Maryland Black Caucus Hosts Annual Forum to Plan for Legislative Session
The Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland wrapped their annual weekend to prepare for the legislative session, and brainstorm ways to support business, housing and job opportunities for constituents across the state. However, this year’s meeting, Nov. 22-23 at the Maryland Live! Casino included another major priority: protecting Marylanders from the potentially negative consequences that could come from plans proposed by the impending Trump administration.
“Black Marylanders are concerned about quality-of-life issues like affordable health care, housing and good-paying jobs. They know access to a quality education and reliable transportation are key to providing for their households,” Delegate Stephanie Smith (D- District 45), who serves as the parliamentarian of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland told The Informer. “Federal support for these priorities may be depressed and that means state and local leaders will have to be creative about how to meet the needs of our constituents.”
Before the weekend kicked off, Smith emphasized this year’s call to action.
“We must build a budget that supports our values, doesn’t leave behind our most vulnerable, and makes provision for an uncertain future. It’s a tall order but it’s a challenge I believe we can and shall meet.”
The weekend began with free virtual workshops on Black maternal health, strengthening Black homeownership, and environmental justice. One popular event was “Business Over Breakfast,” at the Hotel in College Park featuring Treasurer Dereck E. Davis and TEDCO CEO Troy A. LeMaile-Stovall, was sold out in advance.
“The Maryland Black Caucus Foundation is thankful for our many sponsors and supporters that enable us to host this event again this year,” said Maryland Black Caucus Foundation Chair Dr. Zina Pierre. “We are so grateful to have sold out all activities, further demonstrating the interest in the topics and opportunities we’ve offered.”
The annual meeting ended with a black-tie dinner and awards ceremony hosted by DJ Quicksilva and Tameka Harris Live served as the Mistress of Ceremonies.
“From passing impactful legislation on our 2024 agenda, to visiting the White House and meeting with our members of Congress on Capitol Hill, the annual gala is the culmination and celebration of the Black Caucus and Foundation’s successful year,” said Black Caucus Chair Delegate Jheanelle Wilkins (D-District 20).
State Budget Projections Foresee Massive Shortfalls in Coming Years
State legislative leaders have said all options are on the table, including budget cuts and tax increases, to address Maryland’s rising budget shortfalls. Maryland currently faces a $1 billion shortfall and it is projected to grow to $2.7 billion by next year.
“Where we can, we will make cuts and adjustments to existing programs that are not achieving outcomes,” State Senate President Bill Ferguson (D- District 46) said in a statement. “We also will consider altering revenue policies so long as those changes keep our state competitive with the surrounding region. We must be targeted and purposeful in our approach. Marylanders deserve nothing less.”
Department of Legislative Services budget analyst David Romans expressed concerns regarding the state’s rising deficits during a recent presentation for fiscal leaders in the legislature.
“The overarching takeaway from today’s meeting is that there’s an enormous gap between the ongoing spending commitments the state has made and ongoing revenues,” said Romans.
He also said that in just five years, the state will face “a significant challenge” in paying for those commitments.
“By fiscal 2030 — the final year of our forecast — we are showing the state will only have enough revenue to cover 84% of the expenses we’re projecting the state to incur,” Romans explained. “That is the largest gap that we have seen in the last 20 years. It is more significant than the Great Recession.”
In the first two years of the Great Recession, Maryland’s Department of Legislative Services’ budget projections said the state was on track to have only enough revenue to cover 89% and 87% of spending.
Worries of a stagnant economy and the economic ramifications of the impending Trump administration’s proposals, including relocating federal agencies and making Marylanders pay to replace the fallen Key Bridge, add further complications to the state’s budget forecast.
Maryland has set a short-term contract with Accenture for $190,000 to examine the myriad of ways that Trump’s proposals would impact state and federal programs and funding.
The Rainy Day Fund could fill budgetary shortfalls in the next year, and the state could opt to borrow to complete capital projects.
Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) President Richard G. Griffin believes that economic development is one path to improve Maryland’s financial situation.
“Governor Wes Moore has made economic development a critical pillar of his administration and to that end appointed the Maryland Economic Council (MEC) to analyze and recommend economic policies to foster job growth, workforce development, and business-supportive regulations,” said Griffin. “Among the many findings of MEC’s October 2024 report, they recommend corporate tax reduction, development of a statewide integrated economic development plan and consolidated implementation.”
He emphasized that his association would ensure that all legislators are up-to-date on ways the state is working to address economic challenges.
“MEDA works closely with Maryland Commerce to make sure our 550 statewide members are knowledgeable about statewide programs and initiatives.”
