The following is a press release from the Maryland Freedom Caucus.
ANNAPOLIS, MD—As the 2025 legislative session ends, Marylanders are left with the largest tax hike in state history—$1.67 billion in new taxes. Democrats claim “fiscal responsibility,” but the reality is a bloated budget propped up by gimmicks, double-counting, and cost-shifting to local governments.
Chairman Matt Morgan stated, “Rather than curbing government spending, they chose to increase taxes across the board—on everything from your Wi-Fi and vehicle to tires, even adding a capital gains surcharge. Meanwhile, the burden falls squarely on small businesses and working families.” He also highlighted the impact of last year’s controversial fee hikes, which required an additional $1.3 billion in special fund revenues to balance the budget.
The Maryland Freedom Caucus introduced a four-point energy package in February, including common-sense bills like HB1451 to end the monthly EmPOWER fee on all utility bills. Vice Chair Kathy Szeliga said, “The top issue in Annapolis this year was soaring and unaffordable gas and electric bills. Very little was accomplished to bring relief while Democrats passed sweeping green energy mandates (HB1035–HB1037).”
The legislature passed several controversial bills this session, including SB587, which establishes a Reparations Commission. This lays the groundwork for a divisive new tax burden on Marylanders. For context, California’s Reparations Task Force estimated a similar initiative could cost up to $800 billion. Meanwhile, HB1378, which caps payouts to survivors of state-perpetrated child abuse, is nothing short of shameful. We’ve dubbed it the Predator Protection Act because it prioritizes shielding the state over supporting victims.
Whip Ryan Nawrocki summarized the session, stating, “While Maryland families are grappling with inflation, Democrats spent their time creating task forces, hiring consultants, and pushing political agendas. The Maryland Freedom Caucus opposed it all—and we’re not backing down.”
The Maryland Freedom Caucus remains committed to fighting for lower taxes, energy affordability, public safety, and real accountability in Annapolis.
Photo via Pixabay
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