Dear Constituent,
Governor Moore’s State of the State address this week painted a rosy picture of Maryland’s future while ignoring the hard realities facing Eastern Shore families. Let me be straight with you about where we really stand.
Maryland ranks 43rd in economic outlook and faces a $3 billion deficit that could balloon to $7 billion by 2030. This crisis wasn’t created by Governor Hogan or the Trump administration – it’s the predictable result of expensive, unfunded policies and overregulation by the Democratic Supermajority in Annapolis. Now, their answer is more taxes, more government expansion, and more spending we flat-out can’t afford.
The biggest omission from the Governor’s hour-long speech? The crushing cost of living hitting Eastern Shore families right now, especially those sky-high utility bills.
Gov. Moore’s plan includes tax hikes on businesses and high earners, but here’s the thing – when government raises taxes on job creators, those costs always find their way down to workers, consumers, and our local businesses.
Let me break down what’s really happening in Annapolis:
The Budget Crisis: Instead of cutting wasteful programs, the Governor wants to raise taxes and increase spending even further. Maryland already has one of the worst tax burdens in the country – why should you pay even more to fix their reckless spending?
Economic Growth: The budget addresses job creation but ignores how businesses keep fleeing to states with lower taxes and fewer regulations. Instead of picking winners and losers with taxpayer dollars, we should be cutting corporate taxes and encouraging all businesses to grow.
Education: The Governor doubled down on the Blueprint – a massive unfunded mandate our counties and state can’t afford. His proposed $1.6 billion in savings falls woefully short when we’re facing a $4 billion annual shortfall to implement it.
Housing & Jobs: Rather than removing restrictive zoning laws and cutting property taxes, the budget clears the way for more government control. We should be promoting trade schools and apprenticeships, not expanding entitlement programs.
Public Safety: While the Annapolis establishment honors first responders with words, their policies undermine law enforcement. This budget pushes to expand expungement for criminals who violated probation instead of keeping repeat offenders off our streets.
Here’s what we can do right now to fix our deficit without raising your taxes:
The truth is we need real solutions that put your interests first, not more failed big-government policies.
On a positive note, I had the pleasure of visiting with members of the Eastern Shore Soil Conservation District this week. The vital work they do protecting our agricultural lands and waterways reminds me of what makes our region special. These are the kinds of practical, common-sense efforts we should be supporting – not costly mandates from Annapolis.
We intend to regularly share updates throughout the 2025 session. In the meantime, if there’s anything our office can do to assist you or your family, please don’t hesitate to contact us. You can call or email the office at 410-841-3590 or johnny.mautz@senate.state.md.us. It is a great honor and privilege to serve in the Maryland Senate, thank you for your support and input.
Sincerely,
Johnny Mautz
Maryland State Senate District 37
Caroline, Dorchester, Talbot and Wicomico Counties
BY AUTHORITY: FRIENDS OF JOHNNY MAUTZ, LINDA SEEMANS, TREASURER | POWERED BY VOTEGTR