The Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland unveiled its 2026 priorities, highlighting legislation on health, education, justice, economic empowerment, housing and civil rights, including youth charging reform, school psychologist licensure and ending 287(g) agreements.
Category: Maryland Government
Posted inMaryland News
Advocates rally in Annapolis to push expungement legislation
Advocates from across Maryland rallied in Annapolis, Md. urging lawmakers to advance the Fair Chance Housing Act and Clean Slate Act. Supporters say the bills would help reduce barriers to housing and employment for people returning from incarceration.
Posted inMaryland Government
Maryland Governor Wes Moore delivers 2026 State of the StateÂ
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) delivered his fourth State of the State address, highlighting economic growth, education, public safety, and innovation. As he nears the end of his first term, his legislative actions face close scrutiny.
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Moore calls White House snub ‘blatant disrespect’
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, the nation’s only Black governor, said the White House disinvited him from the annual bipartisan National Governors Association dinner, calling the move disrespectful and partisan. The 47th president’s administration limited the event to Republican governors, a break from longstanding tradition that NGA leaders criticized as undermining cooperation.
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Maryland House, Senate pass emergency bills on ICE
Maryland lawmakers passed emergency legislation ending local cooperation with ICE and banning most masked law enforcement, aiming to protect immigrant communities and rebuild trust. Advocates called it a historic victory for families and public safety.
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Maryland House passes redistricting plan, while Senate vote looks bleak
While the House passed a redistricting plan to reshape Maryland’s congressional districts, Senate President Bill Ferguson signaled the effort is stalled. He argued the “window has closed” as the Senate prioritizes economic and affordability issues.
Posted inMaryland News
Gov. Moore praises Boys & Girls Clubs in Maryland’s fight against child poverty
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore praised the Boys & Girls Clubs of Maryland at the organization’s annual legislative breakfast, highlighting their role in youth development and the state’s strategy to combat child poverty through community-based support. He pointed to increased state funding, expanded club access, and mentorship as critical tools, with Youth of the Year honoree Jared Jefferson’s story illustrating the clubs’ impact in building confidence, opportunity, and leadership for young people across the state.
Posted inMaryland Government
MD Public Defender’s Office unveils 2026 legislative priorities
Maryland’s Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) unveiled its 2026 legislative agenda at a Jan. 21 rally in Annapolis, Md., urging reforms to youth charging laws, traffic stops and indigent defense funding. Leaders cited racial disparities and systemic failures harming families and children statewide.
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Maryland legislators advance redistricting plan after tense hearing
Maryland legislators advanced a partisan congressional redistricting bill Jan. 27, sending it to the floor amid support from Maryland Gov. Wes Moore. Senate backing remains uncertain and Republicans are criticizing the process.
Posted inMaryland News
Maryland faith leaders press Ferguson to back congressional redistricting
Faith leaders across Maryland are urging Senate President Bill Ferguson to prioritize mid-cycle redistricting legislation ahead of a House hearing. The appeal comes as lawmakers consider a proposed congressional map that critics say could eliminate the state’s lone Republican seat and backfire on Democrats.
Posted inMaryland Government
Baltimore County delegate elected chair of Maryland Legislative Black Caucus
Delegate N. Scott Phillips (D–District 10) has been unanimously elected chair of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland following leadership shifts in the General Assembly. Phillips, the first chair from Baltimore County, pledged to center policies that advance Black Marylanders, while Sen. Shaneka Henson was elected first vice chair after Delegate Melissa Wells’ appointment to a new House committee. Founded in 1970, the caucus now counts 67 members statewide.
Posted inMaryland Government
Gov. Wes Moore announces his proposed fiscal year 2027 budget
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) unveiled his $70.8 billion fiscal year (FY) 2027 budget on Jan. 21, focusing on protecting residents, lowering costs and boosting economic competitiveness. The plan balances priorities with no new taxes and $900 million in cost-saving measures.