. The budget reduction contributed to the University of Maryland's implementation of a hiring freeze in April and plans to eliminate approximately 150 jobs. The funding cuts, combined with delays in federal research funding and rising operational expenses, prompted university leadership to announce the workforce reductions as necessary measures to address financial challenges.

Moore participated in a ceremonial event on May 7, 2026, where the final section of track was installed for the Purple Line light rail project connecting Montgomery County and Prince George's County. The 16-mile transit line, which will include 21 stops between New Carrollton and Bethesda, is projected to begin operation in late 2027 or early 2028. Moore stated the project would result in over 16 miles of completed track and approximately 2,000 jobs.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore attended the unveiling of a commemorative marker in Prince George's County on May 6, 2026, honoring hundreds of Black boys who died at the former Maryland House of Reformation and Instruction for Colored Children, a segregated detention facility where at least 230 unmarked graves have been discovered. Moore announced that the state is committed to identifying all burial sites at the facility and acknowledged the historical abuse, forced labor, and deaths that occurred there over more than a century. The state established a new commission to conduct forensic analysis, genealogical research, and historical record review to document what transpired at the detention center.

During Governor Moore's administration, the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services reported reductions in staffing vacancies, declining from 17 percent in 2023 to approximately 8.4 percent in 2025, marking the lowest vacancy rate in seven years. The department expanded its crisis de-escalation training program in March 2025 and maintained counseling and rehabilitation services for inmates. These measures were implemented as Maryland state prisons experienced five suspected homicides among inmates in 2026, prompting calls from criminal justice experts for increased transparency regarding prison staffing levels and security protocols.

Governor Moore signed House Bill 980, known as Kanaiyah's Law, into law on Tuesday as part of a bill-signing ceremony encompassing more than 200 pieces of legislation. The law creates a new State Foster Youth Ombudsman position within the Department of Human Services to investigate complaints from foster youth and ensure children in state care are placed in safe and healthy locations, and establishes a Guardian Assistance Program to help relative caregivers become permanent legal guardians by removing financial barriers. The legislation was named in memory of Kanaiyah Ward, a 16-year-old who died in a Baltimore hotel while in state custody in September 2025.

The Maryland Department of the Environment issued a pollution permit on April 25, 2026, that sets environmental requirements for animal feeding operations and allows poultry farmers to resume construction of chicken houses beginning May 8, 2026. The permit replaced a previous permit that expired in July 2025, halting all new chicken house construction for more than nine months. Governor Moore had not signed emergency legislation passed unanimously by the state legislature that would have authorized construction during permit lapses, though the department's issuance of the new permit resolved the construction delay before the bill took effect.

Governor Moore signed legislation updating Maryland's female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) law, which passed the House 120 to 0. The bill explicitly includes FGM/C in the definition of "abuse" that health care providers and educators are required to report, bans so-called vacation cutting that transports minors out of state for the procedure, increases penalties for violations, establishes civil rights for victims to sue for damages, and requires development of educational materials for mandated reporters. The update marked the first significant revision to Maryland's FGM/C law in over two decades.

Governor Moore is expected to consider signing legislation sponsored by Del. Nick Allen that would establish the Intelligent Speed Assistance System Pilot Program in Maryland. The bill, which passed both chambers of the legislature, would require installation of speed-limiting technology in vehicles of drivers whose license points have accumulated to the level of suspension or revocation. If signed by Moore, the bill would become law on October 1.

Governor Moore signed House Bill 444 into law on February 17, which restricts the 287(g) program that allows local law enforcement to collaborate with federal immigration enforcement officers. Moore subsequently sent letters to nine Maryland sheriffs, including St. Mary's County Sheriff Steve Hall, explaining how the immigration legislation will affect their offices' working relationships with immigration enforcement officers. Additional legislation such as Senate Bill 791 remained pending before Moore's desk and could further modify local law enforcement's relationship with federal immigration enforcement if signed into law.

Senate Bill 459, which passed the Maryland General Assembly in April 2026, requires state agencies to direct at least 50 percent of their advertising budgets to local news organizations, with the Senate approving it unanimously and the House voting 129-7 in favor. Governor Wes Moore was expected to sign the legislation, which would mandate state agencies to allocate advertising spending to local news outlets rather than tech platforms and out-of-state media corporations. The bill characterizes the requirement as a procurement mandate rather than a subsidy, with state agencies purchasing advertising services from local news organizations through standard commercial transactions.

A federal judge extended a pause on the conversion of an 825,000-square-foot warehouse near Hagerstown, Maryland into an immigrant detention facility, which the Department of Homeland Security had purchased in January for $102.4 million. The judge agreed to a longer-term preliminary injunction that permits only limited work such as fence installation and heating and cooling systems until the underlying lawsuit is resolved. Maryland Governor Moore characterized the preliminary injunction as a "major and welcome step forward" in response to the court's decision.

A federal judge extended a pause on work to convert an 825,000-square-foot warehouse near Hagerstown, Maryland into an Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing facility capable of housing 500 to 1,500 detainees. The Department of Homeland Security purchased the facility in January 2026 for $102.4 million and awarded a $113 million renovation contract, but the state of Maryland sued, alleging the federal government failed to conduct required environmental reviews and did not solicit public comment before purchasing the property in a flood plain. The extension of the temporary restraining order halts renovation work as the legal challenge proceeds.

Maryland lawmakers passed the "Stop Super Speeders" bill, which awaits Governor Moore's signature. The legislation addresses high-speed driving on Maryland roadways. Moore has not yet taken action on the bill.

Maryland Gov. Moore outlined his budget priorities in April 2026, emphasizing deficit reduction without implementing new taxes while maintaining investments in child care, public education, and public safety. Moore stated that he inherited a $2 billion structural deficit upon taking office and that his budget reduced the structural deficit by hundreds of millions of dollars. He indicated his intention to continue reducing the state's structural deficit in subsequent years rather than passing the fiscal challenges to his successor.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed the "Vax Act" (House Bill 637 and Senate Bill 385) on April 15, 2026, granting the state health secretary authority to set vaccine recommendations for Marylanders independent of federal guidelines and requiring Maryland insurance companies to cover those recommendations. Moore also signed the Jillian and Lindsay Weiner Short-Term Rental Safety Act (House Bill 1221 and Senate Bill 624), which establishes greater fire safety measures for short-term rentals through companies such as Vrbo and Airbnb. The bill signings occurred during a ceremony in the Governor's Reception Room in Annapolis, where Moore signed more than 140 bills alongside Senate President Bill Ferguson and House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk.

Governor Moore signed Maryland's nearly $71 billion budget into law during the 90-day legislative session, which closed a $1.4 billion budget gap through a combination of cuts and fund shifts. The budget included continued funding for the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, a five-year education initiative that requires school districts to set a $60,000 minimum salary floor for educators by July 1. State budget projections indicate the structural deficit could reach as much as $4 billion by 2031 without additional fiscal adjustments.

Governor Moore signed the Vax Act on Tuesday, legislation that authorizes Maryland's health secretary to set recommendations for immunizations, screenings, and preventive services beginning July 1. The law decouples Maryland's vaccine guidance from federal agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and directs the state to prioritize recommendations from organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians. The legislation also requires insurance companies to cover vaccines endorsed by the state.

Governor Polis requested major disaster declarations from President Trump for wildfires that burned 240 square miles in western Colorado and floods in southern Colorado, seeking FEMA public assistance for debris cleanup and infrastructure rebuilding as well as hazard-mitigation funding. Trump denied the requests in late 2025 and upheld that decision on appeal in April 2026 after what FEMA acting administrator Karen S. Evans described as a thorough review, though the denial letters did not provide detailed explanations. Polis stated the decision was "incredibly disappointing" and noted that Colorado communities had responded quickly to the disasters and worked in good faith with federal officials.

The Maryland General Assembly approved the Community Trust Act in April 2026, legislation that restricts when local authorities may detain individuals believed to be in the country illegally and transfer them to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Governor Wes Moore signed the bill as emergency legislation, allowing it to take effect immediately. Moore subsequently issued three directives clarifying that state and local agencies may continue to cooperate with ICE on criminal matters and immigration detainers within a defined framework.

Maryland's 2026 legislative session ended with significant procedural disruptions on the final day as House Democrats moved to end debate on Senate Bill 255, the Maryland Voting Rights Act of 2026, which had been debated by House Republicans on Saturday. House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk called the motion and proceeded with the vote despite Republican objections and shouting from both sides of the chamber that continued until the midnight adjournment. The Senate experienced separate tensions when Senate President Bill Ferguson interrupted Senator William Folden's questioning of Senate Bill 623, a bill creating a premium cigar lounge liquor license, telling Folden he had "embarrassed yourself enough" with minutes remaining in the session.

The Maryland General Assembly passed the Community Trust Act in April 2026, legislation that restricts when local authorities can detain individuals believed to be in the country illegally and transfer them to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The bill passed the House on Saturday and the Senate voted 32-15 on Monday to approve it as emergency legislation. Governor Moore signed the bill, which took effect immediately upon his signature.

The Maryland legislature passed legislation that, if signed by Governor Wes Moore, would ban the manufacture, purchase, and sale of handguns capable of being easily converted to machine-gun type weapons, effective October 1, 2026, with particular focus on handguns using a cruciform trigger bar mechanism. The bill targets firearms that can be modified with an auto sear, or Glock switch, a federally illegal device that converts semiautomatic handguns into automatic weapons. Firearms vendors and instructors attending a gun show in Howard County stated that the pending ban would disrupt their businesses and require them to modify training procedures and equipment.

The Maryland legislature passed legislation that would ban the manufacture, purchase, and sale of handguns with cruciform trigger bars, such as Glocks, effective October 1, pending Governor Wes Moore's signature. The bill targets handguns that can be readily converted to automatic weapons using aftermarket accessories known as auto sears, which are illegal under federal law. Firearms dealers and instructors at a Howard County gun show expressed concern that the ban would disrupt their businesses and require them to modify training programs and equipment.

Maryland lawmakers voted to pass legislation banning several popular handgun models, including most Glocks, and sent the bill to Governor Moore's desk in April 2026. The measure targeted specific firearm designs that lawmakers identified as widely available in the commercial market. Moore received the legislation for executive action following its passage through the state legislature.

Maryland lawmakers voted to pass legislation banning several popular handgun models, including most Glocks, in April 2026. The bill was sent to Governor Wes Moore for his signature or veto. Moore had not yet signed or rejected the measure as of the article's publication date.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed the state's 2027 budget bill into law on April 8, 2026, closing a $1.4 billion budget shortfall while balancing a nearly $71 billion operating budget without raising taxes or fees. The spending plan included $37 million to offset ratepayer costs in the limited income energy program, $300 million for the Office of Home Energy Program, and $82 million for the Maryland Energy Assistance Program, along with cost containment measures including a $127 million reduction to the Department of Disabilities' budget. Moore stated the budget addressed priorities including public safety, education, and energy cost relief while maintaining the administration's commitment to balance the budget without new taxation.

The Maryland House of Delegates voted 92-39 on April 7, 2026, to pass Senate Bill 323, which limits the offenses for which juveniles can be automatically charged as adults, raising the age threshold from 14 to 16 for most crimes while maintaining direct adult court jurisdiction for first-degree murder and rape charges. The bill, which also prohibits youth charged as adults from being detained in adult prisons except in limited circumstances, now proceeds to Governor Wes Moore for consideration. The Governor's administration, including Juvenile Services Secretary Betsy Fox Tolentino and Dorothy Lennig of the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy, supported the legislation during the legislative session.

Moore directed Maryland to allocate $63 million from its fiscal responsibility fund to maintain Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits after the federal government moved to reduce SNAP funding. Moore stated that states lack the budgetary capacity to permanently absorb federal safety-net programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, child care, and food assistance without long-term federal support. Moore argued that such programs were designed as joint federal-state responsibilities and that shifting costs to states risks destabilizing state finances and harming residents.

A bill awaiting Maryland Governor Wes Moore's signature would modify the qualification criteria for historic vehicle registration by changing the age requirement from vehicles manufactured in 1999 or earlier to any vehicle that is 25 years old regardless of manufacture date. The current statutory language froze the historic vehicle definition at 1999, creating an unintended consequence where newer vehicles could never qualify as historic despite becoming older. The legislation would establish a rolling age-based standard that adjusts automatically over time without requiring future legislative amendments.

Governor Wes Moore appointed two county residents, Jennifer Avelar and Gordon L. Sampson, to serve on a three-member search committee tasked with finding a permanent superintendent for Prince George's County Public Schools. Avelar works as a C.O.A.S.T. adviser at Prince George's Community College managing dual enrollment programs, while Sampson is a retired educator who previously served as chair of the Bowie State University Foundation board. The committee will screen applications, conduct background checks, and interview candidates, with three finalists to be forwarded to County Executive Aisha Braveboy by May 8 for final selection.

Governor Moore included judicial salary increases in his fiscal year 2026 budget proposal submitted to the Maryland legislature. The budget allocated funding for Maryland judges to receive at least $23,000 in cumulative salary increases over a four-year period through 2030. The proposed raises would be funded through state taxpayer resources as part of the overall executive budget.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed legislation on March 20, 2026, suspending the state's 33-cent-a-gallon gas tax for 60 days in response to elevated fuel prices resulting from the war with Iran. Three days later, Utah Governor Spencer Cox signed a law reducing the state's 38-cent-a-gallon fuel tax by 6 cents, with the reduction scheduled to begin on July 1, 2026. Other states including Florida considered similar measures, though policymakers expressed concerns about the impact on government finances, the effectiveness of tax suspensions in reducing retail prices for consumers, and uncertainty regarding the duration of the conflict.

The Maryland General Assembly passed a $70.8 billion state budget on March 30, 2026, which closed a $1.4 billion deficit without implementing tax increases. Governor Moore received the budget proposal for approval, with the measure expected to reach his office by early April 2026. The budget now awaits Moore's signature or veto.

The Maryland General Assembly passed a $70.8 billion state budget on Monday night, March 30, 2026, that closed a $1.4 billion deficit without implementing tax increases. The legislature sent the budget proposal to Governor Moore for his consideration. Moore was expected to receive the budget as early as Tuesday morning following the General Assembly's fast-track passage.

Yonelle Moore Lee, a 51-year-old Charles County Board of Education member, filed as a Democratic candidate for the state House of Delegates District 27A seat in 2026, which serves parts of Charles and Prince George's counties. Moore Lee's stated priorities include advocating for local control of education policy, increased funding for public education, and economic incentives for small businesses in the district. The primary election for the seat is scheduled for June 23, 2026, with four other Democratic candidates and one Republican candidate also filing for the position.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore has the authority to decide whether the state will participate in a new federal tax credit program administered by the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Department of the Treasury that becomes available in 2027. Under the program, taxpayers can claim a dollar-for-dollar tax credit of up to $1,700 for donations to nonprofit scholarship-granting organizations supporting K-12 students, with funds usable for tuition, tutoring, special needs services, transportation, and educational technology. States must opt in before January 1, 2027, and more than twenty states including Virginia have already signaled their intent to participate.

The Baltimore City Council unanimously passed the Safe Spaces and Communities bill in March 2026, which prohibits city entities from entering into agreements to detain individuals based on civil immigration charges, enforcing federal immigration laws, or allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents access to city facilities and detainees. The legislation prevents Baltimore Police officers from assisting with ICE operations or arresting individuals based on immigration status and bars the city from sharing information about individuals facing immigration enforcement action without their consent. Governor Wes Moore had previously signed separate state legislation banning local police and correction officers from signing ICE agreements, though local agencies retained the authority to make independent decisions.

Governor Brian Kemp signed legislation on March 20, 2026, suspending Georgia's fuel taxes for 60 days, making Georgia the first state to implement such a suspension in response to rising gas prices following Middle East conflict. The suspension eliminated the state's 33-cents-per-gallon tax on gasoline and 37-cents-per-gallon tax on diesel, with state officials estimating Georgia would forgo between $360 million and $400 million in fuel tax revenue. Despite the action, other states did not pursue similar fuel tax suspensions, partly due to reduced state budget surpluses compared to the immediate post-pandemic period.

Governor Moore, as chair of the Board of Public Works, approved contracts totaling nearly $900 million on March 18, 2026, to expand Maryland's foster care system capacity and strengthen care standards. The contracts, managed through the Department of Human Services, will fund 637 new placements over three years and include provisions requiring placements to accept referrals rather than reject children with complex needs. The approved spending also allocates $10 million for out-of-state facilities for children with significant medical, psychiatric, or behavioral needs.

Governor Moore included a proposal in his budget plan to freeze grant funding to counties with low income tax revenue. The Maryland Senate proposed to remove this limit on county disparity grants from the budget plan. The specific funding mechanism and its effects on county allocations were subjects of legislative modification during budget deliberations.

Governor Moore announced the Utility RELIEF Act, a package of energy legislation expected to reduce Maryland household utility bills by at least $150 annually, with greater savings for low-income households. The bill includes provisions to reduce surcharges for the EmPOWER Maryland energy efficiency program, cap utility executive compensation costs charged to ratepayers, require utilities to absorb grid membership costs, and redirect $100 million annually toward solar and battery storage projects. Moore stated the legislation would address rising utility costs and indicated the bill was expected to reach the House floor for a vote on Monday.

The Maryland state senate voted on March 13, 2026, to confirm Moore's deputy counsel as the second inspector general for education. The position was created to provide oversight of the state's education system. The confirmation followed a nomination by Moore for the role.

Maryland's 3% sales tax on business-to-business IT and data services, approved in 2026 with Governor Moore's agreement after he declined a broader blanket sales tax on business services, generated approximately $12.5 million in first quarter collections. The tax was projected to raise $500 million annually to help close a $3.3 billion structural budget gap, but early collections suggested the state would realize only approximately $50 million for the year, roughly 10% of the original projection. Legislative budget chairs acknowledged the underperformance but stated they did not anticipate the shortfall would create additional budget problems during the current fiscal year.

Governor Moore proposed $150 million in cuts to developmental disabilities services in the state budget. Disability advocates rallied at the Maryland State House on March 12, 2026, urging lawmakers to reject the proposed reductions. The cuts would affect the Developmental Disabilities Administration's funding and services to disabled individuals in the state.

Governor Moore testified before the Maryland General Assembly in support of the Maryland Transit and Housing Opportunity Act (S.B. 389/H.B. 894), legislation that overrides local zoning regulations in Transit-Oriented Development zones near train stations and removes minimum parking requirements for new housing developments. Moore claimed the legislation would create 7,000 new housing units and generate nearly $1.4 billion in new revenue through taxes to address Maryland's housing shortage, citing a state report projecting the need for 600,000 new housing units by 2045. The legislation designates TOD areas as enterprise zones and permits manufactured homes in single-family residential zones.

Governor Wes Moore vetoed legislation in May 2025 that would have created a Reparations Commission to assess discriminatory policies from 1877 to 1965 and recommend appropriate remedies. The Maryland legislature overrode Moore's veto in December 2025, establishing the 23-member commission despite his stated belief that immediate action rather than study was needed. Senator C. Anthony Muse subsequently introduced Senate Bill 476, which would redistribute some of the governor's appointment powers to legislative leaders and expand the commission to 28 members.

Moore's administration expanded Maryland's network of SNAP employment and training partners from 30 to 48 organizations in response to new work requirements under H.R. 1, which changed eligibility rules for certain SNAP recipients beginning in 2026. The expansion was designed to support recipients in meeting the new requirement to demonstrate employment or completion of 80 hours of job training or volunteer work monthly. Moore's administration also launched the Maryland Benefits One Application, a mobile-enabled platform enabling SNAP recipients to check their eligibility status and update their information.

The Maryland Department of Transportation announced a $50 million solar panel installation project across state parking lots and brownfields, funded through the Strategic Energy Investment Fund allocated by the General Assembly in the previous year's budget. The project will identify 25 potential sites through a request for proposals expected before the end of 2026, with installations designed to be visible to the public while providing the state with electric bill rebates over the life of the projects. Governor Moore's administration allocated funds from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund for this solar initiative as part of a broader effort to direct hundreds of millions from the fund toward climate and energy-related programs.

Governor Wes Moore appointed 13 members to the District 15 Trial Courts Judicial Nominating Commission for Charles County following the retirement of Judge Andrea R. S. Watkins from the district court. The nominating commission is responsible for advertising judicial vacancies, soliciting candidates from bar associations and the public, establishing application deadlines, and evaluating applicants for judicial positions. Patrick Troxler was designated as chair of the commission, which includes attorneys and legal professionals with backgrounds in criminal defense, family law, civil litigation, and public service.

President Trump approved emergency disaster assistance to Washington, D.C., following a sewage system leak that released approximately 250 million gallons of raw sewage into the Potomac River after a pipeline ruptured on January 19, 2026. The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced the approval on Saturday, authorizing FEMA to provide equipment and resources to support the response and cleanup efforts. Trump's approval came after D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser requested federal assistance and declared an emergency on Wednesday.

Moore attended a White House breakfast with the National Governors Association on Friday, February 20, 2026, after President Trump initially refused to invite him and Colorado Governor Jared Polis to the working event before reversing the decision at the last minute. Moore was co-chair of the bipartisan National Governors Association alongside Republican Governor Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma. The subsequent Saturday dinner saw all Democratic governors absent after many threatened to boycott in response to the exclusion of Democratic attendees from the Friday meeting.

Mayor Bowser declared a public emergency on Wednesday night in response to a ruptured pipe that discharged over 200 million gallons of wastewater into the Potomac River. Bowser requested federal support and sought 100 percent reimbursement for costs incurred by the District and D.C. Water for repairs and remediation efforts. The District's Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency has coordinated with federal agencies including FEMA, the National Park Service, and the Environmental Protection Agency since the pipe failure on February 6.

Governor Moore signed legislation on February 17, 2026, that ended 287(g) agreements in Maryland, which had permitted local law enforcement officers to perform certain federal immigration enforcement duties including checking immigration status during jail bookings and initiating deportation proceedings. The new law prohibits Maryland officers from carrying out these federal civil immigration functions. Moore stated the legislation establishes a clear boundary between state and federal responsibilities and that officers will not be authorized to perform immigration duties without federal oversight.

Moore signed legislation on February 17, 2026, that prohibits Maryland law enforcement officers from entering into immigration enforcement agreements with the federal government. The law terminates existing cooperative arrangements between local agencies and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, including Frederick County's practice of identifying and transferring individuals suspected of illegal immigration status to ICE. Maryland became one of ten states with Democratic leadership to enact statewide policies restricting local law enforcement participation in federal immigration enforcement programs.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore was expected to sign legislation banning the 287(g) immigration enforcement program in the state. The 287(g) program allows local law enforcement agencies to enter into agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to enforce federal immigration law. Moore's signing of this bill would remove the authorization for Maryland law enforcement to participate in the federal immigration enforcement initiative.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore responded to criticism from President Donald Trump regarding the state's handling of a sewage spill into the Potomac River that began on January 19, 2026, when a major section of the Potomac Interceptor collapsed. Moore's spokesperson stated that the Trump administration had been responsible for the sewer line for decades and had failed to act for four weeks following the leak. Moore's office indicated willingness to work collaboratively with federal authorities while asserting that Maryland officials had been coordinating the response since the spill's inception.

Governor Moore signed legislation on February 17, 2026, that prohibits Maryland law enforcement agencies from entering into immigration enforcement agreements with the federal government. The law ends Frederick County's practice of deputizing jail officers with federal authority to investigate immigration status, which had resulted in approximately 1,884 people being transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement since 2008. Maryland became the tenth state with a Democratic governor to implement a statewide policy restricting local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Governor Moore signed legislation banning 287(g) agreements, which are formal cooperation agreements between local law enforcement and Immigration and Customs Enforcement in nine Maryland counties. Following the signing of both House and Senate bills to end these agreements, Moore issued directives clarifying that Maryland agencies retain the ability to cooperate with ICE in certain circumstances. Policy analysts noted the apparent tension between the ban on formal 287(g) agreements and the continued authorization for some forms of ICE cooperation.

Maryland lawmakers passed legislation banning 287(g) agreements, which formalize cooperation between local law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Governor Wes Moore signed the bill on Tuesday, February 16, 2026. The law establishes restrictions on local police participation in federal immigration enforcement activities.

During a CBS News town hall in Cambridge that aired in February 2026, Moore stated he had no plans to run for president in 2028 and said he was focused on his current role as Maryland governor. Moore responded to questions about President Trump's policies and statements, asserting that his worthiness is determined by God and the people of Maryland rather than by the president. Moore also addressed cost-of-living concerns in Maryland, noting that housing costs and utility expenses were driving young residents to consider leaving the state and calling for increased energy options and housing development.

Maryland lawmakers passed legislation banning 287(g) agreements, which formally authorize local law enforcement to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Governor Moore signed the measure on Tuesday. County sheriffs have stated the law interferes with public safety and their ability to coordinate with federal authorities.

Moore signed House Bill 783, legislation passed in October 2025 that requires implicit bias and structural racism training as part of the renewal process for certain health care licenses and certifications in Maryland. The American Nurses Foundation presented Moore with its inaugural Health Equity Legacy Award at the 2026 Opportunity & Impact in Nursing Summit in Washington, D.C., recognizing his role in advancing the legislation. The award acknowledged Moore's efforts to address health disparities and promote equity within the health care system.

The Maryland General Assembly passed legislation prohibiting local formal agreements between law enforcement agencies and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, sending the bill to Governor Moore's desk in February 2026. Moore was expected to sign the bill into law. The measure represented the first bill passed during the 2026 legislative session.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced that his State of the State address would focus on economic growth and affordability rather than redistricting, despite continuing to prioritize a congressional redistricting plan that stalled in the state Senate. Moore stated he would not relent on his push to redraw Maryland's congressional districts but would temporarily set the issue aside to address other administrative priorities including making the state more affordable and economically competitive. The governor renewed his pressure on Senate leadership to vote on the House-approved redistricting plan, which would likely convert Maryland's only Republican-held congressional district to Democratic representation ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Governor Wes Moore backed the Starter and Silver Homes Act of 2026 (House Bill 239 and Senate Bill 36), legislation designed to expand housing options by enabling homes up to 30% less expensive than currently available and to unlock homeownership for more Maryland families. The bill would prohibit local jurisdictions from enforcing certain zoning provisions relating to lot size, dimensions, setback requirements, lot coverage, and design or architectural elements for single-family homes, as well as prohibit local jurisdictions from prohibiting certain housing types or subdivisions in certain zones. Calvert County commissioners expressed concern about the bill's impact on local control over residential density and zoning decisions.

Governor Wes Moore proposed a congressional redistricting map that was passed by the Maryland House and subsequently became the subject of escalating pressure from advocacy groups and lawmakers on Senate President Bill Ferguson to allow a floor vote. The redistricting proposal emerged as a mid-cycle redistricting effort in the Maryland legislature during the 2026 session. As of February 2026, the redistricting bill remained pending before the Senate following its House passage.

Governor Moore supported emergency legislation that would end local cooperation agreements between Maryland and federal immigration authorities, with the measures scheduled for a final vote in both chambers of the General Assembly in February 2026. Maryland Republican lawmakers urged Democratic leaders to slow the legislation, arguing the General Assembly was moving too quickly amid shifting national conditions and legal uncertainty. If approved by the legislature, the bills were set to proceed to Moore's desk for signature.

Moore announced a plan to establish clear guidelines governing Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations within Maryland. The plan includes a ban on the use of private buildings as detention centers and restrictions on ICE access to certain facilities. The guidelines were presented as an alternative approach to immigration enforcement compared to policies implemented in Florida.

Moore testified before the House Rules Executive Nominations Committee in support of House Bill 488, a congressional redistricting bill sponsored by Del. C.T. Wilson of Charles County. The bill sought to redraw Maryland's congressional districts in a midcycle redistricting process during the 2026 legislative session. Moore's testimony represented the governor's public backing of the redistricting measure as it moved through the General Assembly.

Governor Moore announced three housing-related bills during the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session: House Bill 239 (Starter and Silver Homes Act of 2026), Senate Bill 325 (Maryland Housing Certainty Act), and Senate Bill 389 (Maryland Transit and Housing Opportunity Act). The Charles County commissioners voted to draft a letter regarding these bills, with some commissioners expressing concerns that the Starter and Silver Homes Act would limit local zoning authority by imposing state-level requirements on lot size, setbacks, and housing size. The bills were presented as part of Moore's broader legislative efforts toward housing stability, growth, and affordability.

Moore included business tax cut provisions in his proposed budget that aligned with elements of President Trump's "One Big, Beautiful Bill" economic agenda. The budget allocated over $100 million in tax cuts to businesses by increasing deductions for private research and development spending. Moore's budget proposal incorporated these tax provisions despite publicly criticizing other aspects of Trump's economic agenda.

Governor Moore urged the Maryland House to approve a new congressional map through mid-decade redistricting, which the chamber passed on February 3, 2026. The map would reconfigure the state's congressional districts, including extending the 1st Congressional District across the Chesapeake Bay to include additional Democratic voters. Senate President Bill Ferguson has indicated the bill lacks sufficient support to advance in the state Senate, citing concerns about legal challenges and disruption to the election calendar.

Governor Wes Moore's advisory panel proposed a redistricting map for Maryland's congressional districts, which the Maryland House committee passed in January 2026. The redistricting effort was presented as a response to similar redistricting actions undertaken by Republican-controlled states. The proposal would redraw Maryland's congressional boundaries, including the 1st Congressional District currently represented by U.S. Representative Andy Harris.

The Maryland House of Delegates passed House Bill 488 on February 3, 2026, by a vote of 99-37, with the measure breaking largely along party lines to redraw the state's eight congressional districts. Governor Wes Moore called on Senate President Bill Ferguson to advance the bill, stating during a television appearance that the redistricting was necessary in response to similar actions in other states. The bill is expected to face significant obstacles in the Senate, where Ferguson and the Democratic majority have indicated resistance to mid-decade redistricting.

Governor Wes Moore allocated $250,000 in state funding to create a statue honoring educator Harriet Elizabeth Brown, with the statue to be displayed at the Calvert County courthouse. The allocation was announced by Delegate Jeffrie E. Long Jr. and Calvert County government officials. Brown was a Calvert County educator for over 30 years who, in 1937, brought a lawsuit against the county's racially discriminatory teacher salary practices, resulting in a settlement that equalized salaries and contributed to broader pay equalization reforms across Maryland.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore testified in support of House Bill 488 before the House Rules and Executive Nominations Committee in January 2026, endorsing a ballot measure that would ask voters whether new congressional district maps should be used in 2028 and 2030. Moore had previously appointed a Maryland Redistricting Advisory Commission in November 2025, which voted to recommend the new maps, significantly redrawing the 1st Congressional District currently held by Republican Andy Harris. The proposed maps would expand the 1st District across the Chesapeake Bay into Democratic-leaning areas of Anne Arundel and Howard counties while adjusting multiple other districts to maintain Democratic advantage.

Governor Moore proposed a Fiscal Year 2027 budget that includes a record $124.1 million in state funding for public safety, continuing a pattern of increased law enforcement funding for four consecutive years. The proposal allocates resources to local police departments, including over $50 million to Baltimore, as well as funding for the state attorney's office and community violence prevention initiatives. Since Moore took office, the state has recorded a 44 percent decrease in homicides statewide, a 58 percent decrease in Baltimore City, and a 40 percent decline in non-fatal shootings.

Moore shifted $292 million away from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund as part of efforts to close the state's budget deficit. The reallocation of SEIF funds was intended to support an energy plan designed to reduce costs. The plan redirected clean energy reserve funding to address the state's fiscal shortfall.

Governor Moore announced the selection of Kumar Barve as chair of Maryland's Public Service Commission in January 2026, replacing Fred Hoover in the leadership position. The Public Service Commission regulates gas and electric utilities in the state, and Moore's administration stated the leadership change aimed to address consumer concerns about high electric bills. Hoover remained on the commission with his term extended through 2029, but no longer held the chair's agenda-setting powers.

Moore introduced his fiscal year 2027 budget proposal, which included a transfer of $292 million from Maryland's clean energy fund to the general fund. The budget proposal drew criticism from environmental groups and prompted debate within the Maryland General Assembly. The specific reallocation of clean energy funds represented a significant shift in the state's budgetary priorities for the fiscal year.

Governor Moore released his fiscal year 2027 budget proposal on January 21, 2026, which addressed a projected $1.4 billion shortfall through cost-shifting measures, fund transfers, and adjustments to spending growth rates. The budget included a shift of retirement cost responsibilities for teachers, community college staff, and librarians to local governments, saving the state $39 million, and reduced funding for student mental health services through the Consortium for Community Services Support from a planned $130 million to $80 million annually. Local government officials and advocacy groups including the American Federation of Teachers and the Mental Health Association of Maryland announced plans to challenge these provisions during the General Assembly's budget review process.

Gov. Wes Moore announced on Thursday that Maryland will provide $164 million in funding to hospitals throughout the state to address capacity strains caused by a surge in hospitalizations from flu, COVID-19, and RSV. The funding is designated to cover costs of additional staffing and maintain available hospital beds to accommodate the increased patient volume. Maryland experienced approximately 4,000 flu hospitalizations, 1,000 RSV cases, and hundreds of COVID cases, with some facilities reporting 30 percent surges above normal capacity.

Governor Moore unveiled a $70.8 billion fiscal 2027 budget proposal that closes a $1.5 billion budget gap without raising taxes or fees, instead relying on spending cuts and fund transfers. The budget allocates increased funding to education, housing, and police initiatives while reducing the general fund budget by approximately $154 million compared to the current fiscal year. Moore stated the budget was developed in consultation with the legislature and utilizes nearly $1.1 billion in cash transfers, including $150 million from the local income tax reserve account and several bond-for-cash swaps.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore declared a state of preparedness ahead of a major winter storm forecasted to impact the DC region over the weekend, with predictions of at least five inches of snow and possible double-digit totals in some areas. The declaration enhances the state's ability to respond quickly to hazards associated with heavy snow and ice by directing the Department of Emergency Management to coordinate preparation efforts across state government. The action was taken as D.C.'s Department of Public Works and neighboring jurisdictions mobilized approximately 200 city trucks and 100 contractors to pretreat roadways and prepare for snow removal operations expected to last several days.

Moore's Redistricting Advisory Commission voted 3-2 to recommend a "congressional map concept" to Governor Moore and the Maryland General Assembly for redrawing the state's eight congressional districts. The commission's recommended map significantly alters the 1st Congressional District, currently held by Republican Andy Harris, by extending it from the Eastern Shore across the Chesapeake Bay through Anne Arundel County into Howard County, which would incorporate more Democratic voters into the district. The recommendation followed a closed-door vote by the five-member panel, which was chaired by U.S. Senate candidate Angela Alsobrooks and described by commission leadership as the culmination of a transparent public process.

Governor Moore announced new legislation in Maryland that would restrict dynamic pricing in grocery stores, requiring that prices for identical items remain constant throughout a full business day rather than changing hourly or by the minute. The bill, announced at a bulk food grocer in Severna Park with Senate President Bill Ferguson and House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk present, would empower the state attorney general to hold stores accountable for pricing practices. If enacted, the legislation would address pricing strategies that use customer data and shopping patterns to adjust prices based on individual circumstances.

Governor Moore proposed a $10.2 billion K-12 education budget for the upcoming fiscal year, representing a $374 million increase over current state spending and including $228 million to address a statutory funding lapse, $11 million for literacy and math coaching, and nearly $480 million for school construction. The proposal comes as Maryland faces a $1.4 billion structural deficit for the next year, with flat revenue growth and the state's fiscal committee recommending $600 million in ongoing cuts. Long-term budget projections indicate deficits will increase significantly in the late 2020s as costs from the Blueprint for Maryland's Future continue to rise.

Gov. Moore announced he will introduce a balanced budget for Maryland's final legislative session of his first term, with the general fund smaller than the previous year and no tax or fee increases included. The budget addresses a $1.4 billion deficit while maintaining what Moore characterized as investments in public education and public safety. Moore stated the budget will eliminate programs he deemed ineffective or unsustainable, though he did not specify which programs would face reduced funding.

Governor Moore stated that Maryland Democrats would focus on affordability and economic opportunities during the 2026 legislative session while maintaining fiscal discipline. Moore pledged not to increase taxes and fees to address a projected $1.4 billion budget shortfall, instead indicating that resolving the deficit would likely require deep spending cuts and possibly drawing from the state's $3.5 billion Rainy Day Fund. Moore's statement reflected the top priorities shared by Democratic leadership in both chambers, which centered on addressing the budget, energy, and housing issues.

Governor Moore appointed Darrell C. Odom Sr. to the District 27A seat of the Maryland House of Delegates on Monday, filling a vacancy created when Kevin M. Harris was appointed to the Maryland Senate. The Prince George's County Democratic Central Committee had selected Odom while the Charles County Democratic Central Committee selected an alternative candidate, with Moore making the final selection between the two nominees. Odom, a former Prince George's County Fire and Emergency Medical Department employee, identified education, public safety, and economic development as his focus areas.

Whistleblowers alleged that senior officials in Moore's Department of Human Services intentionally maintained a high error rate in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payments to delay cost-sharing requirements imposed under H.R. 1, a federal reform that requires states with high payment error rates to contribute more funds to SNAP from their own budgets. According to the allegations, Maryland's payment error rate of 13.64% was kept elevated to postpone budgetary impacts until after Moore's term-limited departure from office in 2030, potentially allowing time for federal policy changes. The whistleblowers also reported experiencing retaliation after reporting the matter to the Office of the Inspector General.

Moore proposed $124.1 million in public safety funding for the next fiscal year budget, the highest level of funding in Maryland's history and a $2.3 million increase over the previous year. The funding is designated to support overtime patrolling and equipment for local police departments across the state. Moore's proposal accompanied announcements of a 25% reduction in homicides, a 50% violent crime reduction, and a sharp decline in non-fatal shootings across Maryland.

Governor Moore announced state support for the redevelopment of land surrounding the Capitol Heights Metro Station, with the state investing $17 million toward a project that will include more than 300 affordable housing units priced for those earning 60% or less of area median income and approximately 10,000 square feet of retail space. Moore announced his support for three bills under consideration in the Maryland legislature, including legislation to make over 300 acres of state-owned land adjacent to transit stations available for redevelopment, the Starter and Silver Homes Act to supersede local zoning laws and reduce housing costs by up to 30%, and a bill to ensure regulatory certainty during construction approval. These initiatives are part of Prince George's County's broader Blue Line Corridor revitalization effort.

Moore vetoed a bill that would have directed additional state advertising dollars to local news outlets in Maryland. The legislation had been supported by Maryland press organizations seeking to increase public funding for news operations. Moore's veto prevented the bill from becoming law.

Governor Wes Moore announced that Southern Maryland received $600,000 through the Maryland State Revitalization Programs for three activities designed to promote community development and economic growth. Calvert County was awarded $300,000 to develop a site plan for transitional housing units and a resource center for domestic violence survivors in Prince Frederick, with the site plan expected to take one year to complete. St. Mary's County received $50,000 for implementation of minor improvements to properties within the downtown business district of Leonardtown.

Maryland Governor Moore has frequently cited a 96,000-unit housing shortage statistic in speeches, proclamations, and press releases since taking office in 2023, and included this figure in a recent executive order designed to reduce administrative barriers to new housing development. The 96,000-unit number derives from Up for Growth's Housing Underproduction Report, which measures the gap between existing housing stock and "latent demand" based on factors including households unable to form due to cost or availability constraints. The organization released its 2025 report in late 2024, revising the Maryland figure slightly downward to 94,000 units, though analysts note that housing underproduction figures represent complex regional economic measures rather than counts of unhoused individuals.

Maryland's largest public employees union, AFSCME Council 3, filed unfair labor practice complaints with the state's Public Employee Labor Relations Board in December 2025, claiming the Moore administration violated employee surveillance rules and unilaterally changed agreed-upon policies on telework eligibility and shift differentials. The complaints centered on allegations that the Department of Budget and Management selectively awarded shift differential pay to certain job classifications rather than applying the $1 hourly increase to all overnight shift workers as specified in the current collective bargaining agreement running through December 31, 2026. The Moore administration responded that it has consistently supported public servants while managing budget constraints, and stated the governor would continue working with labor partners to ensure worker protections.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore's Governor's Redistricting Advisory Commission held a closed-door virtual meeting on December 19, 2025, that was not listed on the commission's website and not open to the public, during which members voted 3-2 to solicit public proposals for redrawing the state's congressional districts. The unannounced meeting lacked a posted agenda and occurred without prior public notice, prompting criticism from open-government advocates and state legislators regarding compliance with Maryland's Open Meetings Act. Following the meeting, the commission announced plans to release submitted maps publicly after Christmas and hold two additional public meetings for community feedback on redistricting options.

Moore vetoed legislation in May 2025 that would have created a commission to study potential reparations for slavery in Maryland, stating that sufficient study of slavery's legacy had already been conducted and that focus should shift to implementation efforts. The Maryland General Assembly overrode Moore's veto on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, with Democrats controlling both chambers voting to establish the commission to examine how to address reparations. Following the veto override, Moore stated his disagreement with the legislature's decision but indicated willingness to work in partnership on repair efforts.

Governor Moore vetoed legislation requiring state agencies and the University of Maryland School of Business to study the impact of data center development on Maryland's environment, energy, and economy, citing budget constraints and concerns that reporting requirements burden state government. The Maryland General Assembly overrode Moore's veto on December 17, 2025, with the House voting 111-24 and the Senate voting 44-0 in favor of the data center study bill. The study, estimated to cost $502,000, is scheduled to be completed by September 2026 and was set to conclude in June 2027.

Governor Moore vetoed legislation that would have commissioned a study on the impact of data centers in Maryland. Maryland lawmakers voted on December 16, 2025, to override Moore's veto. The override enabled the state to proceed with commissioning the requested study on data center impacts.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore allocated nearly $500,000 in December 2025 to fund a study examining the costs of climate change in the state, reversing his earlier veto of similar legislation. Moore had rejected the RENEW Act (Responding to Emergency Needs From Extreme Weather) several months prior, citing budget concerns and concerns about the cost of conducting studies. The study, to be administered by the comptroller's office, will evaluate climate damage costs and potential impacts to taxpayers if fossil fuel companies are required to make compensatory payments to the state, with a final report due by December 1, 2026.

Gov. Moore issued an executive order on December 10, 2025, calling Maryland lawmakers back for a special legislative session beginning December 16 to elect a new House Speaker following Adrienne A. Jones's announcement of her resignation. The session will also require the House and Senate to consider veto overrides on 30 bills Moore vetoed in May, including measures concerning reparations commissions, climate change financial impacts, and energy planning offices. Moore indicated the special session could potentially address additional legislation, including possible congressional redistricting, though the legislature traditionally limits work during special sessions.

Governor Wes Moore appointed Kevin M. Harris to the Maryland State Senate District 27 seat in December 2025, following the departure of Michael A. Jackson, who was appointed secretary for the Maryland Department of the State Police. Harris, a former member of the House of Delegates representing parts of Charles and Prince George's counties, was the sole nominee submitted by the three county Democratic central committees with jurisdiction over the district. Harris was sworn in on the Senate floor in Annapolis and now represents constituents in Calvert, Charles, and Prince George's counties.

Governor Moore vetoed a bill that would have directed increased state advertising dollars to local news outlets, a measure that had been supported by Maryland press organizations. The veto prevented the implementation of a policy designed to steer advertising expenditures toward news media outlets across the state. Moore's action on the bill reflected his decision not to advance the legislation at that time.

Moore participated in the Chesapeake Executive Council meeting on Tuesday at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, where state and federal policymakers voted to approve a revised Chesapeake Bay cleanup agreement with a 2040 deadline, replacing the previous 2025 target that was not met. The agreement includes specific goals for oyster restoration, wetland acreage, and reduction of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment runoff. Moore stated that the bay cleanup effort required inclusion of tribal lands and tribal peoples in future vision for the effort, and the council voted to authorize a study on including Native American tribes in the pact, with results due by July 1, 2026.

Governor Moore signed an executive order in July 2023 authorizing the creation of the Maryland 250 Commission to commemorate Maryland's contributions to United States history with a stated goal of inclusive representation. The Commission has conducted events and initiatives including the African American History Tour Bus and the Holiday Historic House Tour, while also endorsing the Maryland Mosaic, an online database of historical documents and locations spanning Maryland's history. The Commission's activities are designed to highlight Maryland's role in American history ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary in July 2026.

Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order in July 2023 establishing the Maryland 250 Commission to commemorate Maryland's contributions to United States history ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary in July 2026. The commission, directed by Michele Johnson, was tasked with organizing events, creating historical databases, and ensuring that indigenous peoples, minorities, and immigrant communities were included in the state's historical commemoration. The commission has since organized events such as the African American History Tour Bus and the Holiday Historic House Tour, while also developing the Maryland Mosaic database to document Maryland's historical milestones and cultural contributions.

The Prince George's County Democratic Central Committee selected Del. Kevin Harris to fill the Maryland State Senate District 27 seat vacated by Michael Jackson in November 2025. Harris received 16 votes from the 26 committee members, with the remaining 10 votes going to Del. Jeffrie Long Jr. and attorney Jason Fowler receiving no votes. The selection followed the established process outlined by the Attorney General's office, with Harris also having been selected by the Charles County Democratic Central Committee, thereby securing the appointment.

U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner announced a policy shift in November 2025 that reduced funding for permanent supportive housing, which constituted 87% of the department's $3.9 billion Continuum of Care program, while expanding funding for transitional housing and other supportive services. Maryland Secretary for the Department of Housing and Community Development Jake Day stated the change would result in a $42 million funding reduction to Maryland and estimated a resulting 25% increase in homelessness in the state, affecting approximately 4,300 residents. The policy marked a departure from the Biden administration's "housing first" approach, which had prioritized housing with minimal conditions attached.

Moore criticized the Pentagon's investigation of Arizona Senator Mark Kelly under sedition allegations in November 2025. Moore stated on social media that military personnel swear an oath to the Constitution rather than to the President. Moore characterized the Pentagon's actions as "ridiculous" and commented on the broader authority of the executive branch.

Governor Wes Moore appointed Michael A. Jackson, a former state senator from District 27, as acting superintendent of the Maryland State Police effective November 12, 2025, granting Jackson the rank of colonel and a cabinet-level position as secretary of the department of state police. Jackson resigned from his five-year tenure representing parts of Prince George's, Calvert, and Charles counties and withdrew his candidacy for reelection in 2026 to assume the role. Jackson is required to stand for confirmation by the Maryland Senate when the legislature convenes in January 2026.

Governor Moore announced a $2 billion investment agreement with AstraZeneca to expand the pharmaceutical company's manufacturing operations in Maryland. The investment represents a commitment to expand the company's existing facilities and operations within the state. Moore and AstraZeneca officials made the announcement to highlight the economic development project.

Moore addressed business leaders at a Greater Washington Board of Trade meeting at National Harbor, urging them to invest in economic diversification in Maryland and the greater D.C. region rather than rely on traditional sectors of education, federal government, and healthcare. Moore stated that Maryland must streamline business processes and adopt faster decision-making to attract and retain companies, criticizing what he called the region's tendency to be "the place of no and slow." Moore also indicated his intention to collaborate with D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Virginia Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger on regional economic recruitment while maintaining competitive advantage for Maryland.

Gov. Moore sought to redraw Maryland's eight congressional districts ahead of the 2026 elections, requiring 24 votes in the 47-member state Senate to advance the redistricting effort. Senate President Bill Ferguson publicly stated his 34-member Democratic caucus opposed the midcycle redistricting in a letter released on October 28, though Moore's administration questioned the extent of Ferguson's support within his own party. The outcome remained uncertain as Moore attempted to secure sufficient Democratic votes to alter the congressional map.

Governor Moore called on the Maryland General Assembly to redraw the state's congressional map in August 2025. The governor's request came at the behest of national Democratic Party leadership and aimed to alter Maryland's representation in the U.S. House of Representatives. Senate President Bill Ferguson opposed the redistricting plan, citing both principled concerns about gerrymandering and political risks to existing safe seats.

The Maryland Transportation Authority announced that the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild budget increased to between $4.3 billion and $5.2 billion, up from the original estimate of $1.7 billion to $1.9 billion, with completion delayed to late 2030 rather than the initially projected 2028 opening. Governor Moore attributed the cost increase to federal policy changes, trade policies, and broader economic conditions affecting material and labor costs. The state committed to making substantial financial contributions including advancing upfront construction costs and directing insurance proceeds toward the reconstruction effort.

Indiana Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray announced on November 14, 2025, that the Indiana state Senate would not reconvene in December to vote on redistricting legislation, citing insufficient support among Republican members. The decision came after months of pressure from the White House, including visits from Vice President JD Vance and meetings between legislative leaders and President Donald Trump. Bray stated in a statement that after serious consideration, there were not enough votes to move the redistricting proposal forward.

Governor Moore stated that Maryland's projected $1.4 billion budget deficit resulted from federal policy impacts rather than state overspending. Moore pledged not to implement new taxes to address the deficit. The statement came as lawmakers debated approaches to resolve the budgetary shortfall.

Steve Arentz, a member of the Maryland General Assembly's Joint Audit and Evaluation Committee, called for the resignation of DHS Secretary Rafael López following an October 29 hearing on a Department of Human Services audit. The audit identified failures in background checks for individuals with direct contact with children in state care, inadequate reconciliation with Maryland's Sex Offender Registry, and over-reliance on unlicensed hotel placements for children. Arentz characterized López's response to the audit findings as among the worst he had observed in his decade of service on the committee.

Governor Moore announced $250,000 in state aid directed toward Maryland veterans affected by the federal government shutdown. The funding was made available to provide financial assistance to veterans experiencing hardship during the period of federal operations cessation. Moore designated the resources specifically for veterans in the state impacted by the shutdown's financial disruptions.

Governor Wes Moore appointed Michael A. Jackson as acting superintendent of the Maryland State Police, effective November 12, 2025, with Jackson also serving as secretary of the department of state police and holding the rank of colonel. Jackson, who had served as state senator from District 27 for five years representing parts of Calvert, Charles, and Prince George's counties, submitted his resignation from the Senate and withdrew his candidacy for reelection in 2026 upon accepting the position. Jackson is required to stand for confirmation by the Maryland Senate when the legislature convenes in January 2026.

Maryland State Senate President Ferguson rejected a redistricting proposal that had been supported by Governor Moore and House Speaker Jones in August 2025. The proposal would have removed the final Republican from Maryland's congressional delegation through redistricting. Ferguson instead advocated against the redistricting plan and supported the appointment of a commission to study the issue rather than implement the proposal.

During a cabinet meeting at Prince George's Community College in Largo, Maryland, Gov. Wes Moore announced a second round of emergency loans providing up to $1,400 in financial assistance to furloughed federal employees and those working without pay in the state. Moore also announced that Maryland would provide free public transportation across all state transit systems, including local buses, light rail, Metro subway, and paratransit services, for federal employees during the shutdown. Additionally, the state allocated $10.1 million to assist low-income federal employees in paying utility bills.

Moore signed an executive order establishing the Maryland Horse Industry Strategic Plan, a statewide initiative designed to guide the future of Maryland's $2.9 billion equine sector. The plan creates a steering committee composed of state agencies and industry representatives that will address seven key areas: policy, collaboration, economic development, advocacy, education, sustainability, and animal welfare. The committee is tasked with reporting its recommendations and goals to Moore and the General Assembly in the following year.

Moore signed an executive order establishing the Maryland Horse Industry Strategic Plan to direct the development of Maryland's equine sector, valued at approximately 2.9 billion dollars. The executive order was issued in November 2025. The plan is intended to chart the future direction of the horse industry within the state.

Moore announced a plan on November 7, 2025 to provide additional support to federal workers in Maryland during a federal government shutdown. The announcement included funding for energy services, an additional $700 loan, and expanded free transit services. The measures were designed to assist federal employees affected by the ongoing shutdown.

Governor Moore and Attorney General Brown filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on November 7, 2025, challenging the relocation of the FBI headquarters from its planned site in Greenbelt, Maryland to downtown Washington, D.C. The legal complaint represented Maryland's effort to preserve the construction project within the state. The Trump administration had taken action to move the headquarters location away from the initially selected site adjacent to the Greenbelt Metro Station.

Governor Moore released $62 million in state funds to provide full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for Maryland residents in November following a federal government shutdown and the Trump administration's decision to freeze SNAP benefits. The funding action was taken as animal rescue groups across Maryland reported increased requests from pet owners seeking assistance, with some facilities experiencing surges in pet surrenders and food bank requests. Moore's allocation represented one of several state and local emergency funding responses to address the gap created by reduced federal support for the nutrition assistance program.

Governor Wes Moore announced an executive order on November 4, 2025, allocating $62 million in state funds to supplement the federal government's partial funding of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for November. The allocation came after the Trump administration announced it would cover only 50 percent of SNAP benefits during the federal government shutdown. Moore directed the funds to come from Maryland's Fiscal Responsibility Fund to ensure full SNAP benefits for state recipients.

Maryland Gov. Moore announced the formation of a five-member Governor's Redistricting Advisory Commission to be led by U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, charged with making recommendations on redrawing the state's eight congressional districts. The commission includes former Attorney General Brian Frosh and Cumberland Mayor Ray Morriss, with Senate President Bill Ferguson and House Speaker Adrienne Jones or their designees also serving as members. Moore stated the commission would gather input from across the state to ensure fair and representative congressional maps.

Governor Moore declared a state of emergency in Maryland in response to the federal government shutdown and announced $10 million in emergency food assistance to address potential disruptions to SNAP benefits. The declaration occurred as the shutdown entered its sixth week and millions of Americans relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program faced potential delays or suspensions of their benefits. Moore's action provided state-level emergency funding to mitigate food insecurity resulting from the federal funding lapse.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore declared a state of emergency to maintain food bank operations across the state after the Trump administration announced plans to freeze Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payments during a government shutdown. Following a federal court order requiring the Department of Agriculture to continue SNAP payments using emergency reserve funds, Moore called on the federal government to release contingency funding and for congressional Republicans to end the shutdown. Moore stated that SNAP serves as a lifeline for approximately 680,000 Marylanders and emphasized the program's importance as an economic stabilizer for the state.

Governor Moore declared a state of emergency on Thursday in response to the federal government shutdown threatening Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funding in Maryland. The emergency declaration authorized a $10 million surge in state funding directed to food banks, local nonprofits, school pantries, and mobile food units across the state. Moore signed the declaration at the Anne Arundel County Food Bank and stated the state would continue addressing the funding gap on a weekly basis in coordination with legislative partners.

Senate President Bill Ferguson issued a letter to Maryland lawmakers in October 2025 rejecting a push to redraw the state's congressional map ahead of the 2026 midterms, citing legal risks from a 2022 court ruling that struck down a previous map for partisan gerrymandering and warning that new redistricting could invite additional legal challenges. Ferguson argued that while Democrats hold supermajorities in Annapolis, any Maryland redistricting would likely prompt Republican-led states to pursue their own maps, eliminating potential Democratic gains and worsening the national outlook. Governor Wes Moore responded by stating that Maryland should not "bend the knee" and should have "fair maps" and a "backbone," indicating his continued interest in redistricting despite Ferguson's opposition.

Del. Bouchat plans to introduce legislation in the 2026 General Assembly session to eliminate Maryland's Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program, a decades-old testing requirement that mandates most gas-powered vehicle owners undergo emissions testing every two years. Bouchat stated that modern automobile manufacturing has reduced emissions naturally, rendering the program obsolete, and argued that eliminating VEIP would save taxpayers money on testing fees and the costs of maintaining the state's 18 testing stations. Sen. Justin Ready confirmed he plans to cross-file the legislation in the Senate during the next session.

Del. Bouchat plans to introduce legislation in the 2026 General Assembly session to eliminate Maryland's Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program, commonly known as VEIP. The legislation would end the decades-old emissions testing requirement for vehicles in the state. Bouchat characterized the program as obsolete and cited concerns about costs to taxpayers.

During a federal government shutdown initiated by the Trump administration that resulted in the termination of over 15,000 Maryland federal employees, Moore announced a series of state-level responses including a $700 interest-free loan program for affected workers, expansion of SNAP benefits eligibility, and directives to ensure federal programs continued operating within Maryland. Moore also implemented measures to shield federal workers from eviction, foreclosure, and utility shutoffs during the shutdown period. These actions represented Maryland's state-level response to the disruption caused by the federal workforce reductions.

Governor Wes Moore supports the work of the Maryland Prescription Drug Affordability Board, which is expected to set upper payment limits on prescription drugs including Jardiance and Farxiga for state and local government employees. Under Moore's administration, the board's authority has been expanded to begin setting upper payment limits on drugs for all Marylanders beginning the following year. The board is also examining additional regulatory tools to increase the affordability of high-cost medications.

Gov. Moore stated in October 2025 that a federal government shutdown would result in the lapse of funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Maryland beginning in November. Moore indicated that hundreds of thousands of Marylanders would be at risk of food insecurity due to the interruption in SNAP benefits caused by the shutdown. The governor's statement highlighted the direct impact of federal funding lapses on state residents' access to nutrition assistance programs.

President Trump issued major disaster declarations for Alaska, Nebraska, North Dakota, and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe in October 2025, while denying requests from Vermont, Illinois, and Maryland. The disaster declarations authorize the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide federal financial assistance for repairing public infrastructure damaged by disasters and, in some cases, funds for survivor repairs and temporary housing. Trump approved a 100 percent cost share of disaster-related expenses for Alaska for 90 days following back-to-back storms that displaced 2,000 residents and caused at least one death.

The Maryland Board of Public Works approved the elimination of 502 state positions on October 23, 2025, through a combination of 170 vacant positions deemed unneeded and 332 employees who accepted early buyouts under the Voluntary Separation Program. The approved separations are expected to save $27.4 million in fiscal 2026 and $47.2 million in fiscal 2027 and beyond. Governor Moore characterized the cuts as necessary to address both a historic state budget crisis and anticipated reductions in federal funding and services.

Virginia House Speaker Scott called lawmakers back to Richmond for a special session on Monday afternoon, citing constitutional provisions and joint resolutions authorizing reconsideration of matters from the 2024 Special Session. Scott did not publicly specify the agenda for the session, though multiple Democratic sources indicated the focus would include redistricting of Virginia's congressional districts. The timing of the special session, called just days before Election Day, prompted speculation about potential amendments to the state's redistricting framework established by voters in 2020.

Moore announced a $50 million investment in Maryland's innovation economy by two Taiwan-based private equity firms as part of a new international partnership. The investment will fund Maryland and Taiwan startups and establish an international innovation exchange between the two regions. The deal was announced in October 2025.

Governor Wes Moore announced on October 10, 2025, the appointment of State Senator Michael A. Jackson as acting superintendent of the Maryland Department of State Police, effective November 12, 2025. Jackson, who represents District 27 in Calvert, Charles, and Prince George's counties, will succeed Colonel Roland L. Butler following Butler's retirement on November 1, 2025. Jackson brings 22 years of experience with the Prince George's County Sheriff's Office, including eight years as elected sheriff, and has served in the Maryland General Assembly since 2014, first as a delegate and then as a state senator beginning in 2021.

Governor Moore issued an executive order in June 2024 directing the state to establish Clean Heat Rules aimed at reducing air pollution from fossil fuel-burning heating equipment and promoting electric heating systems such as heat pumps in residential buildings. The Department of the Environment has begun developing rules to implement the executive order, though environmental advocates have called for accelerated progress in establishing the standards. Under the anticipated rules, property owners would be required to transition end-of-life furnaces and boilers to electric alternatives.

Governor Wes Moore announced that Maryland will provide free MARC train and Commuter Bus service to federal workers during the government shutdown, with riders able to access the benefit by presenting a federal ID badge to operators. The announcement was made during a resource fair in Howard County where state and local agencies were distributing resources to federal workers affected by the shutdown. Moore stated that Maryland's action represents a state response to the crisis, while acknowledging that no state can fully address the gap created by federal government disruption.

In June 2024, Moore issued an executive order requiring the state to establish Clean Heat Rules aimed at reducing air pollution from fossil fuel-burning heating equipment and promoting electric heating systems such as heat pumps in residential buildings. Environmental advocacy groups announced in October 2025 that they were forming the Maryland Clean Heat Coalition and launching a $200,000 digital advertising campaign to accelerate adoption of the clean heat standards, citing concerns that the state's Department of the Environment was not moving with sufficient urgency to meet climate commitments. The coalition groups stated that while the transition to electric heating was occurring, it remained unequally distributed across income brackets and required faster implementation to achieve state climate goals.

Governor Moore announced $100,000 in grants distributed to five organizations in 2025, with the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland receiving $20,000 to support the New Start program. The program provides entrepreneurial training to current and formerly incarcerated individuals in Southern Maryland, with up to eight participants completing a six-week business planning curriculum during the period covered. The Tri-County Council offered the program for its second year, having previously received grant funding in 2023.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore joined a group of Democratic state governors in launching the Governors Public Health Alliance, described as a coordinating hub for sharing data, emergency preparedness information, and public health policy among member states. Moore stated that the alliance was formed in response to what the governors characterized as insufficient federal public health coordination from the Trump administration. The alliance's formation occurred amid ongoing disagreements between Democratic governors and the Trump administration over public health measures, including vaccination recommendations and pandemic-era policies.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore joined a newly formed alliance of Democratic state governors aimed at coordinating public health efforts, data sharing, and emergency preparedness across states. Moore stated that the governors were banding together in response to what he characterized as insufficient federal public health coordination. The Governors Public Health Alliance included the governors of 15 states plus Guam, with Moore among several members identified as potential 2028 presidential candidates.

Governor Moore appointed State Senator Michael A. Jackson as superintendent of the Maryland State Police, effective November 12, 2025, replacing Colonel Roland L. Butler who is retiring November 1. Jackson, who previously served 22 years with the Prince George's County Sheriff's Office and was elected sheriff from 2002 to 2010 before his election to the House of Delegates in 2014 and subsequent appointment to the Senate in 2021, will lead the agency during its next operational period. Lieutenant Colonel Daniel C. Pickett will serve as interim superintendent between Butler's departure and Jackson's assumption of the role.

Maryland Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day announced on October 9, 2025, that the state would invest $36.8 million in affordable housing projects across Maryland, with funding supporting 13 projects expected to create or preserve more than 1,200 rental homes for low- and moderate-income residents. The projects, located in eight counties and Baltimore City, were selected through a competitive state program, with approximately half the funding sourced from the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program and the remainder from state and federal housing funds. Under new state rules implemented as part of the initiative, at least 15 percent of homes funded through the program must be reserved for people experiencing homelessness, with some projects providing long-term housing services.

Maryland announced a $36.8 million investment in affordable housing projects distributed across the state as part of Moore's housing initiative. The funding was allocated to 13 separate affordable housing projects designed to create or preserve more than 1,200 rental units statewide. The investment was presented as a response to Maryland's housing shortage.

Governor Moore held a press conference to discuss the impact of a federal government shutdown on Maryland's workforce, stating that over 15,000 Maryland federal workers had been fired since the Trump administration took office. Moore stated that the shutdown would result in furloughs for nonessential federal employees and suspended paychecks for federal workers across the state, affecting an estimated 269,000 directly employed federal workers and approximately 210,000 federal contractors in Maryland. The Governor announced his administration would continue funding state safety net programs during the shutdown while seeking federal reimbursement.

Maryland's Department of Health stated that Governor Moore's administration is committed to keeping the federal WIC program operational during the government shutdown, with the assumption that the state will be reimbursed for eligible expenses. The $150 million emergency fund currently sustaining WIC is expected to last only a few weeks, prompting state and local jurisdictions to prepare contingency plans. Moore's administration did not announce specific additional funding or legislative action beyond committing to maintain the program's operations.

Governor Wes Moore announced an agreement in which Constellation Energy committed to spend more than $340 million to improve water quality at Maryland's Conowingo Dam, which discharges into the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay. The agreement was negotiated in partnership with Waterkeepers Chesapeake and Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association and includes approximately $88 million for pollution reduction and resiliency initiatives such as shoreline restoration and forest buffers. The deal resolves legal disputes over responsibility for addressing sediment pollution at the dam and clears the way for the re-licensing and continued operation of the facility's hydroelectric plant, Maryland's largest source of renewable energy.

Governor Moore directed state agencies to implement contingency plans to maintain federal program operations in Maryland during the October 2025 government shutdown, including ensuring that state employees funded through federal dollars continue to receive paychecks for as long as possible. Moore announced that families would continue to receive benefits from federal programs administered by the state, including Medicaid, SNAP, and TANF, while also providing flexibility to Head Start programs and maintaining veterans' access to essential resources. Additionally, Moore sent letters to the state judiciary and utility companies regarding statutory legal protections for federal workers facing eviction or foreclosure, and expanded emergency assistance programs to make federal workers eligible for unemployment benefits during the shutdown.

Governor Wes Moore announced the closure of Maryland Correctional Institution at Jessup, a 44-year-old medium security facility in Anne Arundel County, citing prohibitive renovation costs estimated at $200 million and infrastructure degradation including foundation issues and drainage problems. More than 700 inmates and hundreds of staff members will be transferred to other facilities ahead of the planned June 2026 closure, with educational and vocational programs relocating to alternative correctional facilities. The state projects the closure will generate approximately $21 million in annual operational savings while redistributing correctional staff to address understaffing challenges across Maryland's prison system.

Governor Moore was presented with the opportunity to opt into a federal tax credit program under the One Big Beautiful Bill that would allow Marylanders to claim credits up to $1,700 for donations to scholarship organizations serving private schools. The article discusses the potential implementation of this school choice provision while addressing concerns from the Maryland State Education Association about funding impacts on public schools. Moore had previously stated support for an "all of the above" approach in other policy areas, suggesting a similar comprehensive strategy could apply to educational options.

Moore signed legislation establishing a tiered speed camera ticket system in Maryland based on how much a driver exceeds the speed limit, which the Maryland General Assembly passed and took effect on October 1, 2025. The law also expanded definitions of reckless and aggressive driving, with speeding 30 mph or more over the limit now constituting reckless driving and carrying penalties of six points on the driver's record, a $1,000 fine, jail time, or both. Additional criminal justice reforms signed into law included the Organized Retail Crime law enabling statewide data collection and aggregation of theft offenses across jurisdictions, and the Second Look Act requiring the Maryland Parole Commission to consider the age of incarcerated individuals in parole decisions.

Members of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland inspected a neglected burial site in Prince George's County containing graves of Black boys who died in the 19th and 20th centuries while in state custody at the House of Reformation and Instruction for Colored Children. The caucus members announced they are developing legislation to restore the cemetery and establish a commission to investigate the deaths of the boys buried there. The Maryland Department of Juvenile Services applied for a $31,000 grant from the African American Heritage Preservation Program to fund restoration work, with the state indicating it may allocate additional funds for cemetery restoration in the next fiscal year's capital budget.

Del. April Miller filed legislation to allow Maryland to opt into federal education tax credits established under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which would permit taxpayers to donate up to $1,700 toward private education grants and receive an equivalent tax credit. Gov. Moore's office stated it was premature to decide on participation pending Treasury Department guidance on program implementation and policy details. The Maryland State Education Association announced opposition to the tax credits, characterizing them as benefiting private schools while public schools face federal funding reductions.

Governor Moore responded to two state audits examining the Department of Transportation and Department of Health by attributing some of the issues to his predecessors, stating that problems in the Social Services Administration and State Highway Administration "did not begin with this administration." The SSA audit revealed inadequate criminal background check protocols in foster care oversight, while the SHA audit found the agency had charged more than $350 million in unauthorized projects and obscured Transportation Trust Fund balances. Moore instructed all state agencies to achieve full compliance and cooperation following the audits' release.

Governor Moore attended a Democratic news conference in Randallstown in September 2025 where he called for state representation on PJM Interconnection's governing board, arguing that the grid operator's "outdated processes" have contributed to recent electricity rate increases in Maryland. Moore stated that states should have a voice in PJM's decision-making rather than having decisions made about them without their participation. The Governor's remarks followed the General Assembly's April 2025 approval of a $200 million electricity rebate to residential ratepayers, with approximately $40 per customer distributed beginning in August 2025.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore joined governors from nine states in writing a complaint letter to PJM Interconnection regarding the organization's governance structure and energy policy decisions. The governors requested that PJM appoint representatives sympathetic to state ratepayers to two open board seats and expressed concern that states have minimal voice in PJM's policy-setting despite being served by the organization. Moore and the other governors cited PJM's closure of its interconnection queue for two and a half years and argued that the organization's practices have contributed to rising energy costs while blocking new clean energy projects.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore partnered with Arnold Ventures, a national philanthropic organization, to distribute $20 million in matching grants to support programs serving young men and boys throughout the state. The grant funding was divided between two initiatives: expansion of the Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) in community colleges across Maryland, including Prince George's Community College, and increased mentorship opportunities through Big Brothers and Big Sisters programs operating statewide. Moore stated that data demonstrates community college support programs generate significant returns for society.

Governor Moore signed legislation in May 2025 that prevents local governments from enacting zoning laws that restrict solar energy projects, overriding a Carroll County commissioners' vote from July 2023 that had banned solar farms on farmland. The state law allows solar projects to proceed on all zoned land except agricultural areas designated for farming. The legislation altered the balance of regulatory authority between local zoning decisions and state energy policy regarding solar development.

Governor Moore appealed the Federal Emergency Management Agency's denial of approximately $34 million in disaster relief funds for Western Maryland communities affected by flooding in May 2025. The appeal followed the agency's decision not to grant federal emergency aid for the disaster that damaged homes, schools, businesses, and infrastructure in Allegany and Garrett counties. Moore's administration stated that FEMA funding would supplement nearly $1.5 million in state disaster recovery and energy assistance already provided.

Governor Moore vetoed legislation that would have directed increased state advertising expenditures to local news outlets in Maryland, a measure that had received backing from press organizations across the state. The bill sought to steer advertising dollars from the state government toward local news media as a means of supporting journalism in the state. Moore's veto prevented the allocation of these state resources to the specified recipients.

Moore appeared on NBC's "Meet the Press" in September 2025 to discuss his administration's response to crime in Baltimore and to address questions about a potential presidential campaign. When asked about President Trump's proposal to deploy federal troops to Baltimore to address crime, Moore stated that such deployment would be ineffective and performative, noting that National Guard members lack law enforcement training. Moore cited crime statistics showing that Baltimore's crime rates had decreased by comparable or greater percentages than Washington, D.C. during the same period without federal troop deployment, and pointed to proposed federal budget cuts to violence prevention programs as counterproductive to addressing crime.

Governor Wes Moore appointed Lester Davis to the position of Chief of Staff. Davis assumed the role as the governor's top administrative official and senior advisor. The appointment was announced by Moore's office.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed legislation in 2024 that permits pharmacists to administer COVID-19 and flu vaccines to individuals aged three years and older without a prescription. Moore announced that Maryland will maintain protections ensuring residents have access to vaccines through their healthcare providers and pharmacies as flu season approaches. Moore stated that the state is prepared to address challenges arising from federal vaccine policy changes and will prioritize vaccine access as essential to public health.

Governor Moore ordered the Maryland State Police to increase law enforcement presence in Baltimore in collaboration with the Baltimore City Police Department to support ongoing crime reduction efforts. The announcement followed weeks of public disagreement between Moore and President Trump regarding Trump's stated intention to deploy National Guard troops to Baltimore. Moore stated that the increased state police resources would continue efforts to reduce violent crime in the city, which he noted had been declining over recent years.

Maryland Governor Moore announced more than $50 million in public safety investments in Baltimore focused on community-based violence prevention programming, youth engagement, and mental health services. Moore presented this initiative as an alternative approach to addressing violent crime in the city, contrasting with federal proposals to deploy military personnel to urban areas. The investments contributed to documented reductions in homicides and non-fatal shootings within Baltimore's city limits.

Moore stated that he would accept federal assistance from agencies such as the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to address crime in Baltimore, but would not accept deployment of National Guard troops as proposed by President Trump. Moore characterized the deployment of National Guard troops to fight crime as performative and an inefficient use of resources, contrasting it with the direct law enforcement capabilities of federal agencies. His comments came in response to Trump's public statements calling for federal troop deployment to Baltimore and other cities experiencing elevated crime rates.

President Trump suggested in September 2025 that the National Guard could be deployed to New Orleans to address crime in the city, following his administration's deployment of federal forces to Washington, D.C. and his stated plans to send the National Guard to Chicago and Baltimore. Trump stated that the deployment to New Orleans could be completed in approximately two weeks, citing what he characterized as crime problems in the city, while noting support from Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry for federal intervention.

Governor Moore implemented a hiring freeze and voluntary buyout program for state government employees in 2025. The actions represented a shift from Moore's campaign platform, which had emphasized rebuilding the state workforce. The hiring freeze and buyout offerings were announced as part of the administration's approach to managing state employment levels.

Moore's administration, through the Office of the Attorney General's Federal Accountability Unit, secured the release of hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funds that had been withheld, including over $110 million in education funding restored through a multistate lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's education funding freeze. Maryland led a 24-state lawsuit that blocked the dismantling of AmeriCorps, preserving over $12 million in federal funding for the state's programs across 26 AmeriCorps initiatives. The FAU operates at an annual cost of $1 million and has also successfully challenged illegal data sharing between federal agencies and blocked efforts to dismantle Health and Human Services programs.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore stated that he does not want President Donald Trump to send the National Guard to Baltimore, following Trump's suggestion that he might deploy federal forces to the city. Moore's statement came in response to Trump's declaration of a crime emergency in Washington, D.C., and discussions about potentially expanding federal law enforcement operations to other major cities. The governor's position reflected concerns among some Democratic officials about the scope of the administration's federal law enforcement actions.

Robin Grammer, sponsor of the Defend the Guard Act, describes Governor Wes Moore's stated commitment to prevent deployment of the Maryland National Guard into active combat overseas without a Congressional declaration of war. Grammer notes that the Defend the Guard Act has been introduced in over 30 states and that Moore has publicly stated he will not authorize National Guard usage for missions that are not mission-aligned or mission-critical. Grammer reports that the bill has received committee hearings for three consecutive legislative sessions but has not received a floor vote.

Maryland Governor Moore rejected the deployment of National Guard assistance to Baltimore despite elevated crime rates in the city. During a 17-day period when the National Guard was deployed in Washington, D.C., Baltimore recorded over 2,500 crimes including six homicides, nine rapes, and hundreds of assaults and property crimes. Moore had publicly stated that violent crime had been substantially reduced, a characterization that residents and law enforcement officials questioned given the continued high crime statistics.

The Trump administration signaled through the U.S. Attorney General's office in court filings that it intends to revoke federal offshore wind permits for Maryland projects, which would end offshore wind development in the state. The action targets permits previously approved under the Biden administration for 114 wind turbines approximately 10 miles off Ocean City and the southern Delaware coast, as well as a separate project by Italian company US Wind approved for Maryland waters. Governor Moore responded that the revocation would eliminate approximately $1 billion in investment and thousands of manufacturing jobs while reducing the state's ability to meet future energy generation needs.

Governor Moore signed an executive order in July 2025 establishing a "whole of government" approach to environmental justice aimed at addressing pollution in disproportionately exposed communities. The executive order provides a framework through which Moore and the Maryland Department of the Environment can address factory farm pollution on the Eastern Shore during the renewal of the state's water discharge permit for animal feeding operations. The action addresses pollution from large-scale poultry operations that collectively raise nearly 300 million chickens annually and generate over 500 million pounds of manure that contaminates groundwater and air in rural communities.

Maryland Gov. Moore responded to President Donald Trump's social media posts threatening to deploy the National Guard to Baltimore and potentially withhold funding for the Key Bridge by issuing a statement characterizing Trump's comments as unhelpful to public safety efforts. Moore, an Army veteran, called on the president to visit Baltimore to engage with residents and officials working on crime reduction rather than make threats from a distance. Moore stated that Maryland would continue addressing public safety challenges through partnership with local, state, and federal officials using approaches that have contributed to documented decreases in homicides and shootings in Baltimore since 2022.

Moore announced consideration of redrawing Maryland's congressional districts to address concerns about gerrymandering and uncompetitive races. The governor stated that the state should evaluate redistricting to ensure fair representation. Moore's statement indicated a willingness to examine the current congressional map structure in Maryland.

Governor Moore announced on Friday that Maryland Department of Budget and Management Secretary Helene Grady will step down from her position in October after nearly three years of service. Grady will remain in her role until October to facilitate a transition while the administration identifies her successor. The departure follows Grady's tenure overseeing the state's budget and management operations.

Moore announced that Maryland would appeal the federal government's denial of disaster assistance for Western Maryland communities following flooding in May 2025. The appeal sought reconsideration of the federal determination regarding aid eligibility for the affected region. Moore made the announcement on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.

Gov. Wes Moore announced in August 2025 that he would take action to increase affordable housing construction in Maryland through streamlining state permitting, leveraging public land for housing development, and establishing statewide housing goals with progress tracking. Moore indicated that counties demonstrating cooperation with these housing initiatives would receive unspecified incentives or rewards from the state. The governor cited data showing that half of Maryland renters spend more than 30 percent of income on housing and that housing permits have declined nearly 40 percent since before the 2008 financial crisis.

Governor Moore announced to county leaders gathered in Ocean City on August 16, 2025 that he would unveil efforts to increase affordable housing construction in Maryland. Moore stated his initiative would focus on streamlining state permitting processes, leveraging public land for new housing development, and establishing statewide housing goals with progress tracking mechanisms. Moore indicated that counties demonstrating participation in these housing efforts would receive unspecified incentives from the state.

Governor Wes Moore stated he would not activate the National Guard for crime reduction purposes in Baltimore. The statement was made in response to President Donald Trump's deployment of National Guard troops to Washington, D.C. in August 2025. Moore's position reflected concerns about the use of military personnel in domestic law enforcement operations.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore declined to deploy the state's National Guard to Washington, D.C. in response to President Trump's deployment of federal agents and National Guard troops to the District. Moore stated that he would not authorize Maryland's National Guard for deployments that are not mission critical or mission aligned, and characterized Trump's use of military personnel in law enforcement operations as inappropriate given Trump's receipt of draft deferments during the Vietnam War. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin took a different position, indicating support for Trump's law enforcement initiative in the District.

Governor Moore stated that he would not authorize the use of the Maryland National Guard for any mission he did not deem mission critical or mission aligned, in response to President Trump's deployment of National Guard troops to various states. Moore made these remarks during appearances on national news outlets, addressing the possibility that such deployments could extend to Maryland. At the time of the statement, there was no indication that the Trump administration had plans to deploy troops to Baltimore or Maryland.

Trump took control of Washington D.C.'s law enforcement and ordered National Guard troops to deploy onto the streets of the nation's capital, citing public safety concerns and declaring an emergency to address crime in the district. The president stated the action represented a "historic action to rescue our nation's capital from crime, bloodshed, bedlam and squalor and worse" and referred to the deployment as "liberation day in D.C." District officials questioned the factual basis for the emergency declaration underlying the deployment.

Governor Moore announced a personnel budget reduction of approximately $121 million through a combination of employee buyouts, a hiring freeze, and elimination of at least 150 vacant positions, as detailed in a letter to state employees sent in June 2025. The measures exclude the University System of Maryland, 24/7 facilities such as prisons and hospitals, and sworn state troopers. Non-union employees, including those in the governor's office, will forgo planned salary increases such as merit raises and step increases but will receive a 1% cost-of-living increase in July.

Governor Wes Moore signed Senate Bill 621 in April 2025, which mandated that sheriffs throughout Maryland assess safety and staffing needs at courthouse facilities and identify impediments to adequate security standards. The legislation requires sheriffs to submit their findings to the chief judge of the Maryland Supreme Court by September 30, 2025. The bill was enacted following a 2023 task force created to study judicial facility safety after the murder of Judge Andrew Wilkinson in Washington County.

Governor Moore announced a Displaced Federal Workers Hiring Initiative earlier in 2025 to recruit federal employees who had been laid off or accepted buyouts. The Moore administration subsequently implemented a statewide hiring freeze and rescinded a budget request for $30,000 in staffing support for the program, placing additional waves of the hiring initiative on hold pending reassessment of critical open positions. The Department of Budget and Management stated that the program would be targeted toward remaining critical state jobs as the administration addressed a required $121 million reduction in general fund spending.

Moore visited western Maryland in July 2025 to assess ongoing recovery efforts following devastating floods in May that damaged over 200 homes and buildings and caused an estimated $15.8 million in emergency response and infrastructure costs. The Trump Administration denied Maryland's request for federal disaster assistance despite the state meeting established criteria for FEMA support, prompting Moore's administration to announce an appeal of the decision. Maryland has allocated nearly $1.5 million toward recovery efforts and Moore stated the state would continue seeking additional funding resources.

President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law on July 4, 2025. The legislation reduces funding for SNAP, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act while expanding voucher programs and tightening restrictions on student loans. According to Maryland officials, the bill will increase state SNAP costs by $450 million annually and Medicaid costs by $100 million annually.

Moore requested federal disaster aid following May floods in Western Maryland that caused over $15 million in damage. President Trump denied the request, stating that states should assume greater responsibility for disaster recovery costs. The denial prompted public debate regarding the division of financial responsibility for disaster relief between federal and state governments.

Governor Moore declared a state of emergency following severe flooding in Allegany and Garrett counties in May 2025 and filed a request for Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster assistance. The state's initial damage assessment approached $80 million, which was reduced through FEMA's joint assessment process to $15.8 million, exceeding the state's threshold of $11.7 million for federal assistance eligibility. FEMA denied the disaster assistance request, and Moore announced that Maryland would appeal the decision to seek federal resources for recovery efforts in the affected communities.

Governor Moore vetoed a bill that would have created a 23-member commission to study the effects of historic racism on Black residents in Maryland and recommend reparations benefits, which passed both chambers of the legislature by overwhelming majorities in April 2025. Moore stated in his veto message on May 16, 2025, that the state should pursue continued action rather than conduct another study, though lawmakers alleged the administration was simultaneously developing its own reparations plan with similar language to the vetoed bill. The Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland announced its commitment to override Moore's veto when the General Assembly reconvenes.

Governor Wes Moore appointed Amanda Dolina to serve as Calvert County treasurer in July 2025, filling the remainder of the unexpired four-year term of previous treasurer Nova Tracy-Soper, who resigned in May citing health reasons. Dolina was sworn in during a county commissioners meeting on July 22, 2025, becoming the first new treasurer in over 30 years for the county. Dolina, a certified public accountant with more than 15 years of experience in public finance, indicated that deputy treasurer Cynthia Harris would remain in her position at the office.

Moore joined a bipartisan coalition of governors from eight states in sending a letter to PJM Interconnection, the operator of Maryland's electrical grid, on July 18, 2025. The governors called for fundamental changes and new leadership at PJM to address rising utility prices and restore public confidence in the organization's management. Moore and the other signatories urged the selection of tenured leadership and policy modifications to address challenges facing the regional electrical grid operator.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced the launch of the Maryland Benefits One application, a unified online portal that consolidates applications for multiple state assistance programs including Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, WIC, and emergency assistance. The platform, which replaced the previous MD THINK system, allows residents to apply for benefits through a single application accessible online or by phone rather than visiting multiple offices and making separate applications. According to Moore, the state reduced average application completion time significantly, and approximately 22,000 residents utilized the new system within its first two weeks of operation.

Governor Wes Moore appointed Ed Rothstein, a Carroll County commissioner and retired Army colonel, to lead the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families. Rothstein's appointment represented Moore's selection of a local official with military background to head the state agency responsible for veterans services. The appointment was announced in July 2025.

Governor Moore announced a voluntary separation program offering eligible full-time state employees in the executive branch $20,000 plus $300 for each year of service, along with six months of paid health benefits and payout of unused leave. The program, detailed by the Department of Budget and Management on July 10, 2025, aims to reduce ongoing personnel expenses by $121 million as part of a broader effort to decrease the size of state government. Employees have until August 4, 2025 to apply, with approximately 35,000 workers potentially eligible, though final approval rests with individual agencies and the Secretary of Budget and Management.

The Maryland Transportation Authority announced that demolition of the remaining structures of Baltimore's collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge will begin on July 7, 2025, and continue for several months using heavy machinery including excavators, cranes, and concrete saws. Work will commence with removal of the bridge deck over the Patapsco River, followed by demolition of sections over Hawkins Point and Sollers Point, with controlled detonations not being used during this phase. Governor Moore stated that the reconstruction project, expected to be completed in 2028 at a cost of approximately $2 billion, will employ advanced industry standards and materials while providing employment to Maryland residents.

Governor Moore signed S.B. 80 into law, which provides enhanced penalties in misdemeanor animal neglect cases. The legislation was passed by the Maryland General Assembly in recognition of the need to address animal cruelty crimes with greater severity. This action establishes stronger legal consequences for cases of animal neglect under Maryland law.

The Maryland Consortium on Coordinated Community Supports awarded $96 million in grants to 107 programs across the state to support student mental health services. The grants, ranging from $71,000 to $3.5 million per program, were intended to expand access to school-based mental health providers, connect families with community services, and provide wraparound support services reaching approximately 80 percent of Maryland schools. The funding represented the second round of grants distributed through the consortium, which was established under the state's Blueprint for Maryland's Future education reform plan.

Governor Moore signed the Maryland Second Look Act, which expands judicial review of sentences for individuals who committed offenses before age 25 and are serving parole-eligible life sentences. The legislation allows courts to reconsider sentences after an individual has served a substantial term, extending eligibility beyond the Juvenile Restoration Act of 2021. The act applies to more than one thousand Marylanders currently incarcerated under such sentences.

Governor Moore ordered the resignation of Vincent Schiraldi, secretary of the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services, citing insufficient progress in departmental operations and outcomes. Schiraldi's two-year tenure included declining overall state crime rates but increasing juvenile involvement in certain crimes. Moore appointed Betsy Fox Tolentino, previously managing director of juvenile and young adult justice initiatives at The Roca Impact Institute, to serve as acting secretary beginning the following day.

Governor Moore signed three bills passed by the Maryland General Assembly addressing driving under the influence and road safety. H.B. 388 requires the Motor Vehicle Administration to assess 12 points against the driver's license of anyone convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or impaired by alcohol, drugs, or controlled dangerous substances. H.B. 463 and S.B. 471 alter the requirements of the Roadway Safety Driving Education Program established by the Motor Vehicle Administration.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore joined a group of Democratic governors in issuing a written response to President Trump's deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles during immigration enforcement operations and related protests. Moore stated that the president's decision to deploy state National Guard units without coordinating with the affected state's governor constituted an abuse of executive power and departed from established procedures for mobilizing such forces. Moore asserted that governors retain commander-in-chief authority over their respective National Guard units and that federal deployments should involve coordination with state officials and local law enforcement.

Governor Moore ordered the resignation of Vincent Schiraldi, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services, citing insufficient progress in implementing reforms despite two years in the position. Schiraldi's tenure saw overall crime numbers decrease statewide, though the proportion of juveniles committing certain crimes increased during the same period. Betsy Fox Tolentino, who previously served as managing director of juvenile and young adult justice initiatives at The Roca Impact Institute, was named to assume the role in an acting capacity.

Governor Moore announced the removal of Vincent Schiraldi as Secretary of the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services in June 2025. Schiraldi stated that he had become a "lightning rod" for the agency. Moore appointed a new acting secretary to replace Schiraldi in the position.

Governor Wes Moore announced his intention to nominate Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman to serve as Maryland Democratic Party Chair following Ken Ulman's announced resignation effective June 13, 2025. Central committee members from each county were scheduled to vote on the nomination on June 21, 2025, in Prince George's County. Pittman would fill out the remainder of Ulman's term, which ends in 2026, while continuing to serve as county executive.

Governor Moore signed the Next Generation Energy Act and the Renewable Energy Certainty Act during his final bill signing session on May 21, 2025. The Next Generation Energy Act removes renewable energy subsidies for trash incinerators, while the Renewable Energy Certainty Act establishes statewide standards for solar farm siting and caps solar facilities to 5 percent of agricultural preservation areas in any county. Two groups that had sought Moore's veto of these bills ultimately failed to submit the required signatures to place referendums on the 2026 ballot.

Governor Moore announced a reduction of the state's real estate portfolio, including the sale of office buildings and other facilities in Baltimore as part of an effort to cut $576 million in spending. The administration's plan involves divesting state-owned properties to address the state's structural deficit and improve operational efficiency. The sales are expected to convert currently tax-exempt properties into private ownership, thereby adding revenue to Baltimore's property tax base.

The Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project, a proposed high-voltage power line crossing Baltimore, Carroll, and Frederick counties, would require over 400 property owners to cede land primarily to serve data centers in Virginia. Governor Moore has the authority to demand that PJM, the regional grid operator, cancel the project contract awarded to developer PSEG and require updated modeling to explore alternatives such as upgrading existing infrastructure or implementing underground transmission lines along the Route 15 corridor. The article outlines potential actions Moore could take to balance economic growth with protection of rural property rights and land conservation goals.

Governor Moore signed an executive order in fall 2025 establishing the "Reinvest Baltimore" program to coordinate the transformation of 5,000 vacant units into owned homes across Baltimore. The program represents Moore's effort to address Maryland's housing shortage, which stands at approximately 96,000 units statewide, and works in conjunction with Mayor Brandon Scott's 15-year, $3 billion plan to acquire and rehabilitate vacant properties. As of June 2025, Baltimore had reduced its vacant unit count to less than 13,000, down from over 16,000 in January 2020, with the city on track to accelerate the reduction rate from 500 units annually to 1,000 units annually.

House Bill 1294, which took effect in Maryland in October 2025, defined earned wage advances as loans and capped fees at $7, though the law exempted these loan apps from certain provisions of Maryland's Small Dollar Loan Act regarding unfair and deceptive practices and discrimination. Governor Moore did not sign the bill but also did not veto it, instead expressing in a letter that while the law represented a step toward consumer protection, additional safeguards were needed. Consumer protection advocates criticized the law for not capping tips that apps pressure users to pay, not limiting monthly borrowing amounts, and not adequately addressing predatory lending practices associated with payday loan applications.

Aisha Braveboy, Prince George's County State's Attorney, declared victory in the special election for county executive on June 4, 2025, receiving over 89% of the unofficial vote. Braveboy's election positions her to serve the remaining two years of Angela Alsobrooks' term following Alsobrooks' departure to take a U.S. Senate seat. Braveboy indicated her priorities upon taking office will include education, school truancy reduction, local business development, repurposing the Six Flags America site, and increased coordination between municipal policing agencies.

Governor Wes Moore vetoed S.B. 587, the Maryland Reparations Commission bill, on May 16, 2026. The legislation would have established a commission to study and make recommendations regarding reparations. Moore's veto prevented the creation of this fact-finding body that would have been tasked with conducting empirical research on reparations policy.

Governor Moore signed legislation allocating $25 million to cover abortion costs for women unable to afford the procedure. The bill was enacted as a healthcare funding measure in Maryland. The legislation established state funding for abortion access without accompanying measures to inform women of alternative support programs available if they chose to carry pregnancies to term.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced $1 million in state grants distributed to 11 colleges and universities to support the Alternative Certification for Effective Teachers (ACET) program on May 29, 2025. The funding enables former federal workers who lost their positions to obtain teaching licenses through an accelerated pathway, with Montgomery College receiving $100,000 of the total grant amount. Participants in the program are expected to be qualified for classroom positions by fall 2025.

Governor Moore signed the Wildlife Connectivity and Crossings Act (H.B. 731) into law in May 2025. The legislation addresses wildlife-vehicle collisions, which resulted in an estimated 33,000 deer-vehicle incidents in Maryland in 2017 alone and caused 14 human deaths between 2012 and 2021. The act directs the construction of wildlife crossings including bridges, underpasses, culverts, and fencing to redirect animals away from roadways, a measure that has reduced deer collisions by 92 percent in Virginia.

S&P Global Ratings maintained Maryland's AAA credit rating with a stable outlook following the state legislature's closure of a multibillion-dollar budget deficit. Governor Moore joined other state officials in a joint statement noting that the rating affirmation validated the state's work to preserve fiscal strength amid federal economic impacts. The rating maintenance came after Fitch Ratings similarly maintained Maryland's AAA rating in May, though Moody's downgraded the state to Aa1 in the same period.

Maryland Governor Moore vetoed a bill that would have established a commission to study historical policies leading to economic disparities based on race, including housing segregation, redlining, and restrictive covenants. Moore stated that the state should pursue action rather than additional research, citing his administration's investments in historically Black colleges and universities, expungement reform, procurement reform, and a mass pardon of over 1,000 individuals. When asked about using tax dollars for direct cash reparations, Moore referenced his administration's existing actions to address racial discrimination rather than committing to that specific form of compensation.

Governor Moore vetoed Senate Bill 587 on May 16, 2025, which would have established a two-year study into whether Maryland should provide reparations to descendants of slaves affected by the state's history of slavery and inequality. In his veto letter, Moore stated that while he supports the work of reparations advocates, he does not believe it is the appropriate time for another study. The veto prompted criticism from Black leaders in Baltimore, including Rev. Dr. Robert Turner and Dayvon Love, who viewed the study as a necessary step toward addressing historical injustices.

Governor Moore allowed House Bill 1294, legislation to regulate earned wage access loans in Maryland for the first time, to become law without his signature in May 2025. The bill establishes regulatory framework for programs that advance workers their earned but unreceived wages, though it exempts app-based lenders from certain state lending protections. Moore cited benefits to workers facing unexpected expenses while also noting provisions he found troublesome, leading him to withhold his signature rather than sign or veto the measure.

Governor Moore signed legislation creating a state-funded abortion grant program designed to reimburse abortion providers for services to uninsured and underinsured patients. The program is funded through a mandatory one-dollar monthly surcharge on Maryland ACA marketplace insurance plans that has accumulated a twenty-five million dollar surplus, with projections of three million dollars in additional annual revenue. The grant program allocates these funds to nonprofit providers offering abortion services to patients including those from outside Maryland.

Governor Moore vetoed two dozen bills during the 2025 Maryland legislative session, including multiple energy-related bills that Democratic lawmakers believed he supported based on prior communications from his office. The vetoes occurred after the legislative session ended on April 7, with an administration official stating that communications between the governor's office and the Maryland General Assembly had deteriorated significantly during the final 60 days of the session and afterward. Democratic lawmakers, including Del. Lorig Charkoudian and Sen. Karen Lewis Young, reported receiving conflicting messages about the governor's position on their legislation, with some stating they were unaware of concerns before learning of the vetoes.

Governor Wes Moore endorsed Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman to replace Ken Ulman as chair of the Maryland Democratic Party, with Ulman stepping down in mid-June after less than two years in the role. Pittman's appointment would position him to support Moore's reelection campaign and coordinate Democratic efforts ahead of the 2026 elections, in which all statewide offices and the entire General Assembly will be on the ballot. Pittman stated he would continue serving as county executive through December 2026 while taking on the unpaid party chairmanship.

Governor Moore vetoed legislation to establish a commission to study reparations on May 16, 2025, citing the state's fiscal constraints and concerns about division during a period requiring collective effort. The veto followed Moore's decision in April not to veto updates to the Child Victims Act. Moore announced plans to announce new initiatives on June 19 to address wealth gaps between Black and white Marylanders.

Governor Moore signed the $67 billion budget for fiscal year 2026 and its companion bill on Tuesday, closing the 2025 legislative session alongside House Speaker Adriene Jones and Senate President Bill Ferguson. The budget implements approximately $2 billion in cuts and is projected to bring in $1.6 billion in new or increased taxes, including a 3% tax on tech services, with both measures taking effect July 1. The signed budget addresses a deficit of over $3 billion while maintaining 8% of the state's Rainy Day Fund and preserving a $315 million surplus.

Moore vetoed legislation that would have established a study of reparations to address the generational impacts of slavery and racial wealth gaps in Maryland. The governor cited concerns about the state's fiscal capacity to implement substantive reparations policies given anticipated federal funding cuts and existing budget challenges. Moore stated his administration had instead pursued reparations-related goals through investments in affordable housing, child poverty reduction, and wage increases.

During the 2025 Maryland General Assembly session, Governor Wes Moore and the Democratic majority enacted $1.67 billion in new taxes and fees, which Ready characterized as the largest tax increase in Maryland history, including a 3% sales tax on computer and IT services. Ready, a Republican state senator representing Carroll County and part of Frederick County, stated that Republican opposition and public outcry prevented additional proposed tax increases. Ready attributed Maryland's budget deficit and fiscal challenges to spending mandates such as the Blueprint for Maryland's Future education plan and increased state hiring and agencies under Moore's administration.

Governor Moore vetoed the Maryland Reparations Commission bill in May 2025, which had been sponsored by State Sen. C. Anthony Muse and the state's Black Caucus and passed both chambers of the General Assembly. In his veto letter, Moore stated that "now is not the time for another study," citing multiple existing commissions and study groups examining slavery's legacy in Maryland, and wrote that the focus should instead be on implementing action to address barriers facing Black families. The bill would have established a commission to examine forms of reparations including statements of apology, monetary compensation, and property tax rebates.

Governor Moore vetoed the RENEW Act on Friday, legislation that would have authorized a study to determine the financial costs that fossil fuel companies could owe Maryland due to climate change damages. The veto was among 23 bills Moore rejected, citing concerns about placing unnecessary burdens on the state's strapped budget. Moore also vetoed related bills to study the environmental and financial costs of data centers and to establish a new energy planning office, while signing two other bills from the Democratic leadership's energy package into law.

Governor Moore signed H.B. 930/S.B. 848 into law, legislation that reclaims $25 million in surplus state funds to address cost and coverage barriers related to reproductive health care access. The bill followed a November ballot measure in which 76 percent of Maryland voters approved a constitutional amendment enshrining reproductive freedom. Moore's action implemented legislative strategies designed to remove economic barriers to health care access in the state.

Moore signed the state budget and its companion bill on May 20, 2025, which included new taxes and fees. The budget was signed alongside Senate President Bill Ferguson and House Speaker Adrienne Jones in the Governor's Reception Room. The legislation included HB 350 and HB 351.

Governor Moore signed the state budget and its companion bill, the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2025, on May 20, 2025, following three months of negotiations. The $67 billion budget implements approximately $2 billion in spending cuts and an estimated $1.6 billion in new or increased taxes, including a 3% tax on tech services, while preserving 8% of the state's Rainy Day Fund and leaving a $315 million surplus. Both bills take effect July 1, 2025.

Moore vetoed legislation to establish the Maryland Reparations Commission, which was designed to research and recommend benefits to Marylanders whose ancestors were enslaved or affected by post-Reconstruction and Jim Crow era policies. In his veto letter, Moore stated that the timing was inappropriate for another study, indicating that action delivering results for constituents was the priority. The bill had passed both chambers with a veto-proof majority, allowing the General Assembly the opportunity to override the governor's decision.

Governor Moore announced during a commencement speech at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore that he would present a plan to address Maryland's racial wealth gap during a Juneteenth event on the Eastern Shore. Moore is Maryland's first Black governor. The governor's office did not release specific details about the forthcoming policy announcement at the time of the speech.

Maryland's credit rating was downgraded by Moody's from Aaa to Aa1 in May 2025, marking the first such downgrade in decades. The ratings agency cited the state's economic and financial underperformance and heightened vulnerability to shifting federal policies as reasons for the downgrade. Moore's administration characterized the downgrade as resulting from federal policy changes, while Republican critics attributed it to state spending practices.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore vetoed the Reparations Commission bill on Friday, which would have commissioned a study of historic inequality endured by African descendants in Maryland. The veto was included in a list of 23 bills that Moore announced he would reject, released late Friday afternoon by the governor's office. The reparations bill had been sponsored by Senator C. Anthony Muse, who expressed disappointment with the governor's decision.

Attorney General Anthony Brown released an audit report in May 2025 examining 87 death investigation cases handled by former Medical Examiner David Fowler between 2003 and 2019, finding that the cause of death in 36 cases should have been reclassified to homicide rather than the original determinations of accidental, unknown, or natural. The audit, led by Towson University psychology professor Jeff Kukucka, specifically concluded that Anton Black's 2018 death at the hands of police in Greensboro should have been ruled a homicide instead of an accident. Governor Wes Moore acknowledged the audit in a statement accompanying the report and noted ongoing reforms within the medical examiner's office.

Governor Moore vetoed legislation that would have established a two-year study into whether Maryland should provide reparations to Black residents. The bill had advanced through the state legislature prior to Moore's veto action. Moore also vetoed several other bills during the same legislative session.

Governor Moore declared a state of emergency in Westernport, Maryland on May 15, 2025, two and a half days after flash floods caused significant damage to the town of approximately 1,900 residents. The declaration came after Moore visited the affected area and toured the hardest-hit locations, where he met with local officials and residents. The state of emergency declaration was expected to facilitate state resources and assistance for recovery efforts in the flood-damaged region.

Governor Moore launched the Reinvest Baltimore program to rehabilitate or repurpose 5,000 vacant properties in response to Maryland's housing affordability crisis. According to the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, the state needs to construct approximately 96,000 housing units to meet current demand, with Baltimore alone containing roughly 13,000 vacant and abandoned homes. The initiative represents a substantial effort to address housing availability, though commentators have noted the scope of the program falls short of the scale required to fully resolve the state's affordable housing shortage.

Governor Moore signed the Utility Transparency and Accountability Act (H.B. 121) into law, which requires electric companies operating in Maryland to disclose how they vote on policies and market rules within the regional transmission organization PJM Interconnection. The legislation mandates public disclosure of utility voting records on transmission policies and decisions that affect electricity pricing for Maryland ratepayers. The act applies specifically to electric utility monopolies operating under state regulation.

Moore signed legislation that directs Maryland to use funds collected from a surcharge on insurance plans sold under the Affordable Care Act toward an abortion grant program. The bill makes Maryland the first state to allocate ACA surcharge revenue for this specific purpose. The legislation redirects previously unused funds from the federal healthcare program to support the new state grant initiative.

Moore signed Eric's ID Law, legislation that establishes an identification process for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. The bill was developed following years of advocacy by the family of Eric Carpenter-Grantham, an autistic individual whose case prompted legislative action. Moore also signed additional bills addressing reckless driving, abortion care access, and other matters during the signing ceremony at the Maryland State House on May 13, 2025.

Governor Moore signed legislation in 2023 known as the Child Victims Act, which removed the statute of limitations for filing claims against institutions responsible for children's welfare at the time of abuse. In 2025, Moore signed a subsequent bill sponsored by Del. C.T. Wilson that modified the 2023 legislation by limiting the size of damages the state could be required to pay to victims. The modification addressed concerns about the financial impact on state programs and resources.

Moore signed legislation on May 6, 2025, to restructure the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, the state's landmark education reform policy. The bill modifies the framework that governs Maryland's approach to public school funding and educational standards. The specific changes to the Blueprint were not detailed in the available article excerpt.

House Republicans called on Governor Moore to veto four bills passed during the 2025 legislative session that would increase state fees on licenses, permits, and filings. The four bills included Senate Bills 250 and 425, which would increase Maryland Department of Environment fees and allow fee collection on coal combustion byproducts, and House Bills 719 and 796, which would raise boat title and license fees and increase foreclosure filing costs. Moore had until May 27, 2025 to sign, veto, or allow the bills to become law without his signature.

Governor Moore joined other state attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration's decision to terminate the AmeriCorps program. The lawsuit challenged the administration's action to eliminate federal funding for AmeriCorps, which supports community service organizations across Maryland and thousands of communities nationwide. Moore's participation in the legal action represented a state-level challenge to the federal termination decision.

Governor Moore traveled to Japan and South Korea to attract foreign investment and business to Maryland, presenting the state as an alternative economic partner amid uncertainty created by Trump administration policies. During meetings with Japanese and South Korean business leaders and investors, Moore emphasized Maryland's openness to international commerce, vaccine development, and immigration, contrasting his approach with the Trump administration's positions on tariffs, vaccine development oversight, and immigration controls. The weeklong trade mission followed a legislative session in Maryland and was intended to address economic stagnation in the state through foreign direct investment and business relocation.

Governor Wes Moore signed the Registered Apprenticeship Investments for a Stronger Economy (RAISE) Act into law in April 2025. The legislation provides funding to offset employer costs of hiring and training registered apprentices and increases support for launching and scaling apprenticeship programs across various industries including construction, healthcare, information technology, and early childhood education. The act aims to make apprenticeship programs more accessible to small businesses and employers of all sizes seeking to develop workforce skills in technical and high-demand fields.

Governor Moore issued an executive order in April 2025 to delay Maryland's implementation of the California Advanced Clean Cars II program, which required 43 percent of new vehicles sold in 2027 to be electric vehicles with a complete phase-out of gas-powered vehicles by 2035. The executive order established an ACC II Working Group to study the impact of the mandate on Maryland consumers and the state economy. Moore's action delayed the state's transition to an all-electric vehicle fleet while the working group conducted its review.

The Maryland Board of Public Works voted unanimously on April 24, 2025, to maintain the state property tax rate at 11.2 cents per $100 in assessed value for residential and commercial properties, with the utility rate remaining at 28 cents per $100 of assessed value. Governor Wes Moore, who chairs the board, stated that holding the tax rate steady represented the third consecutive year of no increase to the state property tax rate. The decision means the state will allocate $156 million in general funds in fiscal 2026 to cover the difference between property tax collections and annual debt service obligations, an amount projected to grow to approximately $500 million by fiscal 2030.

Moore signed Senate Bill 432, the Expungement Reform Act, into law on Tuesday as part of a suite of justice reform legislation. The act expands the list of crimes eligible for record expungement to include credit card theft, making false statements to police, and driving without a license, and removes a provision that had permanently barred individuals with parole violations from seeking expungement. Moore stated the measure addresses barriers that criminal records create for employment, housing, and loans.

Del. Hornberger called for Maryland to rescind its adoption of California's Advanced Clean Cars II regulations, which establish electric vehicle mandates and phase out internal combustion engine vehicles. Hornberger stated that Gov. Wes Moore's executive order delaying the mandate was insufficient and that the state should completely decouple from California's standards. Hornberger cited concerns about consumer choice, impact on fixed-income residents, and effects on Maryland's automotive aftermarket industry, which he noted generates $3.24 billion in economic impact and supports nearly 15,000 jobs in the state.

Governor Moore vetoed a bill that would have directed increased state advertising expenditures to local news outlets, a measure that had been supported by Maryland press organizations. The veto occurred as part of broader legislative activity in the state. The specific rationale for Moore's veto decision was not detailed in available reporting.

Moore signed the tire tax into law as part of Maryland's fiscal year 2025 budget process, which included $1.6 billion in new taxes and fees alongside $2 billion in spending reductions to address a $3.3 billion budget deficit. The budget balanced through a combination of tax increases and reduced expenditure growth rather than through spending cuts alone. The tire tax represents one of several revenue-raising measures the state implemented during the budget deliberations.

Governor Moore declined to veto House Bill 1378, legislation that reduces financial awards to victims of institutional abuse, despite calls from attorneys representing survivors to reject the measure. Moore's office stated that the General Assembly had carefully crafted the legislation to allow survivors to seek justice while preserving the state's fiscal stability, and the governor announced his intention to sign the bill. House Bill 1378 passed both chambers by veto-proof majorities during the 2025 Maryland General Assembly session.

Moore signed the largest budget in state history for Maryland, which included more than a dozen new taxes and fees. The budget also contained a tax cut for the middle class. Moore undertook a trip to Asia while continuing to discuss the state's economic approach.

On April 4, 2025, Gov. Wes Moore issued an executive order directing the Maryland Department of the Environment to exercise enforcement discretion regarding penalties for automakers not meeting the state's electric vehicle sales targets for model years 2027 and 2028, effectively delaying enforcement of Maryland's adoption of the Advanced Clean Cars II and Clean Trucks programs. The ACC II program requires that by 2027, 43 percent of all new passenger vehicles sold in the state must be zero-emission vehicles, increasing to 51 percent in 2028 and reaching 100 percent by 2035. The delay provides additional time for automakers and dealers to comply with the requirements.

Governor Moore issued an executive order calling for the development of zero-emission electric heating equipment standards (ZEHES), also known as healthy air standards, to establish requirements for heating technology such as heat pumps in Maryland households. The standards are intended to reduce energy costs for families while decreasing air pollution and advancing state climate targets. Moore previously signed legislation in 2024 to strengthen EmPOWER, Maryland's energy efficiency program, which had saved customers $4 billion on energy bills through support for upgrading to efficient electric appliances.

Maryland Gov. Moore signed the fiscal 2026 state budget of $67 billion passed by the General Assembly in April 2025. Moore stated the budget would convert an inherited deficit into a surplus while providing income tax cuts or no tax changes to 94 percent of Marylanders. Republican lawmakers disputed this characterization, stating the budget included $1.6 billion in new or increased taxes and that Maryland maintained a structural deficit.

Maryland lawmakers approved a $67 billion state budget and sent it to Moore following a legislative session marked by significant deficit reduction measures. The budget addressed a substantial state deficit through a combination of spending cuts and tax increases enacted during the 2025 legislative session. Moore received the spending plan after state lawmakers completed what was characterized as the most tumultuous budget process in recent years.

Maryland lawmakers concluded their 2025 legislative session by raising taxes on the information technology sector and the state's wealthiest residents to address a $3.3 billion budget deficit. Moore discussed the state's response to the Trump administration's tariffs and announced the formation of a panel to monitor developments from the federal government, citing Maryland's significant ties to federal workers and contractors. The state also incorporated new initiatives including reparations legislation, criminal record expungement provisions, and price limits on prescription drugs as part of the session's final measures.

Governor Moore released a second supplemental budget that included a cut to funding for the Developmental Disabilities Administration. The budget was released days before the legislative session concluded in April 2025. Members of the developmental and intellectual disabilities community responded with disappointment to the proposed reduction in services.

The Board of Public Works approved a $3.9 million five-month extension of a call center services contract with Accenture on April 4, 2025, at the request of the Maryland Department of Labor in anticipation of increased unemployment claims from federal workforce reductions. The extension brought the total expenditure on the contract to $312.4 million since its initial award in April 2020 for $19.6 million. Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman noted that the contract had grown to approximately 1,500 percent of its original value through successive extensions since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Governor Moore announced plans to travel to Japan and South Korea in April 2025 for an economic development trip focused on meeting with leaders in both countries. The trip was intended to support economic development objectives and unlock business opportunities for Maryland. The visit took place while the state faced budget deficits that required attention following the conclusion of the legislative session.

Governor Moore proposed phasing out Maryland's BOOST private school voucher program in his first legislative session, beginning with a 20% budget cut in his 2023 proposal. The House of Delegates voted to approve the cut, but the State Senate declined to fully support the measure, resulting in only a modest budget reduction. The program's annual expenditure has since remained at approximately $9 million.

Governor Moore announced a budget agreement with the Democratic-led Maryland General Assembly on March 20, 2025, to address the state's $3.3 billion budget deficit through over $2 billion in cuts and an additional $500 million in reductions. The plan includes an increase in income taxes on the highest earners while maintaining or lowering taxes for 94% of Marylanders, and introduces a 3% tax on data and information technology services. The Maryland House passed its version of the bill, with the Senate expected to amend it before the April 7 deadline for passing a balanced budget.

Moore stated that the fiscal 2026 state budget should include tax cuts for middle-class taxpayers to provide financial relief. The budget under consideration by the legislature included approximately $2 billion in cuts and $1 billion in new taxes, with income tax reductions estimated to benefit 94% of taxpayers while increasing taxes on high earners above $500,000. Moore's original proposal for a corporate tax rate reduction from 8.25% to 7.99% was eliminated by the House, though the chamber did adopt his proposed combined corporate income tax reporting requirement.

Governor Moore stated that the fiscal 2026 state budget should include tax cuts for middle-class taxpayers to provide financial relief. The budget plan moving through the legislature at the time included approximately $1 billion in new taxes alongside income tax reductions, with an estimated 94 percent of taxpayers projected to pay less or see no change in state income taxes under the proposal. Moore indicated his preferred tax plan had been modified by the General Assembly from its original form.

Governor Moore made filling state government jobs a priority for Maryland despite the state facing a $3.3 billion budget shortfall. Moore vowed to cut government spending in response to the budget deficit while simultaneously pursuing state hiring. The state conducted career transition job fairs to fill positions, including attracting former federal workers displaced by federal workforce reductions.

The Maryland Senate Budget and Taxation Committee advanced Senate Bill 429, the Excellence in Maryland Public Schools Act, on March 22, 2025, by approving a four-year pause in funding for teacher "collaborative time" as proposed by the Moore administration while retaining funding for community schools as the House had insisted. The committee's action represented a compromise between the House version and the Moore administration's education reform bill, which were developed in response to the state's fiscal crisis and requests from local school officials for flexibility in implementing the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. The bill requires additional review by the Senate Education, Energy and the Environment Committee before the April 7 end of the General Assembly session.

Moore announced a budget agreement that included additional spending cuts and a new tax to address a projected $3 billion state deficit. The plan reduced the magnitude of proposed tax increases on individuals while maintaining reductions to the overall rate of budget growth. Moore presented the agreement at a Wednesday news conference in Annapolis alongside General Assembly leadership.

Moore and Maryland lawmakers rejected proposed salary cuts for state personnel despite gubernatorial office payroll increasing 20 percent from 2022 to 2024. The personnel spending increase was cited as a potential avenue for addressing the state's 3.3 billion dollar budget deficit. Moore did not implement the salary reduction measures under consideration.

Moore reached a budget agreement with Maryland General Assembly leaders on March 20, 2025, to address a roughly $3.3 billion budget deficit. The final budget framework included spending cuts and reduced tax increases on individuals compared to earlier proposals. Moore and the legislative leaders announced the settlement as the resolution to the state's fiscal shortfall.

Governor Moore signed Senate Bill 1 into law following its approval by the Maryland General Assembly in the previous year. The legislation modified consumer protection and energy regulatory law by eliminating consumers' ability to select their energy provider. The law consolidated the energy market into a single utility monopoly system rather than maintaining a competitive supply structure.

The Maryland Board of Public Works, comprised of Governor Wes Moore, Treasurer Dereck Davis, and Comptroller Brooke Lierman, approved a $2.75 million consent decree in October 2024 to settle a federal civil rights investigation into Maryland State Police discrimination against 48 Black and women applicants for trooper positions and promotions. The consent decree required the State Police to adopt new testing procedures, provide compliance data, and hire up to 25 applicants who were unfairly disqualified by previously discriminatory tests. In February 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice dismissed the underlying lawsuit following Attorney General Pam Bondi's directive to terminate similar hiring discrimination cases nationwide.

Governor Wes Moore signed the Child Victims Act in 2023, legislation that removed Maryland's statute of limitations on child sex abuse claims. The bill was signed days after a report detailed decades of sexual assaults within Baltimore's archdiocese. Since the law's enactment, five lawsuits have been filed against McDonogh School alleging institutional negligence in handling sexually abusive staff members.

Governor Moore released a proposed state budget in January 2025 that included a 2.5% business-to-business tax as a revenue measure. The proposal was made amid a significant shift in Maryland's fiscal position, following the state's transition from a $3 billion budget surplus under the previous administration to projected multi-billion dollar deficits. The budget included both proposed spending cuts and tax increases to address the projected shortfall.

Moore announced that a broad business-to-business services tax will not be included in the state's final budget for fiscal year 2026. Moore also stated that a proposed tax on sugary drinks will not move forward. These decisions removed two revenue measures from consideration in Maryland's budget deliberations.

Governor Moore stated that a broad business-to-business tax will not be included in the state budget he will sign. The governor's statement indicated he would not approve a final budget containing this particular tax measure. The specific tax proposal was thus excluded from consideration in the governor's budget approval.

Governor Moore introduced the Housing for Jobs Act in the Maryland legislature in March 2025, legislation designed to expedite housing development by requiring local governments to automatically approve new housing projects in regions where the jobs-to-housing ratio exceeds 1.5 jobs per available housing unit, unless county officials can demonstrate the project would have negative impacts. Moore testified before both the House Environment and Transportation Committee and the Senate Education, Energy and Environment Committee, stating the bill would provide builders greater planning certainty while building on his 2024 housing package aimed at addressing an estimated 96,000-unit shortage in the state. County officials and the Maryland Association of Counties indicated they identified substantive issues with the bill's language requiring significant amendments, though lawmakers indicated ongoing interest in resolving disagreements before the legislative session concluded.

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich released his proposed $7.7 billion budget for fiscal year 2026, which includes a 3.5% property tax increase and $250 million in additional funding for the county's public school system. Elrich stated the tax increase was necessary to maintain the county's schools and noted that the budget was developed amid uncertainty regarding federal cuts and a $3 billion state budget shortfall. The Montgomery County Council will hold public hearings on the budget on April 7 and 8, with a final vote required by June 1 for the fiscal year beginning July 1.

The Maryland House of Delegates approved the Excellence in Maryland Public Schools Act on a 100-39 party-line vote, rejecting most of the budget cuts proposed by Governor Wes Moore to the state's Blueprint for Maryland's Future education initiative. Moore had proposed a four-year pause in collaborative time funding, a freeze on community schools funding, and reduced per-pupil funding increases, but the House amended the bill to restore community schools funding and reduce the collaborative time pause to one year. The House retained provisions from Moore's version authorizing a national teacher recruitment campaign through July 2029 and a $2,000 relocation grant for out-of-state licensed teachers.

Governor Moore proposed doubling Maryland's standard state income tax deduction while eliminating itemized deductions, a two-part reform intended to provide tax relief to low- and middle-income households. The proposal would reduce state income tax revenue collected by county governments, with Allegany County projected to lose $3.2 million in annual revenue according to Maryland's Board of Revenue Estimates. Moore's administration stated the reforms would leave more cash in the pockets of the majority of Maryland households, while county officials warned the revenue loss could necessitate cuts to services.

Governor Moore signed an executive order in summer 2024 to expedite the adoption of emissions-free heating systems in Maryland buildings. The executive order directs the Maryland Department of the Environment to propose a zero emission heating equipment standard and a clean heat standard to increase the market for electric heating and cooling appliances such as heat pumps. These standards are intended to upgrade Maryland's building stock with clean energy technology while addressing energy cost concerns for residents.

Maryland and 19 other states filed a federal lawsuit in March 2025 challenging the Trump administration's mass firings of probationary federal workers across multiple agencies. Governor Moore expressed support for the complaint, stating that the firings could result in tens of thousands of job losses and disruption to hundreds of thousands of lives in Maryland, along with significant reductions in state tax revenue. The lawsuit contended that the administration violated federal law by failing to notify states of the layoffs and that the states would incur expenses supporting unemployed workers and processing unemployment assistance claims.

Del. Lauren Arikan stated that the Maryland Freedom Caucus submitted a four-point energy plan to Gov. Wes Moore in response to his request for proposals to address state issues. The plan included keeping power plants open, halting EmPOWER fees and pausing energy taxes, repealing the Climate Solutions Act of 2022, and eliminating climate-related spending programs. Arikan also introduced the Energy Equality Act of 2025 (H.B. 1238), which would prevent Maryland from banning consumer products based on their energy source.

Maryland Governor Moore commented on an internal Department of Veterans Affairs memorandum that outlined plans to eliminate more than 80,000 jobs as part of the Department of Government Efficiency's effort to reduce the federal workforce. Moore stated that the proposed cuts to the Veterans Affairs agency, which provides healthcare and services to millions of veterans, represented disrespectful treatment of military veterans and their families. The memorandum instructed VA leadership to prepare for an agency-wide reorganization in August and to work with the Department of Government Efficiency to implement workforce reductions.

Governor Moore submitted a Fiscal Year 2026 budget that included tax increases on high-income earners and new tax brackets, after previously stating he maintained a "very high bar" for raising taxes. The budget proposal included increased tax rates for incomes above a certain threshold as part of Moore's fiscal plan. The governor's budget submission represented a shift from his earlier public statements about limiting tax increases.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced a series of state initiatives designed to facilitate employment of federal workers and contractors affected by personnel actions taken by the Trump administration. The announcement included directives to state agencies to streamline hiring procedures, creation of a website to match federal employees with over 1,600 vacant teaching positions across the state, and a planned Federal Workers Navigation webinar and guidebook to be launched by the Maryland Department of Transportation. Moore also called upon private sector employers and nonprofit organizations to participate in hiring displaced federal workers, while state officials indicated they would work to reduce the standard four-month state hiring timeline to 30-45 days.

Governor Moore announced a plan on February 28, 2025, to create a hiring pathway in state government for federal employees who were laid off from federal agencies. The initiative would streamline the process for affected workers to transition into positions within Maryland state government. Moore described the measure as providing assistance to Maryland residents impacted by the federal layoffs.

Governor Wes Moore nominated Nick Mosby, former Baltimore City Council President, to the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Commission. The nomination would place Mosby in a regulatory position overseeing gaming activities and lottery operations within the state. The appointment requires confirmation by the Maryland Senate.

Maryland House Speaker Adrienne Jones sponsored House Bill 1253 to create a state Department of Social Equity that would consolidate existing state programs supporting small businesses, minority-owned businesses, and disadvantaged communities currently scattered across multiple agencies. The legislation would merge the Governor's Office of Small, Minority, and Women-Owned Business Affairs, the Office of Social Equity in the Maryland Cannabis Administration, and the Office of Minority Business Enterprises in the Department of Transportation into a single department. Governor Wes Moore's chief legislative officer testified in support of the bill before the House Appropriations Committee, citing recent private sector layoffs in the state and the need for coordinated support mechanisms independent of federal programs.

Governor Moore included $116 million in cuts to mental health funding in his proposed state budget to address a $3 billion budget deficit, with $90 million of the reductions affecting school-based mental health services and $20 million from the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline program. Mental health advocates and state legislators called on Moore and the General Assembly to restore the cuts, citing potential service disruptions and staff layoffs. Moore stated during his State of the State address that difficult budgetary decisions were necessary given the deficit and federal funding uncertainty.

Governor Moore released a budget proposal in January 2025 that included a new 6.25% tax rate for individuals earning $500,000 and increased the top tax bracket to 6.5% for those earning over one million dollars, designed to address a $3 billion state deficit. Moore stated the proposal would provide modest tax cuts to approximately two-thirds of Marylanders while asking higher earners to contribute additional revenue for investments in economic growth, public safety, and education. The fiscal year 2026 budget bill containing these tax provisions remained in progress as of February 2025.

Governor Moore introduced the ENERGIZE Maryland Act during the 2025 legislative session, which would establish a procurement process for new nuclear energy projects in the state and classify nuclear energy as clean energy that counts toward Maryland's clean energy goals. The bill was sponsored by state legislative leaders at the governor's request alongside the separately introduced Next Generation Energy Act, which contains similar nuclear procurement provisions as part of a broader energy package. According to Moore's office, the administration is exploring nuclear energy as an option to help meet the state's environmental goals, ensure grid reliability, and support workforce development and economic growth in Maryland.

President Trump appointed Governor Wes Moore to the Council of Governors, a federal advisory body that facilitates coordination between the executive branch and state leadership. The Council of Governors comprises governors from various states and serves to address issues of mutual concern between federal and state governments. Moore's appointment to this council represents his selection to participate in this intergovernmental advisory capacity.

Moore appeared on County Executive Steuart Pittman's weekly podcast on February 19, 2025, to discuss his proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, which addresses a $3 billion state budget deficit. The governor's budget proposal would transfer approximately $144 million in state aid to local governments, with Anne Arundel County bearing roughly $15 million of that reduction. Moore attributed the deficit to Maryland's GDP growth of 3% over seven to eight years, compared to 13% national growth.

Governor Moore introduced the ENERGIZE Maryland Act during the 2025 legislative session, which would establish a procurement process for new nuclear energy projects in the state and classify nuclear as clean energy counting toward Maryland's clean energy goals. The bill was sponsored by state leaders in the House and Senate at the governor's request as part of broader legislative efforts to address resource adequacy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The proposal would complement the Next Generation Energy Act, an energy package introduced by Maryland General Assembly leadership, as state officials sought to explore nuclear energy as an option for power generation alongside other available alternatives.

Del. Marlon Amprey introduced House Bill 1379 to expand beer and wine sales to grocery stores, convenience stores, and large retailers such as warehouse clubs in Maryland, positioning the measure as modernizing liquor laws in one of four states without such retail options. Amprey proposed an amendment adding a surcharge on beer and wine sales in grocery stores to address concerns raised during committee debate. The bill faced substantial opposition from owners of independent liquor stores who testified that expanded retail access would reduce their market share and threaten their businesses.

President Donald Trump appointed Maryland Governor Wes Moore to the Council of Governors in February 2025, a bipartisan group of U.S. leaders. Moore's appointment to the council places him among state executives selected to advise on matters of national importance. The Council of Governors serves as a forum for governors from both parties to engage with federal leadership.

On January 10, 2025, Governor Moore announced recommendations to modernize Maryland's occupational permitting and licensing processes through initiatives including the creation of a Maryland Coordinated Permitting Review Council, a unified permitting portal, and a reassessment of how criminal history factors into licensing decisions. The reforms aim to reduce barriers to employment for individuals with prior convictions and eliminate bureaucratic inefficiencies across state agencies. Moore's licensing modernization package was developed through the Government Efficiency Commission.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced his endorsement of Prince George's County State's Attorney Aisha Braveboy in the special election for County Executive on February 17, 2025. Moore stated that he had worked with Braveboy in his capacity as Governor and cited her public and private sector experience, track record of delivering results, and forward-facing vision as reasons for his endorsement. The endorsement came as multiple state officials announced their backing of various candidates in the crowded Democratic primary scheduled for March 4, 2025.

Governor Wes Moore announced in late 2024 that Maryland should change its policy banning beer and wine sales in grocery stores, leading to the introduction of Senate Bill 824 during the 2025 Maryland General Assembly session to repeal the prohibition on certain retail establishments obtaining Class A alcoholic beverage licenses. The Charles County Liquor Board held a public hearing on February 13, 2025, to gather community input on the proposed legislation. Following the hearing, Liquor Board Chairperson Kathleen Quade announced that the board would submit a letter to local elected officials stating the board's position against the bill.

Governor Moore proposed an income tax restructuring plan designed to generate approximately one billion dollars in new revenue as part of a broader "growth agenda" to address Maryland's projected three billion dollar deficit. The plan includes increased income tax rates for households earning above one million dollars and a one percent capital gains surcharge on households making more than three hundred fifty thousand dollars. According to analysis from the Maryland Bureau of Revenue Estimates, approximately one in four households earning between seventy-five thousand and one hundred thousand dollars would experience an average tax increase of approximately six hundred sixty-six dollars under the proposed plan.

Governor Moore proposed an income tax restructuring plan designed to address Maryland's projected $3 billion budget deficit as part of his "growth agenda," which aimed to generate approximately $1 billion in new revenue through taxes and fees while reducing nearly $2 billion in operating expenses. The plan included raising income tax rates on households earning more than $1 million and those earning between $200,001 and $500,000, as well as implementing a 1% capital gains surcharge on households making more than $350,000. According to data from the Maryland Bureau of Revenue Estimates, approximately one in four middle-class households earning between $75,000 and $100,000 would face an average tax increase of approximately $666 under the proposed plan.

Del. C.T. Wilson introduced legislation in the Maryland General Assembly titled the Child Sexual Abuse Claims Against the State – Time Limitation, which would establish a filing deadline of January 1, 2026, for victims to initiate lawsuits against the state for child sexual abuse. The bill addresses the Child Victims Act of 2023, which had removed the statute of limitations for living Marylanders who experienced sexual misconduct while underage but did not establish a deadline for filing claims against the state government. Wilson stated the legislation does not apply to lawsuits against non-state institutions and indicated he intends to propose a separate victims' fund.

Moore issued pardons to 175,000 individuals convicted of misdemeanor drug offenses in Maryland. The cannabis advocacy group Women Grow recognized Moore with its Social Impact Award for these pardons. Moore delivered a pre-recorded acceptance speech upon receiving the award in February 2025.

Governor Moore established an initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 60% below 2006 levels by 2031, which has prompted solar companies to submit applications for multiple facilities across Maryland counties, including a proposed 30-acre solar array in Betterton. The initiative leverages state preemption laws that limit local control over solar developments, allowing companies like Halo Betterton Solar LLC to proceed with projects despite objections from municipal governments. Seven solar facilities are either pending approval or in pre-submission status in Kent County alone as a result of Moore's emissions reduction directive.

Governor Moore proposed an income tax overhaul that would eliminate the itemized income tax deduction option for Maryland residents while doubling the standard deduction. The plan combines the four lowest state income tax brackets and introduces two new high-earner brackets for individuals earning $500,000 and over $1 million, resulting in tax increases for the top two brackets affecting approximately 18% of Maryland residents. Moore's office characterized the proposal as part of the governor's "growth agenda" designed to address economic stagnation, with the estimated $1 billion in revenue from these tax increases contributing to the state's response to a $3 billion budget shortfall.

Governor Moore voted with Comptroller Brooke Lierman on the Board of Public Works to award a 23-year concessions contract at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport to Fraport Baltimore Partnership LLC, the incumbent concessionaire, concluding a three-year procurement process that had been halted and restarted since 2022. Moore stated that the contract included an development plan to enhance airport amenities, support minority contractors, and guarantee collective bargaining rights for airport workers. The vote passed 2-1, with Treasurer Dereck Davis casting the sole opposing vote due to concerns about the financial terms offered to the state.

Governor Moore's fiscal year 2026 budget proposal included a $22.6 million increase for the Department of Juvenile Services, with most funds allocated to personnel costs and expanded prevention programming. The budget included $4.2 million for expansion of the Thrive program, which pairs youth at risk of gun violence with credible messengers, and $3 million to open a residential substance abuse treatment facility at Catoctin. The Senate Public Safety, Transportation and Environment Subcommittee reviewed the proposal in February 2025, with legislative analysts recommending against some of the proposed expansions while noting DJS would still receive substantial funding for credible messenger programs.

Governor Moore's fiscal year 2026 budget proposal included a $22.6 million increase for the Department of Juvenile Services, with most funds allocated to personnel costs and expansion of the Thrive program, which pairs young offenders at risk of gun violence with credible messengers. The proposal also included $3 million to open a Catoctin Treatment Facility for residential substance abuse treatment, as the state currently operates no such facilities. During Senate subcommittee review of the budget, the Department of Legislative Services recommended against both the $4.2 million Thrive expansion and the $3 million treatment facility, citing concerns about program effectiveness data and the facility's condition and integration into departmental planning.

Governor Moore proposed a $200 million cut to the Developmental Disabilities Administration in Maryland's budget. Hundreds of disability advocates and service providers rallied against the proposed cuts in Annapolis on February 3, 2025, sharing personal stories about the potential impact on families and individuals receiving services. The proposed reduction prompted families and disability advocates to urge Moore to consider both the budgetary and human implications of the cuts.

Governor Moore proposed a $200 million cut to the Developmental Disabilities Administration budget. Maryland families and disability advocates responded by sharing personal stories about the potential human consequences of the proposed reduction. The article documents reactions to Moore's budget proposal but does not indicate whether the governor ultimately enacted, modified, or withdrew the proposed cuts.

Governor Moore proposed a $1 billion "Capital of Quantum" initiative to advance quantum technology research and commercialization in Maryland. The initiative aims to position the state as a leader in quantum science, an emerging field with projected applications in pharmaceuticals, cybersecurity, energy, and other sectors. Moore framed the investment as necessary economic development alongside measures to address the state budget gap.

Governor Wes Moore appointed Meena Seshamani as Maryland Health Secretary, pending Senate approval, effective April 8, 2025. Seshamani, a surgeon with a Ph.D. in economics who previously served as deputy administrator at the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, replaces Laura Herrera Scott, who held the position since January 2023. The appointment comes during budget difficulties at the Maryland Department of Health, including a proposed $200 million cut to the Developmental Disabilities Administration and a prior $236 million Medicaid expense underestimation.

Van Hollen addressed the Anne Arundel County delegation to the Maryland General Assembly on February 7, 2025, to discuss the effects of federal budget cuts and President Donald Trump's executive orders on the county, which is home to numerous federal agencies and employees. Van Hollen specifically criticized the freezing of $3 trillion in federal grants, loans, and other funding through a recently rescinded executive action, noting that Anne Arundel County received $34 million in federal grants in fiscal 2024. Van Hollen also expressed concern about the Department of Government Efficiency's access to sensitive government information and the removal of inspector generals from federal agencies.

Between January 2023 and February 2025, Moore added more than 5,000 state employees to the Maryland government payroll during a period when the state faced a $3 billion budget deficit. According to state budget proposals, the cost of state salaries, wages, and benefits increased from $10.2 billion under the previous administration to $12.2 billion projected for 2025 under Moore's tenure. Moore's office did not respond to requests for explanation regarding the expansion of state government during the fiscal crisis.

Governor Moore presented a budget proposal to the Maryland General Assembly during his State of the State speech on February 5, 2025. The Maryland Republican Party responded to the proposal by criticizing Moore's budget plan and attributing responsibility for the state's fiscal deficit to Democratic policies. The specific details of Moore's budget proposal and the Republicans' objections were not disclosed in the available article text.

Moore introduced his proposed fiscal year 2026 budget of $67.3 billion in mid-January 2025, stating the plan would grow the state's economy, strengthen the workforce, modernize government, and address the tax system. The budget included double-digit spending increases for the Department of Transportation, Education, and Juvenile Services compared to fiscal 2023, while also reducing spending in certain other areas. Moore stated the budget would slow implementation of certain mandated priorities to ensure state programs remain effective and sustainable.

Governor Moore added more than 5,000 state employees between January 2023 and February 2025, according to data from Maryland's Department of Labor. State salaries, wages, and benefits costs increased from a projected $10.2 billion when Moore took office to $12.2 billion projected for 2025. Moore announced the state faces a $3 billion deficit and stated major cuts need to be made.

Governor Moore included proposed cuts to the Low Intensity Support Services Program in his fiscal 2026 budget released in early 2025. The LISS program, which serves approximately 5 million dollars annually and provides support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in their homes and communities, would face a projected impact of 2.8 million dollars in fiscal 2025 and elimination entirely in fiscal 2026. The proposed cuts prompted a virtual meeting on January 29 where program leaders and parents expressed concerns about the elimination of funding and services.

Moore's proposed Fiscal 2025 budget includes a $200 million cut to the Developmental Disabilities Administration and eliminates $5.5 million in funding for Low Intensity Support Services. These reductions affect programs including therapeutic horseback riding and respite care for families with children with developmental disabilities. Moore's budget proposal also includes elimination of charitable deductions that would further impact nonprofits providing services to individuals with developmental disabilities.

Governor Moore's fiscal year 2026 budget proposal includes personal income tax increases and a combined reporting tax policy provision. The proposal would affect pass-through business entities such as LLCs, sole proprietorships, partnerships, and S-corporations that pay taxes at individual income tax rates. Moore's budget prioritizes economic growth and job creation while implementing these tax policy changes.

Three members of the Maryland State Board of Morticians and Funeral Directors resigned following requests from Governor Wes Moore's office, occurring one week after the board suspended the license of Heaven Bound Cremation Services due to improper handling of human remains. Moore ordered a comprehensive review of the board's structure and operations, appointing Charles Scheeler, a former federal prosecutor, to lead the assessment and make recommendations regarding potential changes to state law or regulations. The board oversees Maryland's funeral industry through licensing, inspection, and disciplinary functions over funeral homes, morticians, and crematory operators.

Governor Wes Moore supported legislation in the Maryland General Assembly that would expand the state's renewable energy standards to include nuclear power as a clean energy source. The Decarbonization Infrastructure Act, sponsored by State Senator Benjamin Brooks, sought to address energy generation shortfalls created by the accelerated retirement of fossil fuel power plants. Moore's position aligned with the bill's goal of integrating nuclear energy into Maryland's energy portfolio to meet growing electricity demand while pursuing decarbonization objectives.

State Senator Benjamin Brooks introduced the Decarbonization Infrastructure Act, a bipartisan bill before the Maryland General Assembly that would revise the state's renewable energy standards to include nuclear power as an eligible clean energy source. Governor Wes Moore is among state lawmakers taking action to advance nuclear energy adoption in response to energy generation shortfalls resulting from accelerated retirement of fossil fuel power plants. The legislation aims to address the state's energy capacity needs through nuclear power plant construction and operation.

On January 15, Moore presented a proposed $67.3 billion state budget to the Maryland General Assembly that included approximately $2 billion in spending cuts and approximately $1 billion in new revenue. The budget proposal included modifications to income tax rates for various earning brackets, changes to capital gains taxes, increases to taxes on sports betting and casino table games, modifications to estate and inheritance tax provisions, and new or increased fees on vehicle registration, emission inspections, and retail deliveries. Moore's proposal also included a state efficiency initiative modeled on the federal Department of Government Efficiency designed to identify $50 million in additional savings through operational improvements.

Governor Moore signed the Child Victims Act in 2023, legislation passed by the Maryland General Assembly that eliminated the statute of limitations for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to pursue civil claims against their abusers and the institutions that enabled the abuse. The law permits survivors to file lawsuits against sexual predators and their institutional enablers across private organizations, local governments, and state entities. As of February 2025, the constitutionality of the CVA was pending decision before the Maryland Supreme Court following arguments heard in September 2024.

Governor Moore proposed a $111 million reduction to the University System of Maryland's budget as part of addressing the state's $3 billion deficit. In response, USM Chancellor Jay Perman announced plans to cut 400 positions across the state's colleges, with officials estimating the reductions would save approximately $45 million through a combination of layoffs and elimination of vacant positions. Perman warned state lawmakers that the nearly 5 percent cut would have significant impacts on universities, their employees, and students.

Gov. Moore's proposed state budget included a transfer of approximately $144 million in state aid to local governments, shifting fiscal responsibility downward. Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman characterized the resulting county budget as "tight" while addressing community concerns about resources for police and teachers at budget town hall meetings. The county faces additional pressure from a $3 billion state budget deficit and potential disruption to $34 million in federal funding.

Governor Moore held a press conference at UMBC on Friday with Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott to highlight the CASH Campaign of Maryland, a free tax preparation service for households with incomes under $67,000. The event, which marked the 24th year of the CASH Campaign, included remarks from IRS Commissioner Douglas O'Donnell, Comptroller Brooke Lierman, and local officials emphasizing access to tax filing assistance for low-to-moderate-income Marylanders. The CASH Campaign filed 17,821 taxes in the previous year, resulting in $28.3 million in total tax returns for Maryland residents.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore released a statement responding to the Trump administration's executive order freezing federal grants, characterizing the action as causing confusion and instability. Moore stated that the freeze could potentially cost jobs, raise prices, and stifle economic growth in Maryland. Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown joined 22 other state attorneys general in filing a lawsuit to block implementation of the federal funding freeze policy.

Moore extended a contract with outside consultants to track and analyze executive orders and policy changes issued by the Trump White House. The agreement allowed Moore's office to monitor the influx of federal directives and their potential impact on Maryland state government. The extension was announced in January 2025 as the new administration's regulatory agenda accelerated.

Moore proposed a budget plan that would increase the personal income tax rate for Maryland's highest earners to one of the highest rates in the region. The proposal was the subject of a policy study examining its potential economic effects. Observers raised concerns that the tax increase could influence migration patterns among high-income residents to neighboring states.

In January 2025, Moore included $58.9 million for a Red Line study in his current budget proposal, continuing efforts to revive the east-to-west Baltimore public transit plan that was canceled under former Governor Larry Hogan. Moore had previously revived the Red Line plan in June 2024, stating that federal funding would be more likely under the Biden administration. With the Trump administration now in office, federal funding for the project has become uncertain, though Moore's budget allocation indicates continued commitment to advancing the transit initiative.

Governor Moore proposed reducing per-student education spending and pausing annual funding increases under the Blueprint for Maryland's Future as part of efforts to address a nearly $3 billion state budget deficit. The proposal would result in education cuts that would significantly impact schools receiving poverty grants. The Blueprint for Maryland's Future is the state's comprehensive education funding and reform initiative.

Moore included components of the Fair Share for Maryland Act, a $1.6 billion tax increase proposal, in his budget proposal. The Fair Share plan, developed by a coalition of 60 organizations, would raise taxes on high earners and corporations in Maryland. Advocates and lawmakers indicated that Moore's proposed tax increases did not encompass the full scope of the Fair Share plan.

Del. C.T. Wilson, who chairs the Maryland House Economic Matters Committee, stated in January 2025 that Maryland should consider natural gas as part of the state's approach to addressing energy production shortfalls. Wilson indicated that the state had worked throughout the summer to combat escalating energy deficits while maintaining its green energy objectives, and that Maryland remained open to natural gas use despite prior efforts to move away from the fuel source. His comments came as Maryland faced significant reductions in power generation capacity following the closure of coal-fired plants and amid rising electricity costs for consumers.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore's administration unveiled the Excellence in Maryland Public Schools Act on Wednesday, which would reduce the growth rate of per pupil foundation funding from the previously scheduled 4-5% annually to 2-3% annually beginning in fiscal 2026. The bill calls for per pupil funding to grow to $9,063 in fiscal 2026 instead of the originally projected $9,226, representing an estimated $234 million less for state schools over the eight-year period. The legislation was introduced as House Bill 504 amid state budget constraints, with the administration stating the measure maintains strategic investments in educator recruitment and school-community partnerships while aligning education spending with current fiscal realities.

Del. C.T. Wilson, who chairs the Maryland House Economic Matters Committee, stated in January 2025 that Maryland should consider natural gas as part of its approach to addressing the state's energy production shortfalls. Wilson indicated he had worked with House and Senate leaders to address escalating energy generation problems while maintaining the state's green energy objectives. Wilson characterized natural gas as a viable option for the state, noting that Maryland has not closed itself off to the fuel source and remains open to its use, particularly in the short term.

President Trump issued an executive order on January 20, 2025, that imposed a temporary halt on all new federal leases, permits, and loans for offshore and onshore wind development pending an environmental and economic review by his administration. The order additionally directed federal agencies to examine the possibility of terminating or amending existing wind development leases. The action directly affects Maryland offshore wind projects in various stages of development, including the Baltimore-based U.S. Wind's project off Ocean City.

Moore submitted a budget proposal that would raise taxes on Maryland's wealthiest residents by establishing two new income tax brackets at higher income thresholds than previously existed in state law. The proposal would affect residents at income levels the state had not previously taxed at a separate rate. Some Republican legislators expressed concern that the tax increase could influence wealthy residents' decisions regarding residency in Maryland.

Governor Moore proposed a budget plan to address a $3 billion state deficit that would raise taxes on Maryland's wealthiest residents by creating two new income tax brackets at higher thresholds than previously existed. The proposal represented Moore's fiscal response to what he characterized as the largest budgetary crisis in twenty years. Some Republican lawmakers expressed concern that the tax increase could influence wealthy residents to relocate outside the state.

Moore acknowledged that Maryland's tax system requires reform, stating that the current system does not function as intended. Moore proposed additional taxes including a 75-cent delivery tax on packages and an income tax increase on the wealthiest 18 percent of Maryland residents, with those earning more than $750,000 annually bearing the largest share of the increase. The proposal came as a Tax Foundation study ranked Maryland 46th in tax competitiveness among states, with only Connecticut, California, New Jersey, and New York ranking lower.

The Maryland Freedom Caucus sent a letter to Governor Moore calling on him to rescind state electric vehicle mandates following President Trump's January 2025 executive order halting federal EV mandates. Moore's office responded by stating that electric vehicle incentives have led to increased consumer choice and market innovation, and that the state's clean cars and clean trucks standards do not ban gasoline vehicles but incentivize manufacturers to offer hybrid and electric options. Senate President Bill Ferguson acknowledged that reduced federal funding under the Trump administration would require the state to prioritize its climate initiatives based on impact and available resources.

Governor Moore presented a fiscal year 2026 budget proposal that included new tax brackets of 6.25% for households earning over $500,000 and 6.5% for those earning over $1 million, while also consolidating lower tax brackets and doubling the standard deduction. The proposal included corporate tax reductions and spending cuts designed to address a $3 billion state budget deficit. Del. Tom Hutchinson expressed concerns that the budget measures would negatively impact local small businesses despite the governor's characterization of the plan's benefits.

Governor Moore announced the Government Modernization Initiative on January 10, 2025, proposing $2 billion in spending cuts to address a $3 billion state budget deficit. The plan redirects funding from underutilized programs toward higher-priority initiatives while allocating resources to specific projects in Southern Maryland, including $1 million for Maryland Route 4 bridge studies, $1.6 million for Charles County streetscape improvements, and $8 million for the Southern Maryland Rapid Transit project study. Community colleges in the region face funding reductions totaling $611,000 combined, while the state overall increases community college funding by 4.7 percent.

Moore announced his proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 on Wednesday, outlining how the state plans to sustain the Blueprint for the Future amid a funding crisis. The budget proposal, presented by Moore and his budget secretary, includes changes to the Blueprint and cuts to public universities as part of the state's fiscal planning. The announcement addressed how Maryland would maintain the education initiative while managing budgetary constraints.

Governor Moore introduced a budget plan that would increase state income taxes on Maryland's wealthiest earners while providing tax cuts to corporations and other workers. The proposal was scheduled to be formally presented to the legislature on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. The budget plan represented the first time Moore proposed both tax increases and decreases simultaneously.

Governor Moore proposed a budget plan on January 15, 2025 that included a comprehensive overhaul of Maryland's personal income tax structure. The proposal would reduce taxes for approximately two-thirds of individual tax filers by an average of $173 while increasing tax revenue from individuals earning more than $500,000. The plan was designed to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in additional revenue from higher-income earners while providing tax relief to lower and middle-income Marylanders.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore unveiled his fiscal 2026 budget proposal on January 14, 2025, designed to address a $3 billion state budget shortfall through tax cuts for approximately two-thirds of residents, elimination of the inheritance tax, and reductions to the corporate tax rate. Moore indicated that the proposal would include tax increases on high-income earners, though he did not specify which income levels would be affected or provide detailed definitions of those "who have done exceptionally well" at the time of the announcement. The budget proposal also included planned investments in quantum computing, aerospace, defense, science, and biotech industries, along with funding for education and community safety programs.

Governor Moore responded to Maryland's $3 billion budget shortfall by proposing $2 billion in spending reductions. The proposal represents Moore's plan to address the significant gap between projected revenues and expenditures in the state budget. The specific composition and implementation timeline of the proposed cuts were outlined as part of Moore's fiscal response to the budgetary crisis.

Governor Moore reiterated Maryland's goal to achieve 100% clean energy by 2035 through the Clean Power Standard during the 2025 legislative session, stating the state would accelerate clean energy development while lowering energy costs. The Governor's Subcabinet on Climate released a report identifying issues with current clean energy policies and indicated the Maryland Energy Administration plans to propose policy solutions by the end of 2025. The state faces challenges in meeting this target amid growing energy demands from data centers and electrification, as well as the retirement of existing power plants, which has prompted debate over infrastructure projects such as the proposed Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project transmission line.

In December 2024, Governor Moore announced his support for legislation that would permit Maryland grocery stores to sell beer and wine. Moore noted that Maryland is one of three states prohibiting beer sales in grocery stores and one of ten states that does not allow wine sales in such venues. Senate President Bill Ferguson subsequently indicated that the proposal was not among his top legislative priorities for the session.

Moore announced the Government Modernization Initiative on January 10, 2025, directing his administration to identify waste and inefficiency in state spending with a target of $50 million in savings. The initiative, led by Chief Performance Officer Asma Mirza and the performance cabinet with assistance from Boston Consulting Group, aims to address inconsistencies in vehicle utilization and technology procurement across state agencies. Implementation of identified changes is scheduled for fiscal year 2026, which begins in July.

Governor Moore visited Calvert County on January 10, 2025, and announced a government modernization initiative aimed at making Maryland's government "the most efficient in the country" while ensuring stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Moore held meetings with all five county commissioners and conducted a cabinet meeting at Chesapeake Hills Golf Course, followed by tours of Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant and revitalization projects in Prince Frederick Town Center. Moore signed an executive order launching his administration's government modernization effort and stated that his cabinet would hold monthly meetings in venues outside of Annapolis.

Governor Moore stated that accountability is a key consideration for any additional changes to juvenile justice policies. Moore indicated that juveniles who break the law should face greater accountability while also having greater opportunities available to them. Moore's statement came in response to anticipated legislative efforts to change how juveniles are charged in the criminal justice system.

Governor Moore launched a government efficiency initiative in January 2025 designed to identify and eliminate wasteful and inconsistent spending across state agencies. The effort aims to reduce state expenditures by $50 million as part of addressing Maryland's $3 billion budget deficit. Moore announced the initiative on the first day of the 2025 legislative session.

Governor Moore announced on January 8, 2025, the opening day of the Maryland legislative session, that he would propose a budget containing $2 billion in cuts to address a structural deficit of approximately $3 billion. Moore stated that the state faces a "season of hard choices" and identified balancing the budget as the top priority for the coming weeks and months. Moore attributed the deficit partly to potential reductions in federal funding resulting from changes in the Trump administration and indicated that previous budgets had been built on assumptions of continued federal spending levels.

Governor Moore launched a government efficiency initiative designed to address a $3 billion state budget deficit by identifying and eliminating wasteful and inconsistent spending across Maryland government agencies. The effort aimed to generate $50 million in savings through streamlined operations and reduced redundancies in state spending. Moore announced the initiative in January 2025 as the state faced significant fiscal challenges.

The Board of Public Works, with Governor Moore as one of three members, approved a $75 million contract on January 8, 2025, to hire the Bridging Maryland Partnership consortium to provide construction management services for the Francis Scott Key Bridge replacement project. The three firms will be responsible for planning, engineering, surveying, construction management, and related oversight as the bridge reconstruction begins in spring 2025. The bridge replacement project, expected to cost more than $1.7 billion, is being fully funded by the federal government following a commitment secured by Maryland's congressional delegation in December 2024.

Maryland State Delegate Mike Griffith drafted legislation in response to a case in which a teen murder suspect was enrolled in two state high schools without either school being notified of his suspected involvement in a violent crime. Griffith's bill expands the list of reportable offenses to include additional sex crimes and empowers state's attorneys to alert school superintendents if a student is suspected of committing a violent felony, while granting state's attorneys discretion in making such notifications. The bill is intended to balance student safety with the due process rights of students under investigation.

State Del. Mike Griffith drafted legislation in response to a case in which a teen murder suspect was enrolled in two Maryland high schools without school officials being notified of his status as a suspected dangerous offender. Griffith's bill expands the list of reportable offenses that trigger mandatory school notification and grants state's attorneys discretionary authority to alert school superintendents when a student is suspected of committing a violent felony. The bill aims to balance student safety with due process protections by giving prosecutors decision-making power rather than imposing a mandatory notification requirement.

Moore announced a proposal to reduce the state budget by $2 billion. The cuts represent a significant adjustment to Maryland's fiscal spending. Moore presented this budget reduction plan as part of his administration's budgetary process.

Maryland Governor Moore discussed a proposed state budget to address a $3 billion deficit for the fiscal year beginning in July, stating that the budget would include billions of dollars in cuts achieved through government streamlining and efficiency measures such as consolidating information technology services, fleet management, and rebasing budgets. Moore indicated that funding decisions would prioritize effectiveness and sustainability, with the state government's own operations serving as a starting point for cost reductions. When asked about additional revenue sources including potential tax increases or use of the rainy day fund, Moore did not commit to specific measures beyond the proposed cuts and efficiency initiatives.

Governor Moore declared a state of emergency for Maryland in response to heavy snowfall that blanketed the Eastern Shore on Monday and Tuesday, with the National Weather Service reporting more than 11 inches of snow in Talbot County. The emergency declaration was issued alongside similar declarations from several municipalities including Easton, Federalsburg, and Dorchester County as snow fell continuously from Sunday night through early Tuesday morning. The declaration enabled coordination of emergency response efforts as additional snowfall was forecast for the following Friday and Saturday.

Moore announced a budget proposal for Maryland that includes $2 billion in cuts to the state's approximately $63 billion budget. Moore did not specify which areas or programs would be subject to the cuts. Moore stated that his administration would set a high bar for any tax increases included in the budget proposal.

Baltimore State's Attorney Ivan Bates announced in January 2025 that he would actively work to prevent any legislative changes that would automatically require all juvenile cases to begin in juvenile court rather than adult court. Bates expressed concern that such a change would reduce community safety and oversight by the Department of Juvenile Services. The statement came in anticipation of potential reintroduction of legislation similar to bills previously sponsored by Senator Jill Carter that would reverse the current process, which automatically charges certain juveniles as adults depending on the severity of the alleged offense.

The Maryland Board of Public Works approved a $75 million general engineering consultant services contract for the Key Bridge rebuild project on January 8, 2025. Governor Moore announced that the Bridging Maryland Partnership, a joint venture of WSP USA, RK&K, and Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson, was selected to oversee planning, engineering, construction management and program support services for the project. The bridge reconstruction is expected to be completed by October 2028 at a total cost between $1.7 billion and $1.9 billion, with full congressional funding approved.

The Maryland Board of Public Works, comprised of Governor Moore, Comptroller Brooke Lierman, and Treasurer Dereck E. Davis, approved a $35,000 settlement on January 8, 2025, resolving a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland against the Calvert County Sheriff's Office. The ACLU had sued in March 2022 after the sheriff's office demanded a $12,271.50 fee for documents dating to 2017 related to police searches, which the organization sought to obtain without charge under the Maryland Public Information Act. A Baltimore circuit court judge had ruled in favor of the ACLU in April 2023, and the settlement provides for the payment of the organization's legal fees incurred during litigation.

Governor Moore called for a pause in the implementation of collaborative time provisions in the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, a 2021 education law that allocates $30 billion in additional tax dollars to public education over the first 10 years and $4 billion annually thereafter. Moore made this announcement at the Maryland Association of Counties Winter Conference while the state faced a projected $2.7 billion budget shortfall in 2025. The Blueprint, which increases teacher salaries, expands Pre-K, and bolsters career and technology training, was passed without an attached funding mechanism.

Governor Wes Moore announced support for legislation that would permit grocery stores to sell beer and wine in Maryland. The proposal prompted opposition from the Maryland State Licensed Beverage Association and independent liquor retailers, who held a press conference expressing concerns about the potential market impact. The announcement occurred amid broader legislative discussions about alcohol sales regulations in the state.

House Speaker Adrienne Jones announced during the 2025 Maryland legislative session that lawmakers planned to craft legislation to protect the Affordable Care Act in response to potential changes from the incoming Trump administration. Jones stated that proposed bills would focus on safeguarding the ACA, with such measures to be handled by the House Health and Government Operations Committee chaired by Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk. The speaker indicated additional legislation was under consideration to address other potential federal policy changes, including protections for minority business enterprises and affordable housing.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore declared a state of emergency in response to a winter storm that dumped approximately half a foot of snow on the DC region on January 7, 2025, with additional snow expected. The declaration increased staffing and made additional resources available to address the winter weather emergency. Moore issued a statement urging residents to remain off roadways unless necessary and to allow emergency personnel to clear and maintain road safety.

Governor Moore issued an executive order and supported the Climate Solutions Now Act, which together established a $1.25 billion-per-year climate change spending agenda for the state. The article references these actions as part of Maryland's broader fiscal priorities and spending decisions. The commentary discusses the budgetary impact of these climate-related commitments in the context of the state's $3 billion budget deficit.

Maryland lawmakers passed HB 1400 in 2018 with bipartisan support, enabling health care insurance pooling across state entities such as county governments and school systems. The bill allows approximately 85 separate state entities currently purchasing individual insurance plans to consolidate purchases, which proponents estimate could reduce administrative costs from 4-7 percent to 2-3 percent and generate savings of approximately $1,000 to $2,000 per employee annually. Governor Moore acknowledged Maryland's projected $3 billion budget shortfall in a January 2025 address but the pooling mechanism authorized by HB 1400 remains unused as the state faces its largest budget crisis in 20 years.

On December 11, 2024, Governor Wes Moore announced a proposal to legalize the sale of beer and wine in grocery stores in Maryland, stating the change would "put people first" and increase competitiveness. Moore indicated he would work with the Maryland General Assembly to pass legislation removing the existing ban, noting that over 40 states have already adopted similar policies. Local liquor store owners and some lawmakers expressed concerns that the policy would harm independent retailers and create enforcement challenges around alcohol sales to minors.

Stephen Miller, serving as deputy chief of staff for policy and homeland security advisor in the incoming Trump administration, sent a letter through America First Legal to Howard County Executive Calvin Ball on December 23, 2024, asserting that Howard County operates as a sanctuary jurisdiction in violation of federal law. The letter warned Ball and his staff of potential criminal and civil liability for not complying with immigration enforcement orders regarding deportation of individuals in the country illegally. The warning followed Howard County's 2020 adoption of the Liberty Act, which prohibits county officials from honoring Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainers regardless of the offense committed.