Maryland General Assembly Week Two — Budget, Redistricting, and Immigration

Dear Constituent,

The last couple of weeks in Annapolis have been fast and furious. We led off with the release of the Governor’s Budget, followed by legislative action focused on Congressional Redistricting and State Immigration policies — plus an invitation to our District Night this Monday, February 9th.

Governor Moore’s Budget — Appears to be More of the Same

Although the Governor’s proposed FY2027 budget is purported not to increase taxes or fees, when we dig into the details, there is plenty to raise concern.

Spending is going up again — nearly $3 billion more than last year, bringing the total to roughly $70 billion. That’s happening even though revenues aren’t keeping pace.

Instead of addressing the spending mandates, in particular the Blueprint for education, or reducing discretionary spending, this budget relies on one-time fixes: fund transfers, reserve shifts, and moving money around. Those temporary solutions don’t solve permanent problems — they just kick the can down the road and in the wrong direction.

Even more concerning is that this Budget utilizes cash reserves to balance expenses and relies on bonds to generate funding to replace the cash reserves. To me, this devalues our cash reserves because bonds are repaid with interest. Meanwhile, the Budget shifts almost $700 million from the SEIF fund which was intended to support our energy needs.

Last Session, Annapolis enacted a Budget that increased fees and taxes to the tune of $1.6 billion — the largest in the State’s history — and now, less than a year later, the State is facing another structural shortfall.

The Governor’s Budget will be reviewed and amended by the Senate Budget & Tax Committee and will be sent to the House to also review and amend before being finalized and sent to the Governor.

Redistricting: Gerrymandering by Definition

Let’s call this what it is — Capitol Hill politics right here in Maryland. The order to redistrict our Congressional Districts is clearly coming from Democratic leaders in Washington, DC. States like Indiana withstood this type of pressure. Here in Maryland, Senate President Ferguson has led opposition to Governor Moore’s redistricting initiative because in his words, “it undermines democracy.”

The House quickly approved the redistricting measure despite opposition from every member of the Eastern Shore Delegation. It has been referred to the Senate Rules Committee.

Gerrymandering is the original political sin, committed by both political parties. Many have forgotten that here in Maryland, two other congressional districts that were considered to be Republican were redistricted by Governor O’Malley and have remained Democratic since.

The current redistricting plan was prebaked before the first redistricting commission meeting to eliminate the last remaining congressional district held by a Republican. Voter registration in Maryland is approximately 51.7% Democratic, 23.9% Republican, and 22.7% Independent, and we have 8 Congressional Districts.

We will do whatever we can to stop or prevent this redistricting proposal. It is not good for the Eastern Shore or for our State.

State Immigration Policy

Senate Bill 245 has been approved by the Senate and House. This legislation terminates all 287(g) agreements in Maryland and prohibits any future agreements.

Here’s what most people don’t know: the 287(g) program was created during the Clinton Administration specifically to prevent the kind of chaotic ICE raids you see on the national news. It establishes clear, structured agreements between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities — inside correctional facilities, not out in our neighborhoods. The focus is on individuals already charged with serious crimes.

Banning this program makes no sense — unless the goal is to score political points by creating the false impression that it somehow impedes immigration enforcement. In reality, it’s the opposite.

Our sheriffs have been very clear: if this program is banned, Maryland should expect more ICE interdictions in our communities, not fewer. That means less coordination, more confusion, and a worse outcome for everyone.

The Maryland Chiefs of Police Association and the Maryland Sheriffs’ Association both oppose SB 245. Our local law enforcement leaders know what works. We should trust them — not impose a one-size-fits-all mandate from Annapolis.

In addition, the Senate and House approved SB1, which bans the use of face coverings for on-duty police, including immigration officers. This is another measure that is opposed by local law enforcement leaders because of numerous ambiguities in the application and interpretation of the ban.

While we expect that Governor Moore will sign both bills into law, we also expect they will be immediately challenged in court.

Looking Ahead

Senate committees received detailed budget briefings last week and will continue their work this week. As more information becomes available, I’ll continue to evaluate how this budget impacts taxpayers, local governments, and the long-term finances of our state.

District Night: Monday, February 9th, 5pm–7pm, Annapolis Market House, 25 Market Space, Annapolis, Maryland.

My priorities remain the same: affordability, accountability, and fixing the cost and reliability of energy in Maryland.

As always, if there’s anything our office can do to assist you or your family, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can call or email the office at 410-841-3590 or johnny.mautz@senate.state.md.us. It is a great honor and privilege to serve in the Maryland Senate — thank you for your support and input.

Sincerely,

Johnny Mautz Maryland State Senate, District 37 Caroline, Dorchester, Talbot, and Wicomico Counties