Police officers are required to perform the functions of their job in accordance with Maryland law and agency policy while working professionally to uphold the rule of law while keeping our communities safe. In certain situations, they are compelled to use deadly force to stop an immediate threat. Can you imagine a world where we ask our plumber to judge whether a medical doctor acted appropriately? Perhaps it would make better sense for an auto mechanic to review and oversee the activities of pharmacists? Or vice-versa in these examples? Of course, these suggestions are as outlandishly foolish as you might imagine, yet this is the process and thinking our legislators have given us when it comes to the law enforcement profession.

The recent police-involved shooting in Baltimore City and subsequent comments made by members of the city’s PAB during its “emergency meeting” last Friday are clear examples of the concerns raised by law enforcement leaders. There is no place for activism or personal agendas when sitting in positions that review the actions of those tasked with keeping order in our communities.

When tragic incidents occur, in which officers must use deadly force to neutralize a threat, a full and thorough investigation should take place before any conclusions are drawn or public statements are made that could bias the process. The comments made by one PAB member in Baltimore City concerning that police department’s use of force policy and whether officers should “shoot to kill” demonstrate a clear, premature and biased judgment of this incident by an activist, not an informed professional, before any investigation has been completed.

Frankly, it is both disturbing and disgraceful that a member of any PAB would even need to ask whether it is departmental policy to “shoot to kill.” The fact that such a question was even posed highlights the alarming ignorance and complete lack of training and understanding among certain board members — individuals who have been irresponsibly entrusted with judging the split-second, life-or-death decisions made by trained law enforcement professionals.

This level of uninformed commentary would be laughable if it weren’t so dangerous. Our citizens and our law enforcement professionals deserve better, much better.

Jeffrey Gahler is the Harford County sheriff.

On the capital budget front, and despite overwhelming public and County Council support, the Central Precinct and Training Academy remains stalled again in this year’s budget, with no plan to move forward from Cassilly. He has also failed to fund the sheriff’s office’s needed upgrade to our taser, body camera and in-car camera programs to ensure our deputies are equipped with the most up-to-date and effective non-lethal use of force tools available. And nowhere is Mr. Cassilly’s lack of support for law enforcement more evident than, in a time when protests and civil unrest are on the rise, Mr. Cassilly’s refusal to even fund a modest $122,000 request to replace outdated and expired riot helmets to protect our men and women. It is clear that Bob Cassilly does not want to ensure our deputies have better tools and equipment to more safely perform their dangerous duties.

It’s a sad coincidence that the dollar amount needed for riot helmets or updated taser requests is similar to what Mr. Cassilly has spent to purchase 12 drones for the Department of Emergency Services (DES), apparently from a company whose CEO’s father is one of Cassilly’s major campaign donors. By his own admission, DES does not need 12 drones, and Mr. Cassilly has stated that he will give them to his other departments, private fire companies and municipal police departments, which would be in direct conflict with the information presented to the Board of Estimates to justify the initial purchase. It is shameful that Mr. Cassilly chooses to mislead through creative wording in his budget messaging to paint a picture that he supports law enforcement and corrections, but the reality of his budget actions over the past three years tells an entirely different story.

Lastly, it’s troubling that Mr. Cassilly has once again excluded the sheriff’s office from key budget discussions — a pattern throughout his three years as county executive. Despite claiming to prioritize public safety, his actions consistently undermine the vital services the sheriff’s office provides to Harford County. This contradiction between rhetoric and reality cannot be ignored.

Jeffrey Gahler is the Harford County sheriff.

Across the first district, known state-wide for its rural heritage and conservative political leanings, you would be hard-pressed to find a constituent who is not in favor of increased government efficiency, proper stewardship of taxpayers’ funds and accountability for waste and corruption. After all, our district does not benefit from the same level of geographic and financial proximity to Washington and Annapolis that many other Maryland constituencies do. Our district is a place that prides itself on self-reliance, a place where you will find communities dependent more on the labor of farmers and watermen than government officials and contractors. These factors considered, I would like Harris, as well as my fellow constituents, to ask ourselves if the current efforts undertaken by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are what we really deserve regarding our mandate of change and accountability within the federal government.

My concerns regarding the actions of DOGE are twofold. The first is that this entity is not providing adequate transparency to Congress or the American people regarding its activities. The second is that it is a mechanism for the House of Representatives to inadvertently cede its Article I authority, derived from our Constitution, to the executive branch. Regarding the first concern, I think it is right for the current administration to deliver on its promises of accountability for federal employees, agencies and departments. But is the wholesale firing of probationary employees and closure of entire agencies without a thorough investigation really bringing us closer to this end? Where are the congressional inquiries regarding these decisions? Given that the House already has a Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, led by Republican Congressman James Comer, why is it not more involved in these decisions? How are organizations that were funded by last session’s Republican-led Congress now losing funds without congressional buy-in? Harris, as our representative, should be diligently trying to find answers to these questions on our behalf rather than allowing DOGE to make unilateral decisions regarding the Treasury and structure of the federal government.

Regarding my second concern, I would argue that allowing the executive branch at the behest of DOGE to impound funds that Congress has already allocated represents a severe curtailment of the House’s ability to control the government’s purse strings. If DOGE or the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform were to conduct comprehensive public inquiries into government waste and abuse, could the speaker of the House, Congressman Mike Johnson, not simply incorporate changes based on these findings into our upcoming federal budgets for 2025 and 2026? This process, after all, would create both lasting progress toward fiscal responsibility and transparent accountability for past waste and abuse of government funds. Furthermore, with midterm elections still two years away, the House has adequate time for a meticulous review and reappropriation of funding.

Harris, as a member of the House’s Freedom Caucus, and residents of our unique district should be among our nation’s most ardent advocates for both government accountability and the necessity of a strong legislature. They are not mutually exclusive. It is evident that the mandate the American people delivered to the Republican Party in 2024 was not just for the president, but for Congress as well. I ask only that Harris advocate for legislative oversight of government reform as the term continues and that he urge Johnson and Comer to do the same.

Will Hopkins lives outside Havre de Grace. 

The math of America’s future

The numbers don’t lie. In 1950, America was 90% white. Today, nearly 40% of the population is Black and Brown. Within the next decade, minorities will be the majority. History proves that every global superpower thrives on economic strength, and the United States is no exception. If we fail to include all Americans in our economic future, we risk national decline.

We are living through America’s Third Reconstruction. The first followed the Civil War, promising economic empowerment to freed slaves — promises that were swiftly broken. The second, the Civil Rights Movement, brought progress but also fierce resistance. Today, in the wake of the Obama presidency and the racial reckoning after George Floyd’s murder, we see a familiar backlash.

But this time, we have the power to break the cycle. The most diverse companies and regions are the most innovative and profitable. America is, at its core, a capitalist democracy — where money talks. Our nation’s success depends on embracing diversity and ensuring equitable opportunities for all.

AI and the future of inclusion

While we debate DEI, a far greater force is reshaping our world — artificial intelligence. AI is projected to displace 75 million jobs across industries. It won’t discriminate; it will simply replace those unprepared to adapt.

That is the real challenge. If we fail to equip our communities — Black, brown, white and everyone in between — for an AI-driven economy, the consequences will be devastating. That’s why I propose establishing an AI Council in Harford County and across Maryland to prepare young people for AI-driven careers. We must build a pipeline of AI-ready workers, ensuring no community is left behind in this technological revolution.

If some want to erase the term “DEI,” let them. Words are secondary to action. What truly matters is that we prepare all our children for the future.

The real storm isn’t DEI — it’s AI. If we fail to prepare, we fail our communities. The future belongs to those who seize it.

Andre Johnson Jr., a Democrat, is a Maryland state delegate representing District 34A in Harford County.

One bill that is especially personal to me is H.B. 763, which aims to combat human trafficking through education. This bill would require the State Board of Education and certain nonpublic schools to incorporate human trafficking awareness and prevention into the health curriculum for students in grades six through eight. By raising awareness and providing education, we can better equip our students to recognize and prevent human trafficking and sex trafficking.

Another important piece of legislation is H.B. 768, which addresses the issue of “taxation without representation.” Currently, there are areas in our state where residents are subject to taxes without proper representation or advocacy. The bill allows these areas to incorporate as municipalities, giving them control over development, finances, government services, grant applications and the ability to elect local leaders who can advocate on their behalf. It is known that the municipal population is growing at a greater rate than non-incorporated areas (1.2% vs. 0.3%). And after incorporation, land value rises higher than it would otherwise. Also, a third of all sales tax is collected in municipalities, which occupy about 5% of the state’s total land mass. It is time for these communities to have a say in their future.

Finally, I remain committed to fully funding education so that every student, no matter their zip code, can succeed. Importantly, the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future is not contributing to the current general fund deficit. Any potential changes to the Blueprint will be part of a separate conversation as we work through these budget challenges. Thanks to the foresight of the House last session, the Blueprint Fund is secured through fiscal year 2026.

As we move forward this session, my commitment to the people of my district and all of Maryland remains unwavering. These pieces of legislation and budgetary priorities are not just about addressing immediate challenges — they are about ensuring a better, more equitable future for all Marylanders. I will continue to advocate for the issues that matter most to our communities, whether it is protecting vulnerable populations, empowering local governments or ensuring the economic stability of our state. Together, we can make Maryland a place where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.

Del. Steve Johnson is a Democrat representing District 34A in Harford County. He can be reached at (410) 841-3280 or steve.johnson@house.state.md.us.

As time went on that morning, a constant stream of texts filled our mom’s phone. At some points, we think she was more emotionally taken aback by the texts than the fire itself, as her eyes would fill with tears while reading them. Our dad took a calm stance as he walked the premises and assessed the damage. Our community’s outpouring of support definitely tempered the sting of what happened that morning.

Phone calls came in. Staff showed up and rolled up their sleeves to help. Customers came by to check in and see if everyone was okay. Facebook posts made by the local fire departments received numerous comments of love and support to our parents and staff, and they expressed their love of Wargo’s itself.

Just days later, we’ve found that groups in the community have reached out to their own to support Wargo’s with fundraisers and other means of supporting the restaurant’s return. This is phenomenal and it brings our family to tears. Thank you.

It’s these gestures that make us all feel better and grateful about where we live and the people we know. Thank you so much for lifting up our parents during this time — you’ve made it significantly easier for them. The three of us couldn’t be more pleased with how we see them dealing with this situation with patience and clear minds — thanks to all your help, your thoughtful words and your actions of kindness. To our wonderful community, thank you so much for your love and your support of Wargo’s. We know our parents will open the restaurant’s doors to you again as soon as they can.

Sincerely,

Kerry Wargo Clough, Dana Wargo Santilli and Kimberly Wargo

The Maryland Freedom Caucus has a plan, governor. We have sent several formal letters to the governor with just what he requested — “a plan.” In January, we sent a letter requesting he immediately get the State of Maryland out of the disastrous California Clean Cars Initiative — still no response from the governor for weeks.

Last month, the Maryland Freedom Caucus, whose membership includes Dels. Matt Morgan (St. Mary’s), Kathy Szeliga (Baltimore County), Ryan Nawrocki (Baltimore County), Lauren Arikan (Harford), Brian Chisholm (Anne Arundel), Mark Fisher (Calvert) and Robin Grammer (Baltimore Co), crafted a detailed four-point plan and held a press conference explaining this comprehensive plan to lower Marylander’s energy costs immediately.

Our four-point energy plan was outlined as follows:

1. Keep power plants open and reopen closed facilities — We called for federal intervention to prevent further shutdowns and reinstate reliable energy sources.

2. Halt EmPOWER fees and pause energy taxes – End the EmPOWER fee and a 60-day moratorium on all state-imposed energy taxes and fees — just like the gas tax pause in 2022. (H.B. 1535, H.B. 1536)

3. Repeal the Climate Solutions Act (2022) — The radical mandate in this law must be repealed (H.B. 1451).

4. Stop the $180 million climate bureaucracy and other costly Green New Deal-style programs.

Additionally, I have submitted the Energy Equality Act of 202 — H.B. 1238. The bill aims to prevent the State of Maryland from banning and discriminating against consumer products, including vehicles, based on the form of energy used to power the devices.

With inflation at an all-time high, now is not the time to force consumers to purchase products that only use electricity. Our grid is stretched to the max. Bills are sky-high. Citizens are angry, rightly so, at the looming threat of rolling blackouts because our state continues to close down local energy production.

Democrats through absurd green energy policies they have rammed through thanks to their super majority have led to the closing of seven power stations since 2012. Brandon Shores is still on the chopping block and while we’ve gotten a temporary stay until 2029, very soon we will lose that energy on our grid, requiring Maryland import more than 80% of our energy from other states, according to estimates from PJM.

Extreme leftist politicians in Maryland shove their collective heads into the sand and claim we’re going green, but make no mistake, we’re importing energy from states that proudly generate energy using coal. They continue to pursue pie-in-the-sky green energy plans that end with Maryland’s rural areas, like Harford, Baltimore and Carroll Counties, being crisscrossed with even more powerlines, so that we can import energy from other states and destroy our rural heritage.

The Maryland Freedom Caucus has provided clear plans for Gov. Moore, just as he requested. We have repeatedly reached out to him and shared these plans. Yet, the governor has refused to respond to a single letter or a single request for a sit-down meeting with him by members of our caucus, even on overtly bipartisan issues like the Key Bridge collapse and rebuilding.

We need the citizens of Maryland to fight back against these destructive policies. We need the community to reach out. Reach out to the governor, tell him it’s time to work across party lines. Tell him about your BGE bills. Tell him how the cost of energy and the cost of living in Maryland is making it harder for your family to justify staying here.

A recent poll by UMBC found that 53% of Marylanders have considered leaving the state. The Maryland Freedom Caucus is committed to making Maryland a state the citizens actually want to live in, and we are calling on the citizens to help make that a reality.

Lauren Arikan (lauren.arikan@house.state.md.us) is a Republican delegate, representing District 7B in Harford County.

The reason for this bill is to address the energy crisis that Marylanders find themselves in after years of state and federal energy policies that primarily focused on wind, solar and battery storage that are intermittent renewable energy resources. Excessive regulations have caused 24/7 base load plants to retire early with no viable replacements.

Maryland needs base-load natural gas generation projects to connect to the grid at a rapid pace to avoid loss of electricity and to help stabilize pricing. Many have been warning the legislature that our state needs to secure our own supply of electricity and decrease our dependency on other states. PJM and NERC — the North American Electric Reliability Corporation — have been warning about the risks to our bulk power system due to early closures of 24/7 base load generation.

Now Marylanders are experiencing high-cost electric bills and could experience service interruptions and blackouts. But we can change that trajectory with this legislation.

Maryland needs to generate its own electricity with resources like natural gas plants and SMRs — small modular reactors — which would bring reliable clean nuclear energy to the state. SMR technology is expected in the next 8 to 10 years and large-scale nuclear projects have 10-to-15-year lead timeframes due to permitting. Natural gas generation plants can be completed in four to six  years, providing stability to our grid more quickly.

H.B. 1329 will allow investor-owned electric companies or electricity suppliers to construct, acquire or lease and operate their own energy-generating facilities in Maryland. They are required to obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity or commission approval for the construction of the generating system.

As this bill points out, private businesses are welcome, but I also felt it important to open up the ability for utility companies as well because they are currently invested in Maryland which is beneficial to Marylanders because they know the industry, can acquire the capital to invest and can expedite the construction process. I see this as an all-hands-on-deck approach. The state should be looking for any and every opportunity to build new generation in the state.

The bill also includes support for the development of additional nuclear energy in Maryland.

It also encourages PJM to provide expedited interconnection processes for new thermal generation resources.

Furthermore, I am a proud cosponsor of H.B. 1451, the Climate Solutions Affordability Act of 2025. This bill will roll back the Climate Solutions Act, repeal the EmPOWER Maryland tax and restore our ability to generate affordable, reliable energy.

The House Republican Caucus has introduced legislation to address the energy crisis as well that I have cossponsored.

H.B. 1217 — Natural Gas Generating Facilities — authorizes the construction, permitting and operation of natural gas generating facilities in the state until the state meets 50% of its energy needs from renewable energy resources and requires the Maryland Energy Administration to work with the owners and operators of natural gas-generating facilities to decrease the production of energy from natural gas after the state meets 50% of its energy needs from renewable energy resources.

H.B. 1218 — Construction and Expansion of Transmission Lines and Task Force to Develop a Realistic Electricity Plan for Maryland — will establish a task force to study and make recommendations on the state’s current and future electricity needs under various scenarios and will prohibit the Public Service Commission from approving the construction or expansion of transmission lines in the state from July 1, 2025, through May 1, 2026. It also requires the task force to report its findings and recommendations to the governor and the General Assembly by Dec. 31, 2025.

As we move forward with these important issues, I am both honored and excited to be here in Annapolis serving each of you.

Del. Teresa E. Reilly represents District 35A and is chair of the Harford County delegation.

This past fall, our community witnessed two horrific incidents unfold, one at my alma mater Joppatowne High School where a student was murdered in the school at the hands of another student, and one at Edgewood High School where an MS-13 gang member, who had committed a murder and rape, was allowed to attend a county school. Due to several state laws that make the chain of communication between school leaders and public safety officials impossible, both these incidents unfolded in ways that put further students at risk. To be clear, the risk factors did not stem from law enforcement or school personnel not doing their job but rather were the result of outdated state laws. As a father of children in the Harford County Public School system, I am concerned with the implications of these laws. That is why I have partnered with Harford County’s State’s Attorney Alison Healey to address these issues via several pieces of legislation.

The first bill, H.B. 951, will add certain juvenile offenses to a preexisting list of reportable offenses. Once these offenses are added to the list and if a juvenile commits one of them, a notification piece kicks in that would allow law enforcement agencies to share certain information with select school personnel regarding the juvenile. Furthermore, I add in the bill language that would allow the state’s attorney (and not law enforcement) to provide notification to a school superintendent or their designee if a juvenile is a suspect in a crime that, if committed by an adult, would be a felony or a crime of violence. By making these changes — updating the list for what’s currently reportable and allowing the state’s attorney to provide notification with the suspect piece — the chain of communication from state to localities is updated and will ensure a safer community for our schools and students.

The second bill, H.B. 952, provides authorization for a local school superintendent or their designee to access the Juvenile Sex Offender Registry and updates the lists to include certain offenses, one of which includes the production and distribution of child pornography without consent. Another piece of the bill updates the timeline in which a juvenile’s name must stay on the registry. Right now, when probation ends for a juvenile, their name is removed from the registry, and they’re allowed to return to school in person. Unfortunately, this has played out before, as was reported by Chris Papst with FOX45 News when a Baltimore City judge issued a ruling that allowed a repeat 16-year-old sex offender to be removed from the list and thus return to school in person. To prevent this from happening again, H.B. 952 requires a juvenile stay on the list until they are 18 or their probation ends, whichever occurs later. The bill’s intent is to protect all students and personnel within our schools, so these changes are essential.

One third and final piece of legislation I am cosponsoring, H.B. 622, allows the parents of a juvenile to authorize law enforcement to talk with the juvenile directly regarding an incident in which they (the juvenile) may have knowledge. Unfortunately, due to legislation passed by the Maryland General Assembly, juveniles are not allowed to talk with law enforcement without the consent of an attorney, which has resulted in not only many kids coming into contact with the system because they could not share information on the frontend that would clear their name but also has prevented law enforcement from furthering investigations. An example of this unfolded with the Joppatowne incident when law enforcement could not question any student on the whereabouts of the weapon used in the murder. As a result of this, the weapon is still at large, thus potentially putting students at risk.

It is my ardent intent with these bills to provide necessary safeguards and parameters so that our students are able to attend institutions of education that provide a safe learning environment.

Del. Mike Griffith is a Republican representing District 35A, which includes Harford and Cecil counties.

On Jan. 15, 2025, as required by the Maryland Constitution, Gov. Wes Moore unveiled his proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget. Each year, the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee and the House Appropriations Committee oversee the budget process. After the briefing, both committees will hold public hearings over several weeks, allowing state agencies and stakeholders to present testimony and evaluate potential changes to the Governor’s proposed budget.

This year, Maryland lawmakers face a record-breaking $2.7 billion budget deficit, the largest ever presented to the General Assembly. For context, the state had a $479 million surplus last year and a $555 million surplus in 2023.

It’s essential to emphasize that while adjustments can be made to the proposed budget, the state must maintain a balanced budget and ensure the total amount does not exceed the governor’s initial budget proposal. The budget must be passed by both chambers by March 31, the 83rd day of session.

Maryland’s financial landscape has changed drastically. The state last faced a budget deficit in 2019, with a relatively small shortfall of $62 million. Now, many are questioning how Maryland went from a $5.5 billion surplus at the end of the previous administration, comprising $3 billion in rainy day funds and a $2.5 billion budget surplus, to a multibillion-dollar deficit in just a few years.

Gov. Moore’s proposed $67.3 billion budget reflects a 1% spending increase from the previous fiscal year and includes $987 million in new taxes, fees and assessments, adding yet another financial burden on taxpayers. Despite imposing new taxes and fees, the budget still faces a nearly $3 billion deficit, emphasizing the failure of these revenue-raising measures to address the financial crisis

Key factors contributing to the deficit include: rising entitlement costs, declining federal aid, new spending commitments and economic shifts such as slowed growth and inflation.

Moore’s proposed budget includes several key spending increases, such as $139 million for Medicaid hospital assessments; an increase in climate reduction funding, rising from $90 million to $180 million; and $128 million allocated to advancing Maryland’s competitiveness in quantum computing, cybersecurity and life sciences.

The most alarming budget cut is the $200 million reduction in funding for the Developmental Disabilities Administration, which provides vital services to Maryland’s most vulnerable residents, many of whom are unable to advocate for themselves.

The proposed budget also introduces significant tax and fee changes. The addition of two new tax brackets, for instance, will raise rates to 6.25% for Marylanders earning $500,000 and 6.5% for those earning $1,000,000. In the past, similar changes have resulted in $1 billion leaving the state.

While the inheritance tax will be eliminated, the budget lowers the estate tax exemption threshold from $5 million to $2 million. This change is expected to place a heavy tax burden on the next generation, penalizing Marylanders who have worked hard to build financial security for their families.

The introduction of combined reporting for corporate taxes will require businesses to account for profits across all affiliated entities, potentially harming companies operating in Maryland.

Other new taxes include an increase in luxury taxes on casino and sports gambling and cannabis. There is also a host of new fees, including on online deliveries, a cost that will be passed on to consumers, as well as fee increases on vehicle emissions testing and late vehicle registration.

These proposed tax and fee changes will have far-reaching effects on individuals, businesses and essential services. As lawmakers work through this budget crisis, the key question is whether Maryland is achieving the right balance between fiscal responsibility and economic growth or if these changes are unfairly burdening taxpayers and businesses, both already struggling with rising energy costs and inflation on essential goods.

To share your thoughts or to sign up for my weekly Annapolis Updates, navigate to www.jbjennings.com/contact.

J.B. Jennings is a Republican state senator representing District 7, serving Baltimore and Harford counties.