HIJINKS & LEGISLATIVE HOOLIGANISM IN ANNAPOLIS GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2025

HIJINKS & LEGISLATIVE HOOLIGANISM IN ANNAPOLIS GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2025

It’s been an honor to serve as your representative in the Maryland General Assembly during one of the most contentious legislative sessions I’ve experienced. This session wasn’t just different; it was a defining moment that revealed the priorities and true colors of Annapolis’ political machinery. While every session brings its mix of victories and setbacks, this one stood apart for the unprecedented level of partisanship and the significant battles waged over the future of our state’s fiscal and political direction.

Because Maryland House rules restrict what can be included in official end-of-session communications, I’ve sent this letter using my campaign account. Why? Because you deserve to know the whole story without filters, just the cold, hard facts about the direction of our state and what’s at stake.

To say 2025 started on shaky ground would be an understatement. The warning bells rang last September when Maryland’s Board of Revenue Estimates reported sluggish private sector growth. By January, the General Assembly stepped into crisis mode, staring down a devastating $3.3 billion budget deficit. The deficit wasn’t due to bad luck or external forces, nor was it, as I often heard from my Democrat colleagues, the fault of President Donald Trump. No, this disaster was self-inflicted. While Maryland struggled, neighboring states like Virginia thrived with substantial surpluses. It’s painful to watch, knowing our shortcomings result from years of reckless tax-and-spend policies and bad policy decisions.

I’ve been sounding the alarm for years. In 2023, when Maryland enjoyed a whopping $5 billion surplus left by the Hogan administration, I was one of only five legislators to push back against Governor Moore’s reckless spending spree. My warnings went unheeded. The following year brought more of the same, as Annapolis continued to increase spending while quietly implementing $453 million in tax hikes. This year, for the first time in Maryland’s history, every Republican in the House and Senate united unanimously to oppose this irresponsible budget. That historic, unified stance was one of the most significant moments of the session, a line in the sand against Annapolis’ unchecked spending habits.

Of course, standing firm came at a cost. The Democratic majority retaliated by slashing many Republican-backed local projects. Republicans comprise 28% of the House yet were handed a pitiful 4% of capital project funds. The cutting of capital projects can only be described as political retaliation. Despite their petty games, I am happy to report that one critical, local project survived the chop—$2.2 million was secured for the water treatment upgrades for the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. (A Win) That funding is a victory we can all stand behind because our veterans deserve nothing less.

But here’s the silver lining—we’re reshaping how Republicans fight back. We are done with being “voices in the wilderness.” This year marked the launch of the Maryland Freedom Caucus, the 13th member of a national network committed to amplifying conservative values and principles. I was honored to be elected Chairman of this caucus and champion the fight for real accountability for the policies coming out of Annapolis.

This shift in strategy wasn’t about optics; it delivered results. Thanks to public involvement and transparency, we notched real victories. We exposed and defeated bills like the absurd “condoms for kiddies” legislation. We successfully derailed eight harmful bills by offering amendments and safeguarded taxpayers from some of the most egregious proposals. Transparency works, and when the public steps into the fight, Annapolis takes notice.

Yet, once again, Annapolis squandered an opportunity to shrink government and rein in runaway spending. The General Assembly, instead, chose to go back to its old playbook and pass more taxes, using band-aids where surgery is needed.

Now, Maryland faces a crossroads. Will we continue to pile taxes on hardworking families while neighboring states become stronger and more competitive? Or will we call for a government that values your hard-earned money, safeguards your freedoms, and empowers you to shape the future of this state? One thing is sure—we cannot afford to maintain the status quo.

The following list highlights some of the legislation we addressed this year and how I voted on each. While I acknowledge that the General Assembly accomplished some positive outcomes, finding the silver lining can often be challenging.

Fighting for Fiscal Responsibility  

HB350: the Budget & HB352: Budget Reconciliation and Finance Act (BRFA)

HB350, known as the budget, outlines the spending plan, while HB352, the BRFA, is responsible for balancing the budget. By General Assembly rules, the BRFA is the only bill allowed to address multiple subjects, which is why most tax increases can be found in it.

In January, Governor Wes Moore released his budget to the legislature. He described it as “pro-growth” and highlighted “reduced levels of spending.” However, as submitted, his budget was an enormous $67 billion—an increase of $4 billion compared to last year.

Governor Moore’s claims that there were $2 billion in cuts were simply misleading.  These so-called “cuts” rely on accounting maneuvers rather than genuine reductions. Tactics included:

• Skipping $419 million in contributions to the Rainy Day Fund.  
• Shifting $97.7 million in teacher retirement costs to local governments, offloading the burden onto counties, which will likely raise other taxes.  
• Placeholder “savings” of $97 million depend on undefined future cuts that may never materialize.  
• Over the past two years, the Governor has added 5,000 new employees to the state workforce.  Eliminating the remaining vacant positions should not be considered a cut.

The budget for the Governor’s office is a prime example of reckless spending, having ballooned by an astonishing 78% over the past three years. I proposed an amendment to cut $10 million from this bloated budget and redirect the funds to a program proven effective in reducing child mortality—a program that had unfortunately faced a $10 million cut. Even with this adjustment, the Governor’s office would still retain $500,000 more than it had under former Governor Hogan just three years ago. Unfortunately, Democrats voted against my amendment. So much for their saying, “It’s worth saving just one child.”

Ultimately, to pass the constitutionally required balanced budget, Democrats in Annapolis pushed through a record-breaking $1.6 billion tax increase—the largest tax hike in the state’s history.

Here are some of the upcoming price increases Marylanders can expect to face:

• A “Millionaire’s Tax” that begins at $500k.
• Vehicle registration and excise fees are rising.  
• A $5 per tire surcharge plus a $1 recycling fee per tire has been added.  
• The emissions fee will double.  
• New taxes, including a 2% capital gains surcharge tax, doubling the gaming tax, and taxes on vending machines.
• A massive 3% tech tax has been created that will affect all of us.
• To top it off, the local cap on county income taxes has been lifted, allowing Commissioners to raise local taxes even higher as more financial burdens are shifted to the counties.

Even with these record tax increases, Maryland will still face a $2.7 billion structural deficit next year. Unfortunately, the General Assembly failed to address the core issues causing this problem.  The actions taken this year are not responsible budgeting or a path to economic growth.  Maryland needs a sustainable, thriving economy, which won’t happen if we continue with this failed “spend and tax” approach.

I voted NO to both the Budget bills HB350 and the BRFA HB352.

Click for Video

Other Tax Proposals  (mostly defeated and A Win)

As the session progressed, it became apparent that Democrats were unwilling to make the necessary budget cuts. Instead, they opted to chase a significant influx of new revenue. The decision to enhance revenue triggered a flurry of tax proposals, flooding the media with ideas that can only be described as a desperate attempt to “throw spaghetti at the wall and see what sticks.”  

But here’s the problem: these proposals weren’t just misguided but downright harmful. The Maryland Freedom Caucus took action, rallying public opposition to push back against the most outrageous tax increases. With your help, we successfully blocked some of the worst offenders, including the Sugary Drink Tax HB1469, the Delivery Tax HB352, Combined Reporting (HB352), the Sleep Tax HB858, the Ammo Tax HB937, the state property tax increase (DLS Recommendation), the state sales tax increase, and the Business-to-Business Service Tax HB1554.

Addressing the Energy Crisis  

HB1035, HB1036, HB1037: Energy package.

These three bills represent a significant overhaul of Maryland’s energy strategy. Together, they expand regulations, raise renewable energy mandates, change utility planning, and shift infrastructure costs, impacting ratepayers, local governments, and traditional energy sources.

One of the biggest challenges hindering Maryland’s private sector growth and driving up the cost of living for middle-class families is the soaring price of energy. Maryland currently has the highest energy costs in the region, mainly due to policies prioritizing “green” initiatives over practical, cost-effective solutions. Over the past decade, “green energy” mandates have led to the closure of seven power plants, with more slated to shut down in the coming years. Instead of taking a pragmatic approach by considering the reopening of these plants, Annapolis Democrats are doubling down on solar energy by removing land-use authority from local governments. A notable example is HB1036, which requires 5,000 acres in St. Mary’s County to be identified for solar panel installations.

As a result of these outlandish green policies, Maryland is now forced to import 40% of its electricity from neighboring states at exorbitant prices.     

The Maryland Freedom Caucus prioritized introducing common-sense solutions to boost Maryland’s in-state energy supply and provide immediate relief to struggling ratepayers. Our 4-Part Plan to reduce energy costs includes repealing the costly Climate Solutions Act, halting the “new” and ineffective EmPOWER program (which operates more like a slush fund), working with our federal partners to keep power plants scheduled to close open, and eliminating Governor Moore’s green energy stimulus money. With these steps, we aim to strike a balance between environmental responsibility and economic practicality, protecting residents and businesses from unsustainable energy costs.  

Although our bills remained stalled in Committee, the ongoing pressure ultimately pushed Democrats to take some steps in the right direction.  HB1035, for instance, classifies nuclear energy as “green” and includes a small rebate for consumers, essentially returning a small portion of their own money to them, a tiny step in the right direction. Unfortunately, it also imposed costly labor requirements, strict construction mandates, and unrelated DEI obligations, discouraging investment in nuclear energy and making natural gas plants prohibitively expensive to develop.

I voted NO to each of the three bills, but they did pass.

HB1556: Delayed California Clean Can Mandate (A Win)

I have consistently opposed allowing bureaucratic agencies to create laws. Take the California car mandate, for example—an unelected board located 3,000 miles away is setting policies that the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) is tasked with enforcing. Without this executive order starting next August, because Maryland is tied to California’s regulations, 43% of all vehicles sold must be electric. That is an unrealistic and insane policy to force on Marylanders. This policy would compel Marylanders to purchase costly electric cars despite the current limitations of our power grid to support widespread charging needs.

In January, the Maryland Freedom Caucus sent a letter to Governor Moore urging him to follow Virginia’s example and decouple from the California Car Mandate. In response, Democrats introduced a late-filed bill, HB1556, which proposed delaying the mandate’s implementation by two years. When the bill reached the House floor, I held it for amendments. However, rather than voting on the amendments, Democrats special-ordered the bill, effectively killing it.

The following day, Governor Moore issued an executive order to delay the mandate’s implementation by two years. While this falls short of the program’s complete cancellation that we had hoped for, it is still a step in the right direction and a win worth acknowledging.

Click for Video

Education

HB380: Contraceptive Vending Machines in Schools  (A Win)

This bill, nicknamed “Condoms for Kiddies,” sought to permit the sale of contraceptives through vending machines on school grounds, including preschools and kindergartens. Thankfully, this ill-conceived proposal was stopped due to a public outcry spearheaded by the Freedom Caucus. I proudly voted NO on the House Floor, and it ultimately failed.

HB161: Gender Ideology Curriculum  

This bill proposed a separate school curriculum focused on gender identity and sexual orientation and stripped parents of the right to opt their children out. I firmly stood against this blatant overreach, opposing it at every turn. Ultimately, the Senate significantly amended the legislation, reshaping it into a measure that defines the notifications, actions, and penalties the State Board can enforce on local counties if their curricula fail to meet state standards. I voted NO on the bill, which still undermines local control over the school curriculum.

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Reparations Coming to Maryland

SB587: State Government – Maryland Reparations Commission

The bill establishes a Commission tasked to set up a tax and payments for individuals whose ancestors endured slavery or who were discriminated against before 1965. Democrats initially introduced this bill (cross-filed) in the House of Delegates. However, due to the success of the Freedom Caucus in making controversial legislation national news, Democrats shifted their strategy and instead advanced the bill through the Senate first. Unfortunately, the Senate passed the bill in a mere 37 seconds, with no Republican raising a question or offering an argument in opposition.  In the House, the bill was delayed until late in the session, leaving little time to build the momentum needed to challenge it effectively.

I was raised to value individuals for who they are, yet our government wants to group people and paint with a broad brush. That is wrong, and I believe people are sick of this divisiveness of pitting one group of people against another. Frankly, this is what political parties often do when they are unable to solve real problems.  I spoke out against this legislation on the House floor and voted NO. Despite my objections, the bill has passed and awaits the Governor’s signature.

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Healthcare

HB424: Prescription Drug Affordability Board (Lowering Prescription Drug Costs)

This bill expands the role of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) to include oversight of private insurers. However, despite its promising title, the PDAB, established in 2019, has not lowered the price of a single drug. The board’s operating expenses amount to $1.2 million per year.  

Price controls do not lower costs for consumers and often lead to shortages. I’m also concerned about a bureaucratic board deciding whether a medication you or your loved ones need is too expensive, potentially making it unavailable. I voted NO, but the bill passed.

Pro-Life Issues

HB930: Public Health Abortion Grant Program – Establishment

When the “Affordable Care Act” was passed, Nancy Pelosi famously said, “We have to pass it to find out what’s in it.” Fifteen years later, we are still finding out what’s in the bill. It turns out that insurance companies have been collecting $1.00 a month from every ratepayer since its passage to provide abortions. This bill combines funds collected from insurers and establishes a $25 million grant program for abortions. As unsettling as it may seem, Democrats are aiming to position Maryland as a destination for abortion tourism. Of course, I voted NO, but the bill passed and is heading to the Governor for a signature.

Bond Money for Abortions: Even in the dire economic straits that we are in, Democrats still found an additional $450,000 to award to Planned Parenthood in a Legislative Bond Initiative found in the budget HB350. I questioned the wisdom of spending this, as we should be looking to make real cuts to unnecessary spending and tightening our belts while we climb out of our fiscal hole. I voted NO.

SB447: Emergency Pregnancy-Related Medical Conditions  (A Win)

This bill aimed to remove conscience protections for religious healthcare providers and hospitals, forcing them to perform abortions under the guise of emergencies. However, thanks to Freedom Caucus members’ efforts, the Committee successfully halted the bill on the final day of the session.

Crime and Public Safety

HB853: Postconviction Review – Maryland Second Look Act

This bill seeks to provide violent offenders, including those convicted of murder and rape, additional opportunities for early release. It permits up to three separate motions to be filed per case, giving offenders multiple chances to pursue freedom. The only exceptions are for individuals who have intentionally killed police officers or first responders. Democratic lawmakers rejected multiple proposed amendments aimed at excluding rape and murder convictions from the bill. I firmly believe that legislation like this undermines public safety and puts our communities at greater risk. I voted NO on the bill; however, it ultimately passed.

HB1378: Child Sexual Abuse Claims Against the State – Time Limitation

This bill protects predators from full liability for their abuse of minor children as long as the abuse occurred while in state care, like a school, foster care, or the Department of Juvenile Services. This bill was introduced after the government recognized the scope of its potential liabilities resulting from years of widespread sexual abuse of minors in state-run facilities. I find it appalling that the state would align itself with the interests of pedophiles while at the same time setting a higher standard for private institutions. I voted NO on this bill, but unfortunately, it still passed.    

HB1222: Public Safety – Immigration Enforcement   

The Freedom Caucus conducted a poll, and 84%, an overwhelming majority of Marylanders, share our view: convicted illegal immigrants already in custody should be handed over to ICE.

As introduced, HB1222 required some violent criminals to be turned over to ICE, which is a step in the right direction. Still, it also eliminated the effective 287G program for local law enforcement. A committee amendment essentially poison-pilled the bill. In the session’s final hours, the entire bill was struck entirely and replaced by the provisions of another bill, SB828, disallowing immigration enforcement at specific locations and government buildings, thus creating a sanctuary for criminal illegal aliens at some locations within the state. I voted NO, but the bill passed and is awaiting the Governor’s signature.

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Property Rights

HB767: Real Property – Failure to Pay Rent and Tenant Holding Over

This legislation mandates that property owners must retain a tenant’s personal belongings for 10 days following an eviction due to non-payment of rent.  This delays the property owner’s ability to regain full possession of their rental property. Current laws already outline notification requirements and allow eviction processes to be halted simply by paying the overdue rent. I introduced a straightforward amendment enabling property owners and tenants to mutually agree on a specific date to retrieve the tenant’s belongings. Unfortunately, the Democrats rejected this proposal. Fortunately, the bill was significantly revised, striking the language allowing the 10-day holdover.  I voted NO, but the bill passed.

Business

HB582: Labor and Employment – Overtime Pay  (A Win)

This bill proposed mandatory overtime pay for certain salaried employees, potentially raising labor costs for small businesses in Maryland. However, Freedom Caucus members effectively stopped the bill by introducing an amendment requiring the Maryland General Assembly to provide overtime pay to its staff. The bill died on the special order calendar.

My Legislation  

HB668: Victims of Communism Memorial Day

This bill establishes November 7th as Victims of Communism Memorial Day in Maryland. This critical legislation ensures we honor the millions who suffered under oppressive communist regimes and educate future generations about the dangers of totalitarian ideologies. A constituent who is also a good friend of mine waited until late in the evening on the hearing date to talk about her family’s experience with a totalitarian government. Unfortunately, the Committee chose not to move this bill.

HB695: Repair the Transportation Trust Fund Act

I have introduced this bill for several years, which takes significant steps to protect Marylanders from unfair taxation and misuse of transportation funds:

• It decouples the gas tax from inflation, relieving rural and working families hit hardest by rising fuel costs.  
• It prohibits a regressive per-mileage tax that would disproportionately burden commuters and rural residents.  
• It addresses accountability within the Transportation Trust Fund by requiring Maryland Transit to recover a higher percentage of its operating costs, protecting funding for roads, bridges, and essential infrastructure. Again, the Committee refused to move this bill.

Looking Ahead  

The chances of the General Assembly reconvening for a fall special session are incredibly high. Tax increases, particularly when they involve new categories, rarely generate the anticipated revenue. If the budget deficit exceeds one billion dollars, a special session will be unavoidable to address the imbalance. The need to stay engaged and to fight back is now.  

A recent UMBC poll showed that 53% of Marylanders are considering moving from the state. While I can understand those feelings, it does break my heart. I represent an area of the state where some families can trace their family history back 300 to 400 years. Let’s face the truth. People are leaving not because of the crime, the schools, or even the taxes. They are leaving because of the politics. If you fix the politics in this state, you fix the other problems.  

I remain steadfast in my commitment to the fight for a better future. I will continue to champion thoughtful, common-sense solutions to make Maryland a freer, safer, and more prosperous state for all.

Again, thank you for the privilege of serving as your representative in the Maryland General Assembly. If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please contact my office—I’m always here to listen and assist.

With gratitude,

Matt Morgan
State Delegate 29A ~ St. Mary’s County

 

 

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