This headline summarizes another tax increase from Annapolis, but more information must be shared. I want to provide some context.

Over the last two years, the gas tax rate has increased by 30%. In 2013, the extremists in Annapolis passed the first increase in the gas tax in more than two decades, which included an automatic increase every year tied to the Consumer Price Index - CPI - or inflation. As of this July 1st, the total state gas tax will go up to 47.8 cents per gallon, making Maryland the fourth-highest fuel tax in the nation.  It is simply infuriating to see politicians raise taxes year after year without having to justify the need for the tax increase or even to have a recorded vote on it.

The chart below shows the historical amounts of the gas tax. It is interesting to note that the Maryland gas tax has doubled since 2013.  It has increased as much in the last decade (2013 to today) as in the previous 91 years (1912-2013) combined.  This is unsustainable.

I have continued introducing a bill and offering amendments from the House floor to correct this problem and stop those automatic increases. My amendment last session would have saved Maryland motorists from an estimated $62.5 million tax increase this year alone and $570 million over the next five years.

On a side note, it is disappointing to see some Republicans vote against stopping an automatic tax increase. You would think this is the one thing Republicans could unite on,

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s many of you already know, our community is deeply saddened by the passing of my friend and former Maryland State Delegate, Johnny Wood. He was a true pillar of our community, and many will indeed feel his loss. Johnny was a dedicated public servant with an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of Marylanders.

Johnny's contributions to our state were many and varied. Early in his career, he fought to increase funding for local schools and expand access to affordable healthcare for all Marylanders. Later, he was instrumental in securing additional resources for our state's first responders and law enforcement officials. Throughout his time in office, Johnny stood up for what he believed in and fought for the common good.

Beyond his public service, Johnny was a dear friend to many. His warm smile, infectious laugh, and kind heart endeared him to everyone who knew him. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, offer encouragement, and support the causes he believed in.

During the Legislative session, my primary email focus is to get you as much information regarding legislation in real-time. One email I did not send out to the District 29 residents of Northern St. Mary's County during the legislative session was the scoring of Maryland Legislators by The American Conservative Union, better known as CPAC. In the spring of every year, CPAC typically releases its scorecards of votes made in the General Assembly from the previous year.

CPAC is a nationally recognized and reputable organization that evaluates lawmakers' voting performances from a Conservative perspective. The scorecard is crucial since it displays voting consistency and thoroughly evaluates amended bills, making it the most comprehensive report card available.It is especially significant for "Red Area" voters of our state because it scores the principles, beliefs, and values our voters want their elected officials to uphold. I am well aware of the frustration of Republican voters because many elected officials tend to make false promises to drive a local image, but once elected; they vote contrary to what they promised. Therefore, the scorecard accurately accounts for their actions rather than relying solely on their campaign statements. Below are the rankings of all state representatives for Northern St. Mary's - District 29A.

I'm delighted to once again obtain a Gold Star rating from CPAC and the Center for Legislative Accountability. I am proud to say I have once again kept my campaign promises and received a gold star with a 94%.

Suppose you are on my list and live in another area of the state or want more information on what legislation was scored. In that case, I strongly urge you to review their report and find exactly where your representatives stand on critical issues.

MARYLAND SCORECARD Rankings (Web Version)

MARYLAND SCORECARD & Full Packet and legislation (PDF Version)

Self-defense is an inalienable right handed down by God, and it is the natural right of every living being. For women, a firearm can offer them protection from a much stronger physical attacker. I want to thank my friend Susannah Kipke for stepping up and having the courage to be the lead plaintiff in the NRA's lawsuit against Governor Wes Moore over the recently passed and blatantly unconstitutional Senate Bill 1. SB1 is the Left's new de facto concealed carry ban in Maryland. Thank you again, Susannah. I know you will be a great spokesperson for our cause and a staunch supporter of the right to bear arms! #StandWithSusannah https://www.baltimoresun.com/ticker/bs-md-pol-susannah-nic-kipke-gun-suit-20230518-6rh2ucba5zabpng57grkj4v4he-story.html

Press Release and a corresponding letter to Baltimore City Mayor Scott and Police Commissioner Harrison on Baltimore City's lawsuit on auto thefts.  

Baltimore City Auto Thefts at All-Time High

Maryland Legislators Urge City to Do More Than Join Lawsuit Against Hyundai

BALTIMORE, MD – Prominent conservative Republican legislators have issued a letter to Mayor Scott and Commissioner Harrison of Baltimore City in response to the recent lawsuit against Hyundai and Kai due to their vehicles' alleged susceptibility to theft.

"If the City is going to hold car manufacturers responsible for car thefts, they must also send a clear message that Baltimore City will not tolerate carjackings or auto theft and that those who commit these crimes will be held accountable," said Delegate Matt Morgan. 

"The fatherless capital of the USA is blaming auto manufacturers for car thefts in Baltimore." said former Baltimore resident Delegate Mark Fisher. "Based on the police crime data, I'd suggest a plan that focuses on the root cause of crime rather than laying the blame on car manufacturers.

According to data from the Baltimore Police Department, there have been 2,200 auto thefts and 159 carjackings in the 5½ months of this year. Last year, there were 2,473 auto thefts, but only 397 arrests were made, and only 7 led to a guilty prosecution. 

The legislators are asking that Baltimore City not just focus on creating awareness and helping people protect their vehicles but also invest in better technology and other strategies to ensure criminals are caught and prosecuted appropriately. The legislators stand ready to support any legislation needed in the upcoming legislative session to get more criminals apprehended, prosecuted, and incarcerated when they engage in carjackings or auto theft. 

"We hear from so many citizens across the state that they are fearful of visiting Baltimore City because of crime and auto thefts," said Delegate Lauren Arikan. "We are ready to help Baltimore City address the crime crisis and urge the Mayor and Police Commissioner to make Baltimore City safe for the residents and visitors." ​

Every dollar state and local government spends is a dollar it needs to collect from its citizens via taxes. This basic concept reiterates that, unlike the federal government, which can print money, state and local governments must rely on tax dollars to pay for debt services. Therefore, I am deeply saddened that my consistent warnings of excessive government spending resulting in tax increases are being ignored.

Last Tuesday, the Board of County Commissioners of St. Mary's implemented a new excise tax in exchange for an impact fee for new home construction. The implementation of the new excise tax was promised to be revenue neutral. However, 3 of the 5 County Commissioners used it as an opportunity to grab revenue. Commissioners Hewitt, Guy, and Ostrow voted in favor of the new tax, leaving only Commissioners Colvin and Alderson against it. As a result, the new excise tax for St. Mary's County will result in a nearly $4 million tax on the private sector, including small businesses looking to expand. This decision comes less than six months after an election in which the same three county commissioners voting in favor of the new proposal promised not to raise taxes.

I thank Commissioner Eric Covin for his leadership and defense against raising this tax. He was very articulate and made several reasonable, fiscally conservative, and logical arguments during the discussion. Commissioner Covin did a great job. I encourage everyone interested in this topic to watch the short video snippet from last week's voting session during the County Commissioners' meeting and decide for yourself. I find the conversation fascinating. https://youtu.be/sPxrK34XwoU

My 2023 End of Session Letter to Constituents.

April 19, 2023

It is a privilege to serve you in the Maryland House of Delegates. The 2023 Legislative Session came to a close at Midnight on April 11. The legislative session, as it always does, includes both wins and losses. During the last election, I spent countless hours door-knocking constituents' homes. While many politicians focus on polling, there is no substitute for hearing someone's views in their own words when they open their doors! Constituents told me about several issues of concern, such as the high cost of living, violent crime, the deterioration of our education system, and the overall direction our State and our country were heading. Constituents were also frustrated by lip service from politicians who said all the right things to get elected but did the opposite once elected. I want you to know that your concerns were voiced throughout this entire legislative session. My commitment to uphold and fight for our shared values and beliefs was unwavering. As your representative, it is my duty to ensure you are kept informed and up to date. Below I outline several bills which have the potential to both help and harm our quality of life. I will explain each and include how I voted and the significance of its passage or failure.

CRIME & PUBLIC SAFETY

HB 233/SB 226 - Criminal Law - Child Pornography - Accessing and Intentionally Viewing

This bill was a priority legislation from our group of Conservative Republicans and probably was our biggest win of the session. The legislation closes the loophole in the law that makes it legal to view child pornography by streaming video. The current law in Maryland is that while downloading child pornography is illegal, streaming and viewing is not. This bill languished in committee for nearly 80 days as the Judiciary Committee seemed reluctant to move it. After enormous public pressure was applied, the bill was finally voted out of the committee. Though the House Bill did not make it, the Senate Cross-file passed and is on the Governor's desk for a signature. I voted YES.

SB1 - Criminal Law - Wearing, Carrying, or Transporting Firearms - Restrictions

Maryland has made a determined and oppressive attempt to reclaim its authority after the Supreme Court Bruen ruling abolished the State's restrictions on concealed carry. The legislation was revised just before its public hearing, leaving people with no time to read it or provide meaningful input. This bill is a de facto gun ban. It violates Second Amendment rights by creating a gun-free zone across Maryland. It carves out certain areas, such as schools, hospitals, and any place serving alcohol, where it is always unlawful for permit holders to carry firearms. It also prohibits wearing, carrying, or transporting firearms on private property and public accommodations without express consent. Penalties for violations are severe even when no crime has occurred. I voted NO. The bill passed but will indeed be challenged in court.

HB 750 - Gun Theft Felony Act of 2023

After several failed attempts in recent years, Republicans are still trying to pass a critical piece of legislation that would make stealing firearms a felony. Unfortunately, despite our persistent efforts, this bill could not reach the Floor for consideration.

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