Maryland

How lawmakers say they’ll represent you in Annapolis

Published

2 years ago

January 10, 2024

How lawmakers say they’ll represent you in Annapolis

It’s easy to get lost in the pomp and grandeur of the Maryland State House. The splendid marbled floors and stair cases, the historic artwork and sweeping glass paned ceilings of the chambers can transport one to another place and time.

But as lawmakers mixed and mingled among lobbyists and local officials on the first day of the legislative session, what kept them grounded in the reasons they ran for office in the first place.

Most of the lawmaking course has already been charted by legislative leaders, a logistical necessity, given there’s only 90 days to work. Priorities pegged for this year include closing a budget shortfall, increasing affordable housing and improving public safety, for starters.

But legislators bring with them the individual names and unique stories of their constituents, even those who didn’t vote for them.

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The Baltimore Banner asked legislators what keeps them connected to their districts, what they’re here fighting for and what they’ll be proud of when the 90 days are up.

Del. Jeffrie Long Jr., Prince George’s and Calvert counties

“People’s issues are our driving force,” Del. Jeffrie Long Jr. said. The Democrat’s constituents in Prince George’s and Calvert counties sent him to Annapolis to bring back funding for their districts, and address transportation issues and health care inequities, he said.

He said he thinks he can accomplish these goals over the course of his four-year term.

While the atmosphere is opulent and the the day ceremonial, “the real work starts after today,” he said.

Sen. Malcolm Augustine, Prince George’s County

Freshly re-elected Senate President Pro Tem Malcolm Augustine said he brings his concerns with him to the legislature. “I hear from people and they’re hurting, they’re struggling, they’re trying to pay their bills,” the Prince George’s County Democrat said.

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After session ends, he said, “I want to look them [constituents] in their eyes, and tell them that I looked out for their best interest,” he said.

Del. Marlon Amprey, a Baltimore City Democrat, listens to floor debate at the Maryland State House on Monday, March 20, 2023. (Ulysses Muñoz / The Baltimore Banner)

Del. Marlon Amprey, Baltimore

Del. Marlon Amprey stays connected to his Baltimore constituents by going home many times during the weeks and makes himself available by phone: “I make my presence still felt back home,” he said.

Amprey, a Democrat, comes to Annapolis to improve his constituents’ quality of life, which means increasing affordable housing and access to affordable housing, adding grocery stores and supporting education, he said.

“One decision I will say that’s never difficult, and that is putting our kids first,” he said.

For him, this also means funding community programs for children in the context of a larger discussion on juvenile justice.

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“My focus is making sure we address that [the juvenile system] but also making sure, more importantly, that we give them [youths] the tools and resources they need to be productive citizens so they don’t make the mistake in the first place,” he said.

Del. Dana Jones, Anne Arundel County

Other members, like Anne Arundel County Del. Dana Jones, don’t have to travel far and come with timely and specific bill plans.

“I can’t wait to pass the Freedom to Read bill,” the Democrat said. If passed the law will ensure books are available to read in public libraries for all Marylanders.

Maryland Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey speaks during the opening session in Annapolis, Md. on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024. (Kylie Cooper / The Baltimore Banner)

Sen. Stephen Hershey, Caroline, Cecil, Kent and Queen Anne’s counties

Republican Minority leader Sen. Stephen Hershey said in light of structural deficits fast approaching, “my constituents want to see responsible government.” Funding state transportation projects and ensuring public safety are at the top of Hershey’s agenda and also on the minds of his constituents, he said.

Legislators, he said, will have “to find ways that all of us can go back to our constituents and say that we made our streets safer.”

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Del. Steven Arentz, Caroline, Cecil, Kent and Queen Anne’s counties

Del. Steven Arentz, a Republican representing four Eastern Shore counties, said his constituents sent him to Annapolis to “watch their money,” especially when it comes to energy costs.

“In my humble opinion, I think sometimes Maryland needs to rethink our policy to the point where it’s not costing those that can’t afford it as much as it’s going to cost them,” he said.

Maryland Senator Shelly Hettleman smiles during an interview after the opening session in Annapolis, Md. on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024. (Kylie Cooper / The Baltimore Banner)

Sen. Shelly Hettleman, Baltimore County

Sen. Shelly Hettleman of Baltimore County said what she hears from her constituents is: “Do no harm.”

“I think people are excited to have us back into session we have a lot of public safety issues so that’s certainly something I’m going to be following closely,” said Hettleman, a Democrat.

As a member of the committee that reviews the state budget, Hettleman expects to be focused on ensuring the budget is balanced.

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In her district in Northwest Baltimore County, Hettleman hears concerns “about people whizzing around the Beltway at unbelievable speeds — and I witness it.” Residents are also worried about public safety and environmental issues — highlighted by a police shooting in her district this week and then torrential rainfall and flooding on Tuesday.

Maryland Senator Nick Charles speaks during an interview after the opening session in Annapolis, Md. on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024. (Kylie Cooper / The Baltimore Banner)

Sen. Nick Charles, Prince George’s County

Sen. Nick Charles spent his first day as a senator representing Prince George’s County, after previously serving in the House of Delegates.

The Democrat held pre-session town halls in his district — which includes communities such as Largo, Forestville, District Heights and Clinton — where residents were full of concerns about public safety and transportation and promoting economic development.

“We took a major hit on the budget for transportation,” Charles said. Even maintaining highways and keeping the roadsides clean and the grass cut is important, he said.

Residents also want improvements to the healthcare system, and Charles expects to work hand-in-hand with Maryland Hospital Association CEO Melony Griffith — who knows a thing or two about Prince George’s County, having represented the district as senator before Charles.

Maryland Senator Jonny Ray Salling works on his laptop during the opening session in Annapolis, Md. on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024. (Kylie Cooper / The Baltimore Banner)

Sen. Johnny Ray Salling, Baltimore County

Sen. Johnny Ray Salling said his constituents in southeast Baltimore County have plenty of worry about crime, particularly involving young people.

“Our biggest problem is juvenile justice … We need to answer their call. I work for my constituents,” the Republican said. “We want to support our police officers, we want to support our communities and we want to support our victims.”

Salling said he wants to work to prevent crime, too, by supporting businesses that can hire people to work. He especially wants to take advantage of Tradepoint Atlantic, a steel mill-turned-distribution hub in his district.

“The more people who are working, the less crime we have,” Salling said.

By the end of 90 days, when he reports back to constituents: “I hope that I’ll be able to say, ‘We’ve done our job,’” Salling said.

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Maryland

Maryland high court rejects municipal climate change damages suit

Published

11 hours ago

March 26, 2026

Press Room

Maryland high court rejects municipal climate change damages suit

Maryland’s highest court on Tuesday dismissed several local government claims to recover damages against several large energy companies for harm created by climate change, finding that federal law preempts the case and state law does not support it.

The case dates to 2018, when the city of Baltimore filed a lawsuit against the energy companies, alleging that their decades-long activities contributed to climate-related damages to the city. Anne Arundel County and Annapolis filed similar lawsuits. After a number of procedural disputes over several years, in part over federal jurisdiction and venue, the case arrived in Maryland state courts and consolidated on appeal.

In a consolidated decision, Maryland’s Supreme Court upheld the dismissal of the local government suits against the energy companies. Plaintiffs had alleged that the companies contributed to climate change through the production and promotion of fossil fuels, asserting state law claims including public nuisance, trespass, and failure to warn.

The court determined that state claims were displaced by federal common law regarding interstate pollution and further preempted by federal legislation, including the Clean Air Act. According to the court, allowing state tort actions to go forward would interfere with a comprehensive federal regulatory scheme regarding greenhouse gases.

The court also found that even if these claims were not preempted, they would not succeed on other grounds. The court emphasized the difficulty in proving causation between large scale activity’s localized effects and concerns regarding the timing of the alleged injuries.

The decision is a substantial roadblock for state and local governments looking to recover costs related to climate change. It is also one in a growing line of case law that limits state court ability to address global emissions.

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Maryland

Gas prices surge in Maryland, provoking debate on what to do about it

Published

23 hours ago

March 26, 2026

Press Room

Gas prices surge in Maryland, provoking debate on what to do about it

Gas prices in Maryland are rising following joint U.S. and Israeli military strikes against Iran.
The average price for gasoline in Maryland has reached $3.86 per gallon, an increase of over 25 cents in the last week.
Maryland officials are debating a potential gas tax suspension to provide relief to consumers.

Gas prices are surging in Maryland, and state officials are beginning to weigh in on a potential gas tax suspension.

The price jump occured after the United States and Israel launched joint military strikes against Iran beginning on Feb. 28, 2026.

Average gasoline prices in Maryland have risen 25.2 cents per gallon within the last week, now averaging $3.86/g, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 2,167 stations in the state.

Prices in Maryland are 87.7 cents per gallon higher than one month ago, and stand 85.1 cents per gallon higher than one year ago, GasBuddy shared.

As of March 25, gas prices in Salisbury are between $3.73/g and $3.99/g. The current lowest reported cost, $3.73/g, was found at Sam’s Club at 2700 North Salisbury Boulevard.

“Gas prices continued to rise nationwide over the last week as seasonal factors, combined with ongoing supply concerns tied to the continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, pushed both gasoline and diesel prices sharply higher,” Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said.

“It now appears increasingly likely that the national average price of gasoline will reach the $4-per-gallon mark — potentially as early as this week — for the first time since 2022, while diesel prices are surging to multi-year highs, with some markets nearing record territory,” De Haan continued.

Gas price averages in Maryland over the last five years

Here’s a closer look at the historical gasoline prices in Maryland and the national average within the last five years, according to GasBuddy:

March 23, 2025: $3.00/g (U.S. Average: $3.08/g)
March 23, 2024: $3.56/g (U.S. Average: $3.53/g)
March 23, 2023: $3.26/g (U.S. Average: $3.42/g)
March 23, 2022: $3.79/g (U.S. Average: $4.23/g)
March 23, 2021: $2.84/g (U.S. Average: $2.86/g)

Will Maryland suspend its gas tax? Officials weigh in

Ammar Moussa, a spokesperson for Maryland Govenor Wes Moore, weighed in on the state’s potential gas tax suspension:

“Marylanders need real relief, not a 30-day gas tax suspension that would blow a $100 million hole in our transportation budget at the same time we’re working to close Maryland’s budget shortfall. If Maryland Republicans are serious about lowering costs, they should pick up the phone and call Donald Trump and tell him to end this missionless war — instead of asking Maryland taxpayers to help pay for it.

“This war is costing more than a billion dollars a day and driving up the price of oil, fuel, and everyday goods. The best way to bring prices down is to address the source of the pain, not shift the cost of Donald Trump’s war onto Maryland families.”

Nicole Beus Harris, Chairwoman of the Maryland Republican Party, shared her thoughts next with Delmarva Now:

“We know Wes Moore thinks about the White House 24/7, but his responsibility, just like Republicans in the General Assembly, is to make state policy. A temporary pause of the state gas tax is a commonsense solution to this temporary crisis, but we’ll never see meaningful tax relief under this Governor.”

Are other states suspending their gas tax to cut prices?

As of March 2026, Georgia has become the first and only state to temporarily suspend its gas tax.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, suspended the state’s motor fuel tax for 60 days on March 20. The excise tax on gasoline is currently 33.3 cents per gallon, and a few cents higher on diesel, USA Today reported.

Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at ominzola@delmarvanow.com.

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Maryland

Rachel Morin’s mother criticizes Gov. Moore for opposing ICE detention center in Maryland

Published

1 day ago

March 25, 2026

Press Room

Rachel Morin’s mother criticizes Gov. Moore for opposing ICE detention center in Maryland

MARYLAND (WBFF) — A legal fight is underway in Washington County over plans to convert a warehouse into an immigration detention center, with Gov. Wes Moore opposing the project and securing a temporary pause in construction.

The Trump administration wants to convert the warehouse into an immigration detention center. Moore has taken the issue to court and obtained a temporary halt. In a public service announcement, Moore called the center “concerning.”

“This is being done without transparency, without public input or accountability. And it’s raising serious concerns from Marylanders, all across our state,” Moore said.

ALSO READ | What’s next for the planned immigration detention center near Hagerstown?

Not all Marylanders agree. Patty Morin criticized Moore on social media and said he is out of touch, also speaking with FOX45 News about her concerns.

“First off, I was just really angry because he is misrepresenting the people of Maryland,” Morin said.

“Last time I looked, statistics said 1.3 million immigrants in Maryland. And you know that some of those are here illegally,” Morin said.

Morin’s daughter, Rachel Morin, a mother of five, was killed by an illegal immigrant in Harford County in August of 2023.

Moore said his administration is prioritizing residents’ concerns as the federal government moves forward.

“While the Trump administration is moving forward without any consideration for Marylanders, we’re putting your concerns front and center,” Moore said.

ALSO READ | Emergency order seeks to stop Washington County ICE detention facility construction

Morin said Moore is not listening to residents and argued the detention center is about enforcing the law, not targeting a specific group.

“He is totally politics over people. He genuinely does not care about the people of Maryland or the constituents that he represents. I all the time, Marylanders are like, what is the matter with this governor? Why is he doing this? It’s ludicrous,” Morin said.

“The very word itself, illegal means against the law or not lawful. And they have broken a federal law. Federal law supersedes state law,” Morin said.

It’s not rocket science.”

Morin also said Moore should consider all Marylanders when making decisions about the proposed facility.

“Marylanders that are here want ICE, want law enforcement to protect us. That’s what we’re paying our taxpayer dollars for. Not for a Governor Moore to go to the courts and fight this imaginary battle because he’s trying to, I don’t know, maybe make points with the Democrat party or something. He’s completely out of touch with Marylanders and it’s just, it’s very upsetting,” Morin said.

The court-ordered pause remains in effect until mid-April. Federal officials will announce next steps after the pause is lifted.

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