The 2026 Maryland General Assembly session opened Jan. 14 with a focus on a $1.5 billion deficit. Lawmakers face tough decisions regarding budget cuts, redistricting and new leadership during the 90-day legislative term.
Category: Maryland Government
Posted inMaryland Government
Annual report reveals health insurance denials rarely challenged, but appeals often successful
Maryland Attorney General Brown is proud to announce that the Health Education and Advocacy Unit saved nearly $2.6 million for patients in FY 2025.
Posted inMaryland Government
Moore unveils 2026 legislative priorities ahead of 2026 legislative session
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) outlined his 2026 legislative priorities ahead of the General Assembly, emphasizing public safety, education and vaccine access. The agenda reflects efforts to address crime, close achievement gaps and strengthen Maryland’s long-term economic stability.
Posted inMaryland Government
Maryland comptroller appoints Andrea Brown as director of the Office of the Taxpayer Advocate
Director of the Office of the Taxpayer Advocate Excerpt: Maryland Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman (D) has appointed Andrea Brown as director of the Office of the Taxpayer Advocate. Brown brings nearly two decades of experience and will work to improve taxpayer accountability and access to a fair tax system.
Posted inPrince George's County News
Prince George’s County Council selects Wala Blegay to fill vacancy
Prince George’s County Council member Wala Blegay (D) will fill the recently vacated at-large seat, bringing her experience with various countywide initiatives. The seat will be up for election in November 2026.
Posted inMaryland Government
New Maryland laws to take effect on Jan. 1
As 2026 begins, several Maryland laws take effect, including new rideshare reporting requirements, domestic violence training for barbers and cosmetologists and expanded coverage for heart disease testing, aiming to improve safety, transparency, and health access statewide.
Posted inMaryland Government
Wilkins leaves Black Caucus chair role to lead House Ways and Means Committee
Delegate Jheanelle Wilkins steps down as chair of the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus to lead the House Ways and Means Committee.
Posted inPrince George's County News
Judge responds to lawsuit against HUD filed by leaders in D.C., Maryland and 20 other states
By Dr. Deborah BaileyAFRO Contributing Editor A U.S. District Court Federal Judge issued a temporary halt to changes in a U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program that would have left thousands of Marylanders homeless. On Dec. 22, U.S. District Court Judge Mary McElroy barred HUD from implementing changes to the federal government’s Continuum of […]
Posted inMaryland Government
Maryland Assembly reverses 19 vetoes from Gov. Wes Moore in one-day session
By Catherine PughSpecial to the AFRO On Dec. 16, during a one-day special session, Gov. Wes Moore gathered lawmakers to select a new House Speaker. As rumors swirled about redistricting, legislators concentrated on choosing the Speaker. Then, they overturned 19 out of 29 gubernatorial vetoes handed down earlier this year. Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk (D-MD-District 21) […]
Posted inMental Health
How to support college students this holiday season
By Fajr Eutsey College is a time of significant transitions. Students are stepping out of their comfort zones, making hard decisions and learning to balance independence with responsibility. That growth can be exhilarating, but it can also be overwhelming. The holiday season, with its mix of family expectations, financial pressures and cultural traditions, often magnifies […]
Posted inMaryland News
Maryland to consider slavery reparations after Gov. Wes Moore’s veto is overridden
Maryland lawmakers overrode Gov. Wes Moore’s veto to create a commission that will study potential reparations for slavery, despite his argument that the state should focus on direct action rather than further study. Supporters say a formal commission is necessary to ensure reparations efforts are credible, constitutional and effective.
Posted inMaryland News
Maryland lawmakers launch bid to slash the cost of asthma treatments
Maryland Rep. Kweisi Mfume and Sen. Angela Alsobrooks are advancing legislation designed to bring down the soaring cost of inhalers, nebulizers and other essential respiratory treatments. Their proposal would cap monthly expenses for insured and uninsured patients alike, expanding Medicare coverage and easing the financial strain on families managing asthma. The lawmakers say the measure is urgently needed as hospitalizations and racial disparities in respiratory illness continue to climb.