Dear Friends,
The 447th Legislative Session of the Maryland General Assembly (MGA) officially concluded on April 7, marking the end of one of the most consequential 90-day periods in a generation. We entered the 2025 Session with two overarching tasks: (1) tackling a multi-billion-dollar budget deficit amidst federal chaos; and (2) advancing policy to reduce Marylanders’ energy bills in the short-, medium-, and long-term.
At a time of economic uncertainty, federal dysfunction, and rising energy costs, we met the moment —with clarity, compassion, and a commitment to protecting the future of every Maryland family.
Accomplishing those objectives to improve the lives of all our residents required honest and difficult conversations about our fiscal responsibilities and priorities. From the moment we gathered in Annapolis on January 8, our work focused on adapting to new realities while maintaining the stability Maryland individuals, families, and small businesses rely on.
The MGA faced seismic shifts in policy coming from Washington, culminating in a nearly $350 million reduction in expected personal, corporate, and sales tax revenues over a two year period due entirely to federal chaos and job losses. In addition, the State learned of up to $418 million in federal funds being withheld to our public schools, $305 million of which school systems had already spent, in addition to $330 million in transportation funding summarily pulled back despite grant agreements.
These drastic and unprecedented actions spurred the MGA to redouble our commitments to core Maryland values, including reinforcing constitutional protections, safeguarding access to health care, enhancing protections for immigrant communities, defending reproductive freedom, and accelerating the State’s transition to cleaner, cheaper energy. When federal support wavered, we provided clarity and a vision for the future.
Throughout it all, we remained focused on delivering results for the people of Maryland. Now, with the 2025 Session behind us, I look forward to continuing the work in the 11th District until the MGA reconvenes.
You can read my 2025 End of Session Letter here.
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or if we can be of assistance to you. I look forward to seeing you in the community soon!
Shelly L. Hettleman
Senator, District 11
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