ANNAPOLIS, MD—The Maryland Freedom Caucus gathered with citizens, legislators, and media for the Tax Revolt Rally on March 19, 2025 at Lawyers’ Mall in Annapolis. The rally showcased the concern Marylanders have about what the Maryland Freedom Caucus calls “the state’s reckless tax-and-spend policies and their determination to fight back.”

“The energy tonight was incredible. The people who came out deeply care about the future of Maryland. They believe this state is worth fighting for,” said Delegate Matt Morgan of St. Mary’s County, Chair of the Maryland Freedom Caucus. “With Annapolis poised to pass a wave of new and increased taxes—including a delivery tax, a business-to-business services tax, a sugary drinks tax, and higher income taxes—we must stand together and demand change.”

Delegate Kathy Szeliga of Baltimore County, Vice Chair of the Freedom Caucus, opened the rally with a stark contrast between Maryland’s approach and the fiscal policies of its neighbors. “Just 31 miles down the road, the federal government is cutting spending. They’re looking for waste, fraud, and abuse and searching for tax cuts! Just 46 miles away in Virginia, they closed their legislative session with a $2billion surplus and gave tax cuts to their people.”

Former Governor Bob Ehrlich delivered one of the most striking lines of the night: “Some of you may not know that ‘Maryland’ has become a verb in Virginia. ‘Don’t Maryland my Virginia.’ When you become a verb in politics, you’ve got a problem.” Delegate Mark Fisher of Calvert County echoed these sentiments, stating, “We are the laughingstock of the region—and deservedly so.”

Morgan reminded the crowd that while next year is an election year, it is also the 250th anniversary of American independence, making the fight against unjust taxation even more significant. “There is nothing more important than returning to the principles and values that set that revolution in motion.”

Addressing reckless government spending, Delegate Brian Chisholm of Anne Arundel County pointed to the thousands of bills introduced each session, many packed with spending mandates. “They’ve proven year after year that they can’t handle your money. [My colleagues] say they really don’t want the Democrats doing anything, but I do! Stop helping!”

Delegate Robin Grammer of Baltimore County called out the what he called the deception behind tax hikes and the false promises of lower costs. “Stop lying. No more taxes. Cut the spending to fix the budget.”

Freedom Caucus Whip Delegate Ryan Nawrocki, also of Baltimore County, invoked his own family as his motivation for standing up in Annapolis. “I wake up every morning thinking, what are we doing to make life better for the next generation? And I can tell you, the stuff we’re pushing out of Annapolis is doing the exact opposite.”

Closing the rally, Delegate Lauren Arikan of Harford County warned her Democratic colleagues that voters are watching. “Come over to the light! Join us now, because that election [next year] is coming like a freight train.” She pointed to failed policies on immigration, crime, and education spending as prime examples of why Marylanders are fed up. “And now you’re about to tax literally 15 new things! Stop it already!”

The Maryland Freedom Caucus was joined by nearly two dozen Republican colleagues from both the House and Senate, along with special guest Kim Klacik, former congressional candidate and conservative radio host, who reinforced the need for fiscal responsibility and a change in leadership.

With just over two weeks left in the legislative session, the fight over the budget is heating up. The Maryland Freedom Caucus says it remains committed to standing against excessive tax hikes and will continue to hold legislators accountable for any increases that do not accompany meaningful spending cuts.

“The people of Maryland have spoken,” said Delegate Morgan. “Now it’s time for Annapolis to listen.”

Please follow and like us: