March 22, 2025
Ready Report: Budget “Deal” Includes Tax on IT, Local Update & More…
The 11th week of the 2025 Legislative Session has concluded. Monday, March 17th, was “Crossover” Day, which was the deadline for bills to pass one chamber and be sent to the opposite chamber. So, the rest of the week following Monday night was a lot slower in terms of floor session debates and committees were quieter. It will ramp up quickly for the final two weeks of Session. However, there were some big news developments, which you can read more about below:
Click the picture below to watch my Weekly Video Update for Session Week 11.
Ready in the Press – IT Service Taxing & Blaming Trump
Although there has been some movement on killing some of the ridiculous tax and fee increases proposed by Democrats and Governor Moore, there is a new proposal to tax all IT services in Maryland. As I have said before, I am strongly opposed to all fee increases along with my Republican House and Senate colleagues.
I joined WBAL News Radio with Torrey Snow on Wednesday to discuss this in more detail, which you can watch on YouTube by clicking here.
Additionally, Maryland Democrats have been casting a lot of blame towards President Trump and his administration for the economic woes facing Maryland. However, they should be blaming themselves for years of fiscal irresponsibility, including their refusal to make substantial spending cuts when they are needed most. You can read more from a Baltimore Sun article by clicking here.
ICYMI: Blueprint Implementation in Carroll County
Over the past several months, I have been hearing the concerns from Carroll County residents regarding the implementation of the Blueprint and how it will affect our public schools. I voted against the Blueprint when it was rammed through the General Assembly right before we locked down for Covid and have been fighting to gain flexibility on its implementation.
Delegate Stonko, who represents District 42C, has been working closely with me throughout discussions with several decision makers regarding the implantation of the Blueprint, and we are hopeful to have some good news soon. We recorded a video together last week discussing the historical background, as well as what we are doing to address issues specific to Carroll County. You can watch the video by clicking here.
Hazardous Waste Collection, Medication Disposal, and Document Shredding Event
A Household Hazardous Waste Collection event is being sponsored by Carroll County Government Recycling Operations. The residential only event will take place on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the Carroll County Vehicle Maintenance Facility, 1250 Old Meadow Branch Road, Westminster (off Md. Rte. 97 north, go past Meadow Branch Road to Old Meadow Branch Road). Carroll County residents can shred sensitive documents from 8 a.m. – noon, or until the truck is full and drop off the dangerous household items listed below.
Items ACCEPTED at the household hazardous waste drop-off include gasoline or gas/oil mix, kerosene, oil-based paints and thinners, solvents, stains, sealants, pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, photographic and pool chemicals, household cleaners, compact fluorescent light bulbs, fluorescent light tubes, household use size rechargeable batteries including lithium, nickel cadmium and NiMH batteries, and vape liquids in consumer containers.
The Carroll County Health Department (CCHD) will offer a drive thru drop off for residents to dispose medications (no liquids) and sharps (syringes, etc.). Please visit the Carroll County Health Department webpage at KeepTalkingCarroll.org or call 410-386-4449 for more details on the type of items that can be disposed.
Document shredding items ACCEPTED include invoices, bank statements, personal records, legal records, audit reports, credit reports, checks, medical reports. Maximum three (3) banker’s boxes (approx. 24”x15”x10”) or bags (or equivalent volume) per resident.
Items Not Allowed at this event include latex paint (dispose with household trash after adding an absorbent agent such as cat litter, sand, mulch, or shredded paper to dry), household batteries (alkaline), explosives, ammunition, fireworks, medical and biohazard waste, radioactive material, compressed gas tanks and cylinders, asbestos, items from commercial and industrial businesses or farms, vehicle batteries, motor oil, and antifreeze. Vehicle batteries, motor oil, and antifreeze are accepted year-round at the Northern Landfill Recycling Center, 1400 Baltimore Boulevard, Westminster, during normal business hours.
For details, call Carroll County Bureau of Solid Waste at 410-386-2510 or the Northern Landfill at 410-386-4550.
Senatorial Scholarships Available
If you are or know a high school senior or college student, please consider applying for a Senatorial Scholarship. For more information or to request an application, email Emily Van Horn at [email protected] and include your full address. Scholarships will be accepted up to April 15, 2025.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me anytime. My office can be reached by emailing [email protected], and my staff and I will do our best to get back to you in a timely manner.
Have a great week ahead!
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