ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore yesterday delivered
his third State of the State Address, in which he spoke about investing in industries of the future, reforming the tax code, and investing in Marylanders by meeting crisis with courage — in the face of one of the most challenging and consequential legislative sessions in recent history.
Here’s what Maryland leaders and stakeholders are saying about Governor Moore’s third State of the State address:
“Governor Moore has laid out a clear vision for our state,” said U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen. “I appreciate his leadership, and together Team Maryland will continue working to bring critical federal resources, jobs, and opportunity to our state.”
“In the State of the State, Governor Moore has articulated a clear and thoughtful plan to move Maryland forward,” said U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks. “Our Governor is poised and ready to meet this moment. I am proud to be on the frontlines with him, Senator Van Hollen, and all our federal and local leaders. We are a strong Team Maryland, and we're going to deliver.”
“Amid this moment of great uncertainty in America, Marylanders can take heart in knowing they have competent leadership in Annapolis,” said Congressman Steny Hoyer. “The Moore-Miller Administration is helping our state seize the opportunities and overcome the perils confronting us today. As Governor Moore made clear, the state of the state is strong – and getting even stronger. I look forward to continuing to work with him and the rest of Team Maryland to help our people get ahead.”
“As Governor Moore outlined in the State of the State address, the state of Maryland is strong,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. “While this period calls for particularly difficult choices to be made, Maryland will meet the moment because we always do.”
“From rebuilding the Key Bridge to protecting federal workers who safeguard the water we drink, the food that we eat, the medicines we take and the air that we breathe, Marylanders meet these moments of crises with courage,” said Congressman Glenn Ivey. “Together with Governor Wes Moore, my colleagues and I in the federal delegation look forward to growing our economy, securing safer streets and keeping the promise of our people.”
“As our state faces challenges, including threats against critical federal funding and our dedicated federal workforce, I know our Congressional delegation has a strong ally in Governor Moore to speak up and stand up for Maryland communities,” said Congresswoman April McClain Delaney. “Together, Team Maryland is committed to lowering costs for families, creating good-paying jobs, and investing in road and broadband infrastructure to connect hundreds of thousands of Marylanders to more affordable health care, high-quality education, and better career opportunities. Our Governor will always stand up for everyone in Maryland in his quest to leave no one behind.”
"It is with great pride that I support the
Expungement Reform Act of 2025 that was introduced by Governor Moore,”
said Senator Jeff Waldstreicher. “This reform will break down barriers to job, housing, and education opportunities that criminal records often cause.”
“Expungement allows people who have completed their sentence the ability to become law abiding citizens,” said Delegate J. Sandy Bartlett. “People seeking expungement want to do so to gain employment advances, housing, and re-entry into the community. Given the safeguards in place, I strongly support the Governor’s expungement bill.”
“Governor Moore has conveyed a clear message,” said Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott. “This is an opportune moment for us to hone our attention on navigating the challenges of uncertainty. We should prioritize our future and consider the essential actions we can take now to move forward effectively.”
“Growing our workforce and creating new job opportunities with the Port of Baltimore benefits our residents and region,” said Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier. “The Tradepoint Atlantic expansion is a key factor in our state’s economic growth and I’m proud to share Governor Moore’s commitment to this exciting project.”
“Governor Moore laid out a clear and urgent vision for Maryland’s future—one that recognizes the challenges ahead but refuses to accept anything less than real solutions,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “I appreciate his leadership and his focus on the issues that matter most to the people of Montgomery County and the entire state. His commitment to strengthening our economy, investing in critical infrastructure, and ensuring fairness in our tax system aligns with the work we are doing here in Montgomery County. The governor is right—this is a moment that requires courage.”
“Maryland is so lucky to be led by Governor Moore as we confront both a longstanding structural budget deficit and a hostile takeover of federal government institutions,” said Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman. “Today’s speech demonstrates that he is willing to do the hard things: make our tax system more fair, make our government more efficient, and guide people from poverty to productivity. That’s how team Maryland will rebuild its economic strength.”
“Governor Moore highlighted the State’s investment in our people,” said Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater. “From increased funding for school construction to the restoration of safety improvements funding to US 15, it’s clear that strong partnership between local and state leaders will be critical to meet the needs of our communities.”
“I applaud Governor Moore for recognizing and addressing the needs of Washington County in his State of the State remarks,” said Washington County Commission President John Barr. “His proposed budget includes investments in priorities spanning from the critical I-81 Corridor Improvement Project to a sweeping tax reform plan that doubles the standard deduction – benefitting our residents throughout the region. These investments will boost our economy and make Maryland safer and more affordable for our families and future generations.”
“Today, I had the opportunity to attend the State of the State address and hear firsthand Governor Moore's vision and priorities for shaping Maryland's future,” Calvert County Commission Vice President Todd Ireland. “I look forward to working alongside our elected officials to represent and uphold Calvert County's values and community needs.”
“Governor Moore’s State of the State address made clear that his vision for Maryland is one that prioritizes economic growth, equitable opportunity, and a government that delivers real results,” said Frederick Mayor Michael O’Connor. “His commitment to investing in critical infrastructure—like the funding for U.S. Route 15—demonstrates a clear path forward to achieving these goals. By improving connectivity, reducing congestion, and enhancing safety, this investment will ensure that Frederick remains a thriving hub for businesses and families alike. The City of Frederick is proud to stand with Governor Moore and his administration to confront the challenges ahead and build a stronger, more competitive Maryland.”
“Cutting taxes for two-thirds of all Marylanders isn’t a partisan issue, it’s just common sense,” said Rising Sun Mayor Travis Marion. “Governor Moore’s budget reinforces the belief that if we invest in our middle class we can grow our economy, and that’s an ideal I stand behind. While protecting Maryland’s working class he is also lowering the corporate tax rate, as well as eliminating the inheritance tax—two proposals I know the businesses owners and family farmers of Rising Sun and Cecil County can get behind.”
“Governor Wes Moore and our state’s leadership must balance an incredibly uncertain time in our history with strategic investments that prepare Maryland for industries of the future and build a more diversified private sector,” said Greater Baltimore Committee President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Anthony Thomas. “The Governor’s economic agenda is a significant step to center economic growth and make intentional bets on sectors and areas of innovation we can and will win within the coming years.”
“We applaud Governor Moore’s bold vision to grow Maryland’s economy through strategic investments in programs and initiatives, and in partnership with the private sector,” said Tradepoint Atlantic Managing Director Kerry Doyle. “Tradepoint Atlantic is proud to partner with the Moore-Miller Administration to drive a transformative development project that will cement Baltimore as a maritime hub for the country, by expanding the Port of Baltimore’s container capacity by 70%. We’re excited to support the governor’s vision and growth agenda for Maryland and look forward to working with him to boost competitiveness, strengthen our industries, and create good-paying jobs for Marylanders. The governor laid out a clear plan to make this Maryland’s decade.”
“Maryland has the assets to harness the economic promise of emerging technologies,” said Maryland Tech Council Chief Executive Officer Kelly Schulz. “As Governor Moore said, artificial intelligence, clean energy, and biotech are among the sectors that will define the economy of tomorrow. We believe Maryland is well-positioned to lead the economy of the future in these areas, and are encouraged to see the governor’s proactive work to maximize Maryland’s potential.”
“I’m grateful to see my friend Governor Moore’s focus on the unique and urgent challenges facing boys and young men in Maryland and across the nation,” said Former AmeriCorps CEO and Special Assistant to President Obama for the My Brother’s Keeper Initiative Hon. Michael D. Smith. “As noted in his State of the State address, data shows alarming and widening gaps that limit their potential, and in turn limit our collective prosperity. Governor Moore’s call to action matters and will inspire the kind of urgent action our boys and young men —and all of our children — deserve.”
“Governor Wes Moore has today declared his commitment to the vitally important work of helping boys and men to flourish,” said American Institute for Boys and Men President Richard V. Reeves. “This is tremendous news. We're excited to support Governor Moore as he leads this effort. We rise together!”
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