For months now, we’ve been sounding the alarm on skyrocketing energy costs, the lack of adequate power generation in Maryland, and the danger this poses to our communities. We’ve written to Governor Wes Moore, the Trump Administration, and Secretary Wright at the Department of Energy, pointing out the dire consequences if action isn’t taken. And finally, we’ve seen some movement—but it shouldn’t have taken this long.

The Wagner Unit-4 power plant in Anne Arundel County is restricted to operating only 483 hours per year under the terms of a 2020 settlement between the Sierra Club and Talen Energy. This agreement not only imposed operational limits but also set a timeline for the retirement of both the Wagner plant and the Brandon Shores facility, with decommissioning scheduled to be completed this year. While that was temporarily paused through 2029 due to a recently enacted Reliability Must Run agreement with the Sierra Club, Wagner Unit-4 was still limited to operating at peak capacity. Just days ago, PJM, our grid operator, raised the red flag that Wagner Unit-4 had fewer than 80 hours left to operate this year, leaving us on the brink of rolling blackouts. Imagine the chaos that could have ensued.

Fortunately, Secretary Wright and the Department of Energy intervened with a 202(c) emergency order under the Federal Power Act (FPA), mandating the plant run at full capacity whenever necessary through October of this year. This is the exact action we requested last month in our own letter to Secretary Wright, and this decision prevented a crisis. But let’s be clear—this issue shouldn’t have come down to the federal government stepping in. Governor Wes Moore had every opportunity to act, and he could have issued an executive order to keep the plant running. Instead, he chose to sit back and let Washington fix it. Yesterday, we sent him a letter reminding him of this.

It’s refreshing to see the Trump Administration put common sense ahead of ideology—a stark contrast to the stranglehold environmental groups have over state leadership. This is about keeping the lights on, protecting families, and ensuring our economy functions. Energy policy shouldn’t be dictated by extreme agendas, but by what’s best for the people.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 29, 2025

Maryland Freedom Caucus Claims Victory in Energy Fight, Urges Immediate Next Steps to Prevent Further Blackouts

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The Maryland Freedom Caucus is celebrating a major victory after the U.S. Department of Energy approved PJM’s emergency request to keep Wagner Unit 4 online and protect grid reliability across Maryland. The move comes just weeks after the Caucus sent a letter to Energy Secretary Chris Wright and President Donald J. Trump urging action under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act to prevent blackouts caused by premature power plant closures.

“This is a clear win for common sense and a validation of our months-long effort to expose the looming energy crisis caused by Governor Moore’s green energy extremism,” said Delegate Brian Chisholm, Maryland Freedom Caucus member. “Secretary Wright’s order keeps the lights on—but this must be the beginning, not the end, of reform.”

Delegate Mark Fisher added, “The Maryland Freedom Caucus is offering solutions that lower prices and stop blackouts. Governor Moore’s extremist policies are wrecking the economy.”

The Caucus has been sounding the alarm since February, warning that the shutdown of Brandon Shores and the deactivation of Wagner would destabilize the grid, increase reliance on imported electricity, and drive up costs. That warning has now been confirmed by PJM and the Department of Energy.

Keeping Wagner 4 online is an essential stopgap. The Maryland Freedom Caucus is now calling for immediate action from Governor Moore:

• Suspend state energy mandates driving the closure of reliable plants like Brandon Shores and Wagner.
• Halt the EmPOWER program, which burdens ratepayers without improving grid reliability.
• Repower closed facilities, including converting Warrior Run to natural gas.
• Include nuclear energy in Maryland’s clean energy plan for long-term stability.

“Our coalition won’t stop until Maryland ends its energy crisis and restores affordable, reliable electricity,” said Chisholm. “Marylanders didn’t vote for blackouts. It’s time for real solutions.”

I hope your summer is going well and that you are staying cool in this heatwave. I’m excited to share that on Friday, July 25th, I’ll be joining former State Senator Clarence Mitchell IV as a guest on the C4 and Brian Nehman Show. Tune in to WBAL NewsRadio 1090 AM or 101.5 FM to catch the conversation!

I wanted to make sure you saw the op-ed that I helped to author and an interview I did on Channel ABC47 Delmarva, which exposed the truth about Medicaid and SNAP reform.

OP-ED Letter

The Maryland Democrat Party is spreading falsehoods about Congress "kicking people off" Medicaid and SNAP. Here’s the reality: the reconciliation bill doesn’t cut benefits. What it does is ask states to step up and take responsibility for the extras Annapolis Democrats have chosen to offer.

This will likely impact you, as Maryland’s General Assembly will face a tough decision: either eliminate this benefit for controversial policies or continue using your state taxpayer dollars without federal reimbursement.

I helped write an Op-Ed on behalf of the Maryland Freedom Caucus covering the topic that was just published at the Baltimore Sun. Please check it out.

Excerpt from the article:

Democrats in Annapolis say Congress’s “Big Beautiful Bill” (BBB) will rip food from children’s mouths and health care from seniors’ bedsides. They warn that 150,000 Marylanders could be kicked off Medicaid and claim that “federal cuts” will starve our state budget. Those numbers are frightening, but they’re also wrong.

Here is the unvarnished truth: The reconciliation bill, which reforms these two ballooning programs, does not mandate that a single Marylander lose benefits. But it does return sanity to two programs that have grown far beyond their original purpose: Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The bill redraws the federal-state partnership so that Washington funds only what federal law intends, while giving states the tools and responsibility to run the extras they prefer. Every “cut” you have heard about is, in fact, a policy choice that Maryland’s elected officials will still control.

Under today’s rules, Maryland receives 100% federal funding for SNAP benefits and a 50% match on administrative costs. The reconciliation bill introduces two guardrails:

Read the rest at: https://www.baltimoresun.com/.../freedom-caucus-if.../

I also sat down for a quick interview with Channel 47 ABC, Delmarva:

Three major issues addressed in President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”: A Win for Workers, Farmers, and America’s Future. Maryland Freedom Caucus Chair and Medicaid Advisor, Delegate Matt Morgan, says this is to help, not hurt.

“It’s not compassion to have people being dependent. We’re trying to get people up and working. If you’re able-bodied, it’s not the government’s responsibility, or taxpayers’ responsibility, to provide what able-bodied people should provide for themselves.”

Delegate Morgan says Medicaid has been expanded to even include the undocumented over the past few years, and it’s time to roll it back.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Sl7fI0dBDk

Democrats are leaning on fear-mongering as they confront a tough choice: either continue funding the expansive Medicaid and SNAP programs they implemented or scale back and make the necessary cuts. We see through the rhetoric and won’t be swayed.

Friends, Last week was a blockbuster.

• ✅Successful military strikes against Iran.
• ✅The stock market hit all-time highs.
• ✅ Major victories at the Supreme Court for states' rights, immigration policies, and parental rights.

Meanwhile, Democrats nominated a Marxist for Mayor of New York.

President Ronald Reagan once said, "Our vision is clear and compelling: a vibrant America, with an economy that is always growing, a future that is always bright, painted in bold colors, not pale pastels."

The stark difference between the two parties' visions for our nation has never been more apparent.

Here in Maryland, we’ve got some challenges ahead.

As your State Representative, I’m committed to keeping you informed about changes that affect our community. Starting July 1, 2025, new taxes and fees from the recently passed Fiscal Year 2026 budget will kick in. These changes will impact all of us, especially middle-class families, and it’s my job to break them down clearly for you. Let’s also set the record straight on tax relief claims coming from Governor Moore that don’t tell the whole story.

New Taxes and Fees Effective July 1, 2025

The budget, signed into law by Governor Wes Moore, includes the largest tax increase in Maryland's history, approximately $1.6 billion in new or increased taxes and fees. Here's a breakdown of the key changes:

• Income Tax Changes:
• • New millionaires tax brackets starting at $500k: Individuals earning over $500,000 will face a 6.25% tax rate, and those earning over $1 million will be taxed at 6.5% (up from 5.75% for incomes over $250,000).
  • A 2% capital gains surtax for individuals with federal adjusted gross income (AGI) above $350,000.
  • Elimination of itemized deductions for filers earning over $200,000, with the standard deduction doubled to $5,400 for single filers and $10,900 for married couples filing jointly.
• Sales Tax on IT and Data Services: A new 3% sales tax on IT and data services (excluding mobile phone services) impacts businesses and consumers who rely on technology services. (link to story on the Baltimore Sun)
• Vending Machine Sales Tax: A 6% sales tax on snacks purchased from vending machines.
• Increased Excise Taxes:
• • Vehicle excise tax rises from 6% to 6.5%.
  • Cannabis tax increases from 9% to 15%.
  • Sports betting tax rises from 15% to 30%.
• Transportation-Related Fees:
• • A $5 fee on every new tire purchased, starting in 2026.
  • Accelerated increases in car registration fees.
• Local Income Tax Cap: The maximum local "piggyback" income tax rate for counties increases from 3.2% to 3.3%, potentially raising local taxes depending on county decisions.

In a recent appearance on The View, Governor Moore stated, "94% of Marylanders will see a tax cut or no change in their income taxes." Watch the video here: https://www.facebook.com/DelegateMattMorgan/videos/1607654233258098

This claim is intentionally deceptive when considering the broader tax and fee landscape. Here's why I disagree:

• Hidden Costs Outweigh Relief: The modest income tax cuts for some Marylanders—often less than $200 annually—are dwarfed by new taxes and fees. For instance, a middle-class family saving $53 on income taxes will likely pay far more in increased vehicle registration fees, tire fees, and taxes on vending machine purchases or IT services. These cumulative costs erode any perceived relief.  
• Impact on Small Businesses and Consumers: The 3% IT and data services tax and higher excise taxes burden small businesses, which may raise prices for middle-class consumers. This is an indirect cost that contradicts the Governor's claim of widespread tax relief.
• Elimination of Deductions: Removing itemized deductions for filers earning over $200,000 limits benefits for homeowners and charitable donors, potentially reducing community support systems that middle-class families rely on.
• Economic Risks: Raising taxes on high earners and businesses historically leads to an exodus, as the Maryland House Freedom Caucus and business leaders have warned. This will shrink the tax base, increase pressure on middle-class taxpayers, and hinder job growth, counteracting economic growth.

The squeaky wheel gets the oil.

Every day, I hear from people planning to leave Maryland. They share significant milestones—retirement, kids graduating—and then say, "That's it, we're out of here." But before you pack your bags, I urge you to stay involved. Politics follows public opinion, and the truth is, if we fix the politics, we can tackle the real problems, like crime, education, and high taxes.

Your voice matters. Share your thoughts, experiences, and concerns about the new taxes and fees, especially on social media and with friends and family. The truth is that with the right people, we can push for policies that truly support Maryland families and align with the values we all care about. Let's continue to work towards making Maryland a freer, safer, and more prosperous state.  

I've made two recent social media posts that I think you'll find interesting.

A few weeks ago, I spoke with an energy executive who expressed concerns about the state of our power supply. Somewhat jokingly, he advised me to invest in a generator due to potential issues with Maryland's energy grid. While I don’t believe the SMECO service area is at immediate risk, I do think rolling blackouts could pose a serious challenge for many areas in Maryland this summer.

I saw a news story in The Baltimore Sun that expressed the same concerns, and I wanted to share a screenshot of the post and the story. https://www.baltimoresun.com/2025/06/07/electric-supply/

April 23, 2025

End of Session Letter to Constituents

Dear James,

It's been an honor to serve as your representative in the Maryland General Assembly during one of the most contentious legislative sessions I've experienced. This session wasn't just different; it was a defining moment that revealed the priorities and true colors of Annapolis' political machinery. While every session brings its mix of victories and setbacks, this one stood apart for the unprecedented level of partisanship and the significant battles waged over the future of our state's fiscal and political direction.

Because Maryland House rules restrict what can be included in official end-of-session communications, I've sent this letter using my campaign account. Why? Because you deserve to know the whole story without filters, just the cold, hard facts about the direction of our state and what's at stake.

To say 2025 started on shaky ground would be an understatement. The warning bells rang last September when Maryland's Board of Revenue Estimates reported sluggish private sector growth. By January, the General Assembly stepped into crisis mode, staring down a devastating $3.3 billion budget deficit. The deficit wasn't due to bad luck or external forces, nor was it, as I often heard from my Democrat colleagues, the fault of President Donald Trump. No, this disaster was self-inflicted. While Maryland struggled, neighboring states like Virginia thrived with substantial surpluses. It's painful to watch, knowing our shortcomings result from years of reckless tax-and-spend policies and bad policy decisions.

I've been sounding the alarm for years. In 2023, when Maryland enjoyed a whopping $5 billion surplus left by the Hogan administration, I was one of only five legislators to push back against Governor Moore's reckless spending spree. My warnings went unheeded. The following year brought more of the same, as Annapolis continued to increase spending while quietly implementing $453 million in tax hikes. This year, for the first time in Maryland's history, every Republican in the House and Senate united unanimously to oppose this irresponsible budget. That historic, unified stance was one of the most significant moments of the session, a line in the sand against Annapolis' unchecked spending habits.

Of course, standing firm came at a cost. The Democratic majority retaliated by slashing many Republican-backed local projects. Republicans comprise 28% of the House yet were handed a pitiful 4% of capital project funds. The cutting of capital projects can only be described as political retaliation. Despite their petty games, I am happy to report that one critical, local project survived the chop—$2.2 million was secured for the water treatment upgrades for the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. (A Win) That funding is a victory we can all stand behind because our veterans deserve nothing less.

But here's the silver lining—we're reshaping how Republicans fight back. We are done with being "voices in the wilderness." This year marked the launch of the Maryland Freedom Caucus, the 13th member of a national network committed to amplifying conservative values and principles. I was honored to be elected Chairman of this caucus and champion the fight for real accountability for the policies coming out of Annapolis.

This shift in strategy wasn't about optics; it delivered results. Thanks to public involvement and transparency, we notched real victories. We exposed and defeated bills like the absurd "condoms for kiddies" legislation. We successfully derailed eight harmful bills by offering amendments and safeguarded taxpayers from some of the most egregious proposals. Transparency works, and when the public steps into the fight, Annapolis takes notice.

Yet, once again, Annapolis squandered an opportunity to shrink government and rein in runaway spending. The General Assembly, instead, chose to go back to its old playbook and pass more taxes, using band-aids where surgery is needed.

Now, Maryland faces a crossroads. Will we continue to pile taxes on hardworking families while neighboring states become stronger and more competitive? Or will we call for a government that values your hard-earned money, safeguards your freedoms, and empowers you to shape the future of this state? One thing is sure—we cannot afford to maintain the status quo.

The following list highlights some of the legislation we addressed this year and how I voted on each. While I acknowledge that the General Assembly accomplished some positive outcomes, finding the silver lining can often be challenging.

Click the MORE link for additional pages.

I wanted to share a thoughtful and unexpected letter from our former colleague, Delegate Kittleman, published in the Baltimore Sun about the Maryland Freedom Caucus. It’s such an honor to receive such a kind compliment from a former Republican Delegate. Thank you, Trent, for the encouraging words—we really appreciate it!

As a former member of the Maryland House of Delegates, I applaud the members who created the Freedom Caucus (“Could Maryland’s Freedom Caucus invigorate the GOP — or deliver a second term for Gov. Wes Moore?” March 16). During my eight years, I hoped to see stronger, more dynamic action from our caucus. But Republicans are both political and personal conservatives. That makes it difficult for most of us to employ the dramatic tactics Democrats use to get press coverage.

Their rationale for the more restrained approach is that they have to appease Democrats to get anything done. My response is that we don’t ever get anything from the Democrats.

During Gov. Larry Hogan‘s second term, I was frustrated that he didn’t take full advantage of his “bully pulpit.” He missed the rare opportunity to grow Maryland’s Republican Party. With four years and no reelection in his future, Governor Hogan could have used his popularity and his voice to speak directly to the people, criticizing the far-left liberal bills and giving an eloquent and articulate defense of Republican alternatives.

Rather than trying to “work with” the Democrats to scrape out a few minor “wins,” Hogan could have spoken out loudly against their extravagant expenditures and the restrictive highly-regulated programs that were trapping lower income families into the perpetual poverty of government handouts. 

It would have been tough for the Republican governor to engage in a public repudiation of the Democratic ideas. The Democratic legislators would have been furious and Hogan, like Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. before him, believed his Democratic friends were open to compromise. Eventually, however, both governors learned the hard way that the huge supermajorities Democrats hold in Maryland make them feel and act omnipotent.

Yes, Democrats might include an outlandish provision in a bill so that they can give the Republicans a “win” by deleting it. But nothing stops them from passing more and more far-left legislation.

The new Republican Freedom Caucus is proving that Republicans can make a difference. The caucus has been successful in getting media coverage and is articulating the Republican approach to a broad audience. And they are good. If anyone wants to hear an articulate explanation of why Republicans support or oppose legislation, go listen to the Republican floor speeches.

Almost all of my former colleagues can and do make powerful arguments during the floor debate on bills. Throughout my tenure, I fervently wished there was a broader audience for these speeches. With the creation of the new Freedom Caucus, there now is. 

— Trent M. Kittleman, West Friendship

The writer, a Republican, represented District 9A (Carroll and Howard counties) in the Maryland House of Delegates from 2015 to 2023).

🚨 Take Action Oppose Maryland’s Tax Hikes! 

You've probably heard but Annapolis Democrats are at it again. Facing a $3 billion budget shortfall, instead of controlling reckless spending, they’re doubling down by taking more of your money.

Democrats in Annapolis are gearing up to unleash a wave of new and increased taxes that will directly impact you. Imagine being taxed on everyday items like snacks and soft drinks, facing higher income taxes, and shouldering rising sales taxes. But it doesn't stop there; even middle-class small businesses and entrepreneurs could be hit with new business-to-business taxes on services. Is this the vision of economic growth we want? These measures don’t just nibble at the edges—they fundamentally challenge the financial stability of families and businesses and impact the quality of life for Marylanders.

Here’s what’s at stake if we don’t act NOW:

❌ 2.5% Business-to-Business Tax on Services – Targeting small businesses and entrepreneurs. This has the potential to pull billions from private sector businesses and put it into the hands of the tax and spend Democrats in Annapolis.

❌ Sugary Drinks Tax – Pay more for your everyday beverages. This proposed tax is .2 cents per ounce!

❌ Higher Income Taxes – Directly impacting households.

❌ A new Delivery Tax – taxing home deliveries from Amazon to your Papa John's pizza.

❌ Potential Sales Tax Increase – On top of everything else, Democrats are desperate to fund their bloated education and green energy boondoggles, they are eyeing an increase in your property tax!

You can’t afford to stay silent. Maryland families, small businesses, and our hard-earned incomes are being sent to the chopping block.

📢 JOIN THE TAX REVOLT RALLY

📍 Where: Lawyers Mall, Annapolis

📅 When: Wednesday, March 19th

🕒 Time: 6 PM

What you can do TODAY:

➡️ Rally your friends, family, and local businesses to join.

➡️ Register for the event.

➡️ Show up and make your voice heard.

Together, we can demand fiscal responsibility and stop the tax madness. Don’t wait. Your wallet depends on it.

Please RSVP to the Rally here: https://secure.anedot.com/marylanders-united-slate/events/marylandtaxrevolt