General Assembly News Archives

2025 Session Primer: When Do State Tax Changes Spill Over Into County Budgets?

As the 2025 Maryland General Assembly begins, tax policy is front and center for lawmakers and advocates alike. A closer look reveals a crucial question: do changes in State tax policy directly or indirectly affect county revenues? Here’s a quick primer to help navigate the intersection of State and county fiscal matters: Personal Income Taxes The State income tax is Maryland’s largest source of general revenue. While county income tax rates operate independently of State…

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January 8, 2025

County News / General Assembly News

Key Dates and Deadlines for the 2025 Legislative Session

The General Assembly session begins at noon on Wednesday, January 8, and spans 90 days, concluding at midnight on Monday, April 7. Here’s a look at some key milestone dates to watch for. The full calendar is available online here. Major dates of interest: January 17 (10th Day) — SENATE AND HOUSE BILL REQUEST GUARANTEE DATE Legislators seeking to introduce bills are asked to place requests with bill drafters by this time to guarantee delivery…

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January 2, 2025

2025 MACo Issue Previews / County Budgets / General Assembly News / News You Can Use / State Budget and Fiscal Issues / Taxes and Revenues

2025 Issue Preview: Maryland’s Budget Crossroads

As the 2025 Legislative Session approaches, MACo is profiling some issues expected to draw significant attention in the General Assembly. Counties are preparing for potential fiscal impacts as the State grapples with budget challenges and rising costs. Maryland faces a $2.9 billion deficit in fiscal 2026, and structural shortfalls are projected to reach $6.3 billion by fiscal 2030. Lawmakers must confront difficult decisions to align revenues with rising costs tied to the Blueprint for Maryland’s…

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December 23, 2024

Read more about the article At #MACoCon: State Leaders Chart Course for 2025 General Assembly Session

Eric Luedtke

County News / General Assembly News / News You Can Use / Winter Conference

At #MACoCon: State Leaders Chart Course for 2025 General Assembly Session

At the MACo Winter Conference, an expert panel provided insight into the fiscal and policy challenges ahead of the 2025 General Assembly session. The panel discussed significant policies likely to take center stage during the session, including education reform, energy, housing, and more, as well as the role of counties in shaping Maryland’s future. Addressing the State’s projected multibillion-dollar structural deficit—primarily driven by the costs of implementing the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future—will require a focus…

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December 19, 2024

Read more about the article State Revenue Update: Modest Gains, Daunting Deficits

Source: Maryland Board of Revenue Estimates

County Budgets / County News / Feature / General Assembly News / State Budget and Fiscal Issues / Taxes and Revenues

State Revenue Update: Modest Gains, Daunting Deficits

As modest revenue gains fail to bridge a growing structural deficit, Maryland's fiscal landscape presents daunting challenges. The Board of Revenue Estimates’ December 2024 projections show slight revenue increases for the current fiscal year and fiscal 2026. However, these gains are insufficient to mitigate a budget gap that could reach nearly $6 billion by fiscal 2030. Revenue Projections: Small Gains Amid Growing Gaps The Board, which includes Comptroller Brooke Lierman, Treasurer Dereck Davis, and Department…

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December 16, 2024

County News / Feature / General Assembly News

Preview the 2025 Session “Big Picture”

A compilation of Issue Papers previews major fiscal and policy issues facing the General Assembly in the year ahead. This resource is a handy guide to the top issues your legislators will tackle in 2025. It is a great preparation document for county officials before meetings with their local Delegations. Developed by the Department of Legislative Services, the 2025 Issue Papers are an annual staple for the Annapolis policy-inclined population. They are also an excellent resource for county officials…

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November 22, 2024

County News / General Assembly News / News You Can Use

Frederick’s 2025 Legislative Priorities Focus on Safety, Health, and Infrastructure

As the 2025 Maryland General Assembly session approaches, Frederick County has outlined a comprehensive legislative package, reflecting the County Executive’s priorities and the County Council’s support for several initiatives to enhance public safety, health, infrastructure, and more. These proposals address urgent needs and provide flexible solutions for the County’s growth and development. County Executive’s Legislative Initiatives Enhanced Safety Standards for Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) Aiming to prevent dangerous gas leaks and fires, the County…

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November 21, 2024

County News / General Assembly News / News You Can Use

Shaping Local Progress: Garrett County’s 2025 Legislative Priorities

This week, the Garrett County Commissioners presented several legislative requests to Maryland State Senator Mike McKay and State Delegate Jim Hinebaugh. These proposals, which aim to address administrative flexibility, tax enforcement, and energy innovation, reflect local priorities ahead of the 2025 legislative session. Procurement Flexibility for County Purchases The County seeks authorization to enter into contracts for goods and services as needed without advertising for bids, provided the amount does not exceed $100,000. The flexibility…

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November 21, 2024

General Assembly News / Winter Conference

What’s Next in Annapolis? Find Out at #MACoCon

The 2025 legislative session is approaching, and the General Assembly must address several major fiscal and policy issues in the year ahead. A staple of the MACo Winter Conference is MACo’s invitation to the leadership of the House and Senate (majority and minority) and the administration to discuss the upcoming legislative session. Conference attendees gain critical insight into need-to-know issues, from fiscal outlooks to pending policy changes. 2025 General Assembly Forecast What’s in store for…

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November 13, 2024

General Assembly News / News You Can Use / Taxes and Revenues

Governor Moore Appoints Acting Administrator for Property Tax Appeals Boards

Governor Wes Moore has appointed Katrina Wiggins as acting administrator of Maryland’s Property Tax Assessment Appeals Boards. Wiggins, whose appointment is pending Senate confirmation during the 2025 legislative session, will oversee the operations of local boards in Maryland’s 23 counties and Baltimore City. Established in 1973, these boards hear appeals on property tax assessments, local taxes, and credits. The state administrator provides administrative, regulatory, legal, and budgetary support to the boards, promotes uniform rules, and…

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October 25, 2024