Governor Moore announces $5 million in grants for first-generation Maryland students

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Maryland Governor Wes Moore has announced a $5 million grant initiative to support first-generation students in their pursuit of post-secondary education. The grants, administered through the Next Generation Scholars of Maryland Program, will be used during the 2025-2026 academic year to support community-led programs that assist low-income students in high-poverty school systems. “As we work to prepare the next […]

Maryland Department of Transportation unveils $21.5 billion six-year transportation budget

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Transportation this week today released a draft of its six-year capital budget, a $21.5 billion plan to enhance safety, maintain infrastructure and support the state’s economy. The Draft Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) for fiscal years 2026 through 2031 outlines a balanced budget that has been bolstered by an increase of nearly $300 million in federal […]

League of Women Voters of Baltimore County supports extending authority of OIG to include oversight of Board of Education

TOWSON, MD—The League of Women Voters of Baltimore County (LWVBCO) has announced its support for a resolution that would extend the authority of the county’s inspector general to include oversight of the Baltimore County Board of Education. The resolution, introduced by Councilman David Marks, seeks to give the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) the ability to independently audit the […]

Maryland Freedom Caucus applauds court ruling striking key part of state’s digital advertising tax

ANNAPOLIS, MD—The Maryland Freedom Caucus on Tuesday applauded a federal court ruling that struck down a key part of the state’s digital advertising tax, a law it had opposed since its inception. The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals recently overturned a provision of the tax, which was enacted in 2020 after the General Assembly overrode a veto by then-Gov. Larry […]

Councilman Marks casts vote against IG nominee, urges eeappointment of Madigan

The following is an op-ed piece from Councilman David Marks. On Monday, August 4th, a majority of the Baltimore County Council rejected the County Executive’s choice for Inspector General. I opposed the nomination. In all my years as a Councilman, I have never seen such opposition to an appointment—and support for the current Inspector General, Kelly Madigan. I received emails […]

Advocacy group claims Maryland officials are modifying COMAR to usurp local school boards

ANNAPOLIS, MD—A Maryland state committee is drawing sharp criticism for an “emergency” regulatory change that critics contend is an attempt to bypass the normal legislative process and override local control of school boards. The move, effective Monday, July 28, 2025, has ignited a debate over state authority versus local autonomy in Maryland’s education system. At issue is an amendment to […]

Councilman Marks to introduce resolution to give Inspector General oversight of BCPS

UPDATE: Baltimore County Board of Education member Julie Henn has issued the following statement: “Thank you to Baltimore County Councilman David Marks for his support of Inspector General Kelly Madigan and for his efforts to expand the Baltimore County Office of the Inspector General’s jurisdiction to include Baltimore County Public Schools. I have long advocated for increased oversight, was proud […]

Maryland Board of Public Works approves $241 million for statewide projects

ANNAPOLIS, MD—The Maryland Board of Public Works, comprised of Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman, Governor Wes Moore, and Treasurer Dereck Davis, has approved 81 initiatives totaling more than $241 million. Among the approvals, Comptroller Lierman voted to authorize $5.2 million in requests from the Maryland Department of the Environment for flood management measures. These funds are intended to alert local governments […]