Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) delivered his third State of the State address Wednesday, largely centered on the ongoing budget discussions and the state’s response to the early actions of President Donald Trump (R) and his administration.
For Moore, there’s a lot to celebrate and many challenges to address. He proudly touted a higher minimum wage and reduced unemployment by creating 100,000 new jobs and significant state investment in child care and health care.
However, the proposals Trump has made and executive orders he has signed since starting his second term, has some Marylanders very worried. Moore said the likely firing of federal workers, ongoing trade wars, and efforts to shutter federal agencies are concerning for Maryland residents.
“We are being tested by an historic fiscal challenge, the likes of which we haven’t seen since the Great Recession. And if that wasn’t enough, we are being tested by a new administration in Washington that sows uncertainty, confusion, and chaos,” Moore said.
In addition, the biggest issue facing state legislators in Annapolis is undoubtedly the state budget, which has a roughly $3 billion gap that is constitutionally required to be balanced. Moore has proposed higher taxes on the rich and increased taxes on sports betting and gambling and some service cuts to balance the state budget.
The governor said that he does not plan to raise the sales or property tax, and that his plan will cut taxes on two-thirds of Marylanders while raising taxes on less than 20% of Marylanders. He also plans to invest more in the Child Tax Credit and economic development.
Moore, who has a net worth of at least $3,000,000 and would raise his own taxes via his proposal, states that he supports paying a larger share of taxes to continue investing in vital state services including public safety and education.
Further, as Maryland’s budget is disproportionately reliant on federal programs and the incomes of federal workers to boost the state budget, the efforts by the Trump administration to disrupt the daily activities of federal employees will have great impact on the state budget.
“The trials we now face – both those we inherited and those newly realized – mean that easy decisions are off the table. We only have difficult decisions ahead. We must close this $3 billion budget gap,” the governor emphasized. “And we have to do it in a way that grows the middle class, super-charges and diversifies our economy, breaks our distinct reliance on Washington, and helps Maryland seize its place in an uncertain world.”
Held a week after the tragic collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a military helicopter near D.C.’s Ronald Reagan Airport, Moore used the State of the State address to offer condolences to the families and friends of the 67 victims and thank those who have stepped up to assist recovery efforts.
“Today, as we take stock of where we’ve been and where we are headed, I call on all Marylanders to find renewed strength in the courage of those men and women who raised their hands to serve,” Moore said, before encouraging others to find inspiration in their work. “In this moment, we must follow their lead – and confront crisis with courage. Because our entire state is being tested right now.”
Local Leaders React to Moore’s Speech
Maryland Democrats were encouraged by Moore’s message and enthusiasm to invest in the state’s economic development rather than gutting the state budget, while some state Republicans had concerns about the governor’s plans.
Sen. Jim Rosapepe (D-District 21) said that Moore is “focused on helping Maryland’s working families”.
Delegate Bernice Mireku-North (D-District 14), shared some of the aspects she appreciated from the governor’s speech.
“I was delighted to hear the governor’s focus on helping our young boys and men, expanding eligibility for expungement, and tools to improve our economy and education system,” she Mireku-North said.
Republican legislators cast doubts on Moore’s proposal to fix the budget without shifting tax burdens to citizens at the local level, calling it a “continuation of the tax and spend cycle.”
“Governor Moore claims his budget is a pragmatic mix of tax cuts for the middle class, tax increases for the wealthiest Marylanders, and real spending reductions. However, Governor Moore’s spending cuts are not what they appear to be,” said Delegate Jason Buckel (R- District 1B).
“The largest cut in Gov. Moore’s budget is not a cut at all, but merely a decision not to put $420 million into the Rainy Day Fund, our state’s savings account,” Buckel continued. “He also shifts $145 million of spending onto the backs of local governments who will, as a result, likely be forced to increase local taxes.”
Sen. Nick Charles was encouraged by the governor’s honesty and pledges to work alongside his team to address the massive budgetary gap.
“What we know is that we are in tough fiscal times,” Charles said. “We also know that we have the right team to correct the course we are on. This is not the first time Maryland or any other state has met budget challenges. We will persevere, and we will fix this. This challenge requires us to curb spending while also investing in industries of the future like Quantum Computing and simplifying our tax code.
“Despite the difficult times we face, as a team, we will work to create a state that fosters opportunities for all Marylanders and ensures that, together, we build and invest in a safe, competitive, and prosperous Maryland,” he said.
Watch Gov. Moore’s 2025 State of the State Address here. Read the current 2026 budget proposal here.
Moore needs my help. Cut 10,000 jobs from the bloated State government. Scrap the red line. Get rid of your costly and inefficient green policies. You’d actually be left with a surplus. He doesn’t have the stones and is to weak to fire anyone because Vincent Schiraldi should have been fired long ago.