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.
Category: Maryland Government
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.
Posted inCommentary
Commentary: Marylanders are leaving money on the table– here’s how to claim what’s yours
By Brooke E. Lierman If you worked last year, you might be walking past hundreds—even thousands—of dollars that already have your name on them. Nearly 20 percent of eligible Maryland residents didn’t claim the Earned Income Tax Credit in 2023. That’s roughly 100,000 people who left their money with our state rather than in their bank accounts. Most people lived in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Montgomery County and Prince George’s […]
Posted inMaryland Government
Maryland General Assembly kicks off 2026 legislative session
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.
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 […]
