Repairing the Transportation Trust Fund  

Maryland's Transportation Trust Fund (TTF) has reached a breaking point, and motorists are being abused. The burden of maintaining and growing the state's transportation infrastructure—roads, bridges, and mass transit alike—has fallen disproportionately on the shoulders of motorists. Meanwhile, mass transit riders continue to pay a fraction of the cost to operate a system they rely on, leaving the state's fiscal foundation crumbling under the weight of an imbalanced approach. My bill HB695, "Repairing the Transportation Trust Fund" bill, is necessary to bring about fairness and a functioning highway system.

At one time, the Maryland General Assembly sought to maintain some equity in transportation funding through a 30% farebox recovery mandate. This policy meant mass transit riders covered nearly one-third of the system's operating costs. This historical and very reasonable ratio ensured those using the service contributed meaningful amounts of money towards its upkeep. However, as transit operating expenses rose, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) repeatedly failed to meet the target. By 2017, the farebox recovery mandate was repealed altogether.  

The results have been disastrous. Today, transit riders cover just 8% of operational costs. Maryland motorists and taxpayers must fill the gap, subsidizing 92% of mass transit operational costs. Through escalating gas taxes and, last year, the legislature increased vehicle registration fees by 60%, and drivers pay far more into the system than they get out.

Maryland's historical approach to transportation funding isn't working for anyone. Drivers are increasingly frustrated by continuously growing gas taxes—indexed to inflation since 2013—which feel like an endless penalty for simply hitting the road. Residents are voicing frustration over taxes, and local road projects are being canceled. One notable example is the complete defunding of the Route 5/Great Mills Road project.

Transit riders are also frustrated by the heavy reliance on subsidies, which puts the system constantly at risk of budget shortfalls and further stifles improvements or expansions.  

Maryland's TTF, which should be the lifeblood of all forms of transportation in the state, is being drained by inefficiencies and inequities. Transit ridership remains well below pre-pandemic levels, and the MTA's farebox recovery lags far behind other states with comparable systems. While similar transit systems in different parts of the country achieve cost-recovery ratios of 25% or more, Maryland averages a dismal 7-8%.  

If this trend continues, Marylanders from all walks of life will face the consequences. Transit systems will remain chronically underfunded, cutting corners on safety and reliability. This issue impacts everyone, regardless of whether they commute by car, bus, or train.  

HB695 proposes a realistic and measured solution to this funding crisis. By gradually reinstating farebox recovery requirements—starting at 15% in FY2026 and reaching 30% by FY2029—the bill ensures that transit riders contribute a fairer share of the costs associated with operating the system. It doesn't place an undue burden on transit users, as even the 30% target leaves the majority of costs subsidized by the state. What HB695 does accomplish is simple justice, leveling the playing field for motorists who have shouldered the financial responsibility for far too long.  

The bill also stops the relentless indexing of Maryland's gas taxes to the Consumer Price Index, which a decade ago was marketed as a permanent fix for the TTF but has disproportionately impacted drivers and served as a hidden tax hike year after year.

Last year's Gonzales poll clearly shows that Marylanders are united on this issue. A commanding 64% of residents want priorities shifted toward maintaining and repairing roads and bridges. These core infrastructure elements connect communities, enable commerce, and improve quality of life. While transit funding is still essential, it cannot come at the expense of the broader transportation network upon which all Marylanders depend.  

Finally, as Maryland looks for ways to climb out of a three billion dollar structural deficit, it is certain that some in Annapolis will consider implementing a mileage-based tax. HB695 aims to prohibit any mandate requiring the installation of mileage-tracking devices in private vehicles.

HB695 isn't just fiscal reform; it's a moral recalibration. Requiring all users—whether they drive or ride transit—to pay their fair share is common sense. The cost of maintaining Maryland's infrastructure must be shared equitably across the entire system so it can serve everyone effectively.  

If we want safe, dependable infrastructure for future generations, we must take steps now to ensure fairness.  

Citizens, you have a role to play. Call or email representatives and share your concerns about the current system's inequities and inefficiencies. Maryland can no longer afford to continue to kill local highway and bridge projects by kicking the can down a pothole-ridden road.  It's time to repair the Transportation Trust Fund—and in doing so, repair Maryland's transportation future.

On January 14, I and six other conservative legislators proudly helped launch the Maryland Freedom Caucus and was elected its first chairman. This marks the beginning of a new chapter in Maryland's political landscape. Our mission is clear and unwavering—to make Maryland a safer, freer, and more prosperous state. Strong conservative leadership has been absent in Maryland for too long, and our caucus is here to change that.  

At our launch press conference, we were honored to be joined by Former Governor Bob Ehrlich, Congressman Andy Harris, Chair of the National Freedom Caucus in Congress, and National State Chairmen Andy Roth. Their presence underscored the significance of this initiative and our commitment to standing firm for Marylanders' values and concerns.  To watch the press conference here:

Our first and foremost priority is to stand against Governor Moore's proposed budget and tax increases. We are committed to this cause and will not waver in our fight for the best interests of Marylanders.

When we highlighted that the General Assembly increased spending by 70% while state revenue only grew by 3%, Governor Moore was asked by the media about our concerns. He accused us of finger-pointing and "playing politics," stating he does not point fingers. Yet, in the same breath, he penned an op-ed in the Baltimore Sun blaming former Governor Hogan for the state's deficit. This kind of hypocrisy cannot go unchecked, and we are committed to holding his administration accountable. Fox 45 did a great job covering the press conference and even noted the governor's criticism.

or watch on FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1GZpg25E1C/  on X: https://x.com/MattMorgan29A/status/1880284777015566594 

We believe the path to a stronger Maryland is built on lowering taxes, reducing regulatory barriers, and growing our economy to allow you—the hardworking residents of this state—to thrive. Governor Moore's FY2026 budget includes tax hikes that will impact Marylanders who are already working hard to make ends meet. With new taxes, like a $0.75 charge on every Amazon and retail delivery, Governor Moore's policies are, quite frankly, nickel-and-diming hardworking families to death.  

With the session now underway, our work begins in earnest. The budget is a very fluid document, as it must be considered and voted on in both the House and the Senate. There will be much discussion and debate on the House Floor, and I intend to fight every tax, fee, or license increase and argue for real cuts to wasteful spending.

I will continue to fight for fiscal responsibility, economic growth, and your freedoms.  Thank you for your continued support and shared commitment to a brighter Maryland.  

 I hope you are warm and surviving the snowstorm we are experiencing. In case you missed my last newsletter, I am excited to share that my latest Op-Ed was published in today's Baltimore Sun!

As you may know, the General Assembly of Maryland will reconvene this Wednesday. Maryland has a $3 billion budget deficit while neighboring states enjoy surpluses. While Governor Moore considers potential tax increases, Virginia's Governor Youngkin has introduced a robust agenda focused on tax cuts. If Maryland legislators want to pull the state out of its deficit-driven nosedive, they should look to Virginia for inspiration.

Is it something in the water? While Maryland is in the midst of a fiscal crisis, drowning in a $3 billion budget deficit, its neighbor Virginia is thriving with a $3 billion surplus. The urgency of the situation is apparent. How can two states so close in geography be so far apart in a fiscal sense? It boils down to the priorities of their governing political parties—what you tax, how you spend, and whether your government is focused on growth or pandering. Spoiler alert: Virginia is winning, and Maryland would do well to take notes.

First, let's talk taxes. Maryland has some of the highest taxes in the nation. Our tax policies burden families and drive businesses to less taxing locales (hello, Virginia). Retirees and high-income earners are packing their bags, unwilling to bear the brunt of Maryland's relentless tax hikes.

Meanwhile, Virginia has embraced tax relief, whether its agenda of eliminating the tax on service worker tips or cutting personal taxes for middle-income families. Their approach has not only lightened the load on residents but attracted businesses in droves.......

Read the rest of the article Op-Ed at the Baltimore Sun. Maryland should take a page from Virginia's book.

The Maryland General Assembly is set to reconvene in just 26 days, and the financial landscape has shifted dramatically. The $5 billion surplus is now a thing of the past, replaced by a $2.7 billion deficit. Much of the upcoming session will focus on tackling this significant budget challenge.  

Tax increases should be off the table to close budget gaps. Last March, I helped co-author a letter to the Majority Party, published in the Baltimore Sun, emphasizing this point. I never emailed it out, but the theory still remains true. As we approach a new legislative session with Annapolis Democrats advocating for more revenue, it’s important to reiterate that 99% of Marylanders already feel they are taxed enough. Let’s listen to their voices.

We are the 99%; no more taxes in Maryland | GUEST COMMENTARY

A gray cloud looms over Annapolis, with ominous black clouds on the horizon, foretelling an approaching storm. Positioned in Annapolis, renowned as the Sailing Capital of the World, legislators ought to heed the wisdom of sailors: It’s prudent to secure their rigging and stow away any items susceptible to damage or being swept away by the coming storm.

This is what’s going on with our Maryland state budget. Recently, there was a revenue write-down of $250 million. The revenue shortfall impacts the current budget, resulting in an expenditure exceeding the state’s income. That is a signal to look to the sky and see a storm is coming.

Over the last four years, the state budget has grown by a whopping 32%! In 2021, the total budget was $47.9 billion. The 2024 budget stands at $63.3 billion. Has your family’s income grown by almost 32% in four years? A budget that has grown exponentially faster than that of taxpayers, families, seniors, and businesses cannot be sustained.

This storm can blow back out to sea. A good starting point would be to address the budget deficit through flat funding and reducing government spending where possible. Instead, Democrats in the Maryland House of Delegates are turning the storm into a full-blown hurricane. Their solution to the budget challenges is a massive tax increase. First, they proposed House Bill 1515, which expanded the sales tax to services, taxing everything that moves for an estimated $4 billion a year! It is genuinely a cradle-to-beyond-the-grave tax that even taxes people for their funerals. After a massive outcry against it, the sales tax expansion bill was revealed to be simply a distraction tactic, a “deepfake.” House Democrats substituted that for a $1.3 billion tax package, a cornucopia of taxes and fees that will hurt Maryland families and seniors on a fixed income.

Gov. Larry Hogan left our state in a healthy fiscal condition two years ago with $5 billion in surpluses. Although that was mainly COVID money the federal government sent to Maryland, we must never forget that federal funds are still your tax dollars. Many had urged Governor Hogan to send that money back to taxpayers instead of leaving it for the next administration. Predictably, Gov. Wes Moore blew through that surplus in his first year.

Beginning in 2012, the statewide Gonzales poll asked a question about taxes: Do you think you pay enough, too much, or not enough in taxes? The 2012 responses showed that 96% of people statewide said they paid enough or too much in taxes. More than 61% of ALL respondents, regardless of party or demographic, said they paid too much in taxes, while just 4% thought they paid too little.

Fast forward through the years, and the number of people who say they pay enough or too much in taxes has continued to grow. Even in liberal Maryland, people want to avoid paying more in taxes. This same question has been asked five times, concluding this year.

In 2024, 99% of Marylanders asked by the Gonzales poll said they pay enough or too much in taxes! With inflation harming family budgets, the increased taxes and fees needed to support the bloated state and county budgets, and property taxes that continue to get higher, people have had enough. The results are clear. No more taxes!

Governor Moore balanced this year’s budget by fee increases, transferring funds from various balances, and taking money out of the Rainy Day Fund. Moore’s administration has raised more than 250 administrative fees that do not need legislators’ approval. Contrary to claims made by journalists in other area publications that Moore is not raising taxes, this year’s budget does include tax increases, a.k.a. fee increases.

The Tax Foundation tracks personal and business taxes and rate states against each other. Maryland is currently ranked 45th for the state and local tax burden on residents, and the state business tax climate is ranked 46th. Maryland needs to do more to attract good-paying jobs, and raising taxes and fees and increasing regulations will do just the opposite.

The state cannot tax its way out of this hole. We ask constituents from across the state to contact their state-elected representatives and tell them to reject House Democrats’ $1.3 billion tax increase. We urge the lawmakers in Annapolis to join the 99% of Marylanders who say, “No more taxes.”

Del. William Wivell ([email protected]) is a Republican representing District 2A in Washington and Frederick counties. Also contributing to this op-ed are Republican Delegates Matt Morgan (District 29A), Lauren Arikan (District 7B), Kathy Szeliga and Ryan Nawrocki (District 7A), Robin Grammar (District 6), and Mark Fisher (District 27C).republicans

Link to original printed article: https://www.baltimoresun.com/2024/03/22/we-are-the-99-no-more-taxes-in-maryland-guest-commentary/

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend! This is to follow up on an email I sent a few weeks ago about the new comprehensive plan.

As my previous email stated, the Commissioners of St. Mary's have hired an outside consulting group to prepare a new Comprehensive Plan, St. Mary's 2050. This plan, which is the primary tool for determining where new business and residential development can occur and the type of development suitable for each area, has the potential to significantly reshape our area. Beginning this week, the introductory meetings are the first step in this transformative process. Here is a link for more information: (https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/StMarys2050/GetInvolved/)

After my last email, our local Land Use and Growth Management, LUGM, contacted me. They informed me that the meetings to be held this week are to seek volunteers for the Community Engagement Team, which is being formed to help spread the word about the update to the St. Marys Comprehensive Plan.  

• The first Community Engagement meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 3rd, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Loffler Senior Center, located at 21905 Chancellors Run Road in Great Mills.
• The second Community Engagement Team meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 4th, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Leonardtown Public Library, located at 23630 Hayden Farm Lane in Leonardtown.
• The third Community Engagement Team meeting will be held on Thursday, December 5th, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Northern Senior Center, located at 29655 Charlotte Hall Road in Charlotte Hall.

**** LUGM also included this note in their email to me.  

Important note: Substantive Comprehensive Plan elements (such as identifying areas for directed growth or preservation, housing needs, and economic development) will not be discussed at these meetings. Again, the purpose of these meetings is to solicit ideas for locations and formats for future in-person and online public engagement events and activities (which are projected to begin in mid-January).

I firmly believe your input is crucial to the final outcome of this plan. Public input on the new comprehensive plan is scheduled to begin in January. I will continue to keep you informed as new information becomes available. I am uncertain about the specific outcomes of this week's meetings, but I plan to attend in person at the Northern Senior Center on Thursday evening. Please join me if you can.

I want to thank the staff at LUGM. Through several conversations and email exchanges, I have found their professionalism and assistance invaluable.

While my elected position does not have direct authority over the New Comprehensive Plan, the final decision ultimately rests with our County Commissioners. However, I feel it is my responsibility to share all relevant updates with you as they emerge.

With overdevelopment being a growing concern among many of my constituents, I have requested LUGM to provide a detailed list of approved or proposed High-Density Housing projects for St. Mary's County. Here is the consolidated list of projects LUGM supplied me:

1. Stewarts Grant-Great Mills-1,084 units (mix of dwelling types, apartments, townhouses and single-family detached).  The concept has been approved.  The major site plan has not been submitted to date.
2. Woods at Myrtle Point- Section 3, 132 townhouses (under construction)-Section 2, 70 Condo units, the major site plan has not been approved yet but should be soon. This is California area.
3. Villages at Clark’s Mill-Hollywood-18 townhouses-the concept site plan has been approved; the major site plan has not been submitted to date.
4. Park Place Apartments-California-160 units- The major site plan is under review.
5. Villas at Lexwood- Great Mills-40 townhouses-The major site plan is under review.
6. First Colony Apartments and Townhouses-California-233 units (8 of which are townhouses).  The concept was approved.  The major site plan has not been submitted to date.
7. Riverside, Townhouses-California-42, townhouse units-The concept site plan was disapproved by the Planning Commission.  The decision will likely be appealed to the Board of Appeals.
8. New Life Holdings-Great Mills-47 townhouse units-The concept site plan is still under review.
9. Lighthouse Commons-Piney Point-60 townhouse units- The concept site plan is still under review.
10. Pembrooke-Lexington Park (off Willows Rd.)-140 townhouse units-concept site plan still under review.
11. Pax River Village Center-Great Mills-91 townhouse units-concept site plan still under review.
12. Bradley Brooke Subdivision-Lexington Park (off Willows Rd.)- 150 townhouse units and 73 single-family detached units-concept site plan still under review.
13. Old Rolling Road Apartments-California-568 apt. Units-concept site plan has been reviewed; project has not moved forward.
14. Breton Bay Townhouses- Leonardtown- 84 townhouse development does not have sewer available currently
15. Bay Ridge Estates-Great Mills-60-unit townhouse development
16. Norris Woods Subdivision-Great Mills-44 single family-detached development- This project has expired. The applicant will be resubmitting it soon for reapproval.

These are the projects LUGM has currently approved or is in plan review.

If you add up the above numbers, it comes to over 3,000 units. I believe keeping St. Mary's unique heritage and rural character is essential. Again, I encourage anyone wanting input into the new plan to get involved.

For more information about the county's New Comprehensive Plan, please visit the county's St. Mary's 2050 plan website at https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/StMarys2050/

Let's cut through the political noise and get to the real issue: what problem are we trying to fix? It may seem like a simple question, but when it comes to illegal immigration and our justice system, it needs to be asked. Last week, we released the results of a poll that was conducted earlier in the month in Maryland, asking residents if they support or oppose local law enforcement turning over previously convicted criminals who are also illegal immigrants to ICE. The results were eye-opening.

But before we dive into those numbers, let me give you some context.

Back in 2018, our former Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh provided guidance on ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) detainers, which reflect a broader legal and political debate on immigration enforcement at the local level. The legal advice from his opinion clarified that compliance with ICE detainers is voluntary for local law enforcement. It highlighted potential liability risks for local officials if they detain individuals beyond their legal release date without a judicial warrant or probable cause for a new crime. This stance underscores a legal opinion that local law enforcement should not act as immigration officers unless explicitly required by law or judicial process.

Fast forward to 2021, when Annapolis Democrats unilaterally passed HB 16- Correctional Services – Immigration Detention – Prohibition (Dignity Not Detention Act). The bill made it illegal for ICE to house prisoners in the state of Maryland. Governor Hogan vetoed the bill, a veto that was overridden by Democrats in a special session that same year. I strongly recommend watching the 3rd reader debate for anyone eager to delve into the intricacies of politics. The Republicans, including myself, who spoke on the bill, were correct.  The link takes you directly to my vote explanation during the 2021 session, when we were still required to wear masks.  But I encourage you to back up the video and watch the entire debate. https://www.youtube.com/live/d7nGjVQFbdE?si=zOJQxNaf3JeTLhsf&t=2894

Both instruments have caused miscommunications and a hodgepodge of policies that differ from one County to the next.

Sometimes, it varies between correction facilities and depends on who is working and what day the arrest is made. For instance, Prince George's County enacted local legislation prohibiting its correctional facilities from contacting ICE. Montgomery County implemented a similar ordinance; however, following public outcry, it was repealed this past March. I have seen reports in nearby Charles County where sometimes they comply, and sometimes things slip through the cracks. We just had a case last week involving a violent offender that sent a prosecutor scrambling to hold a high-profile inmate who had an ICE detainer, in St. Mary's County. This case highlights the potential consequences of our current system's inconsistencies.

This is why we need a state law. This is not just about immigration status - it's about protecting our citizens from violent criminals.

Currently, no law prevents a local correction facility or personnel from contacting ICE, but the state needs clarity and constancy. The lack of a clear policy can lead to potential risks. Our solution is simple: if the local correction facilities have an inmate in custody who has an ICE detainer, they must notify ICE of their anticipated release time. This simple step can prevent the release of potentially dangerous individuals back into our communities.  

This logical policy is not only reasonable and practical but also common sense. And it is very popular with our citizens. When asked the question, "Do you support or oppose local law enforcement in Maryland being required to turn over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) any illegal immigrant who has been previously convicted of a violent crime, convicted gang member, or convicted of a sexual offense?" The majority of Marylanders polled answered "yes."

84% of Marylanders supported the position, including 90% African Americans and 88% women. This overwhelming support clearly indicates that our citizens want their streets to be safer and see ICE as part of the solution. (See the complete poll here.)

This overwhelming support has led to some very favorable press for our group.

Fox 45 Video

Fox 45 Baltimore: Citing poll data, Maryland GOP lawmakers urge Gov. Moore for statewide ICE cooperation https://foxbaltimore.com/news/local/citing-poll-data-maryland-gop-lawmakers-urge-gov-moore-for-statewide-ice-cooperation#

Maryland Matters: Conservatives tout poll that says majority want local police to work with immigration https://marylandmatters.org/2024/09/17/conservatives-tout-poll-that-says-majority-want-local-police-to-work-with-immigration/

Baltimore Sun: Maryland Republicans push Gov. Wes Moore for more stringent ICE policy following poll https://www.baltimoresun.com/2024/09/17/maryland-republicans-push-gov-wes-moore-for-more-stringent-ice-policy/

The Chesapeake Today - Right here, Right now. https://www.thechesapeaketoday.com/matt-morgan-right-here-right-now/

The numbers don't lie. The vast majority of Marylanders want their streets made safer, and ICE is part of the solution, not the problem. It's not a political issue. It's a safety issue. And yet, our Democratic leaders in Annapolis continue to ignore the will of the people and push for policies that put our citizens at risk. Let's stop playing politics and start prioritizing the safety and well-being of our communities. It's time for real change and real action from our elected officials.

Marylanders Overwhelmingly Support ICE Partnership 84% in Recent Polling, Shows Public Wants ICE Cooperation

Gov Wes Moore Urged to Issue An Executive Order to Protect Public

(News Release, Annapolis, Maryland)- The September Gonzales poll showed an astounding 84% of Marylanders want local law enforcement to cooperate with ICE, with a record of 69% strongly supporting it. In this same poll, 64% of those asked support the job Wes Moore is doing as Governor. "Marylanders clearly want change in Maryland's ICE policies. Every demographic and region of our state shows incredible support for ICE cooperation, including 90% of African Americans. The support for a change in this policy is much stronger, wider, and higher than even the notable support for Governor Wes Moore," said Delegate Matt Morgan of St. Mary's County.  

The Gonzales poll asked, "Do you support or oppose local law enforcement in Maryland being required to turn over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) any illegal immigrant who has been previously convicted of a violent crime, convicted gang member, or convicted of a sexual offense?" Support for this question is above 80% in almost every category, with overwhelmingly high support among minorities, including 76% strong support among African Americans and 88% support among women. 

"Before a convicted illegal immigrant is released from jail, Marylanders want ICE to have time to pick up wanted criminals," said Delegate Kathy Szeliga of Baltimore County. She continued, "The Baltimore ICE office has detainers on some terrible criminals, including murderers, rapists, pedophiles, and gang members. Law enforcement must be required to turn these dangerous people over to ICE and not release them back into our communities as they are doing now."

In 2021, Annapolis Democrats unilaterally passed HB 16, the anti-ICE, pro-open borders bill. This act, along with the designation of many jurisdictions in Maryland as 'sanctuaries for illegal immigrants' (areas where local law enforcement limits their cooperation with federal immigration enforcement), has made Maryland a more dangerous state. The overwhelming number of citizens in Maryland want these laws and policies changed. 

In the last year, there have been two high-profile murders committed by criminal illegal immigrants in Harford County. "The tragic and brutal murders of Rachel Morin, who was out for a jog, and Kayla Hamilton, who was strangled to death in her bedroom, were completely preventable," said Delegate Lauren Arikan of Harford County. "ICE detainers are only issued for dangerous criminals, and the public deserves to be safe in their homes and communities." 

Governor Wes Moore appeared on Face the Nation on June 16  of this year, saying he agreed with Harford County Sheriff Gahler's calls for getting tougher on criminal illegal immigrants and requiring cooperation with ICE. Afterward, 14 Delegates sent the Governor a letter asking for action. Governor Wes Moore has not responded or done anything to improve public safety. 

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