News: Maryland Matters 2-12-2026

“Families feel it every day — at the grocery store, on their electric bills, and when they renew their vehicle registration. These costs aren’t accidental. They are policy choices.”

- Senator Steve Hershey, quoted in Maryland Matters

Moore launches wide-ranging State of the State address with push for redistricting

Originally published by Maryland Matters
By Bryan P. Sears | February 12, 2026

Official Response Highlights

Annapolis, Md.:

Governor Wes Moore began his final State of the State address with an unexpected and pointed appeal for a midcycle congressional redistricting plan — a proposal currently stalled in the Senate.

The move placed renewed public pressure on Senate President Bill Ferguson, who has maintained the bill lacks sufficient support within the Democratic caucus. While the Governor framed his appeal as a call to “let the democratic process” move forward, Senate leadership characterized the remarks as an escalation in an ongoing intra-party dispute.

The speech, which lasted nearly an hour, otherwise followed the Governor’s stated themes of affordability, economic growth, and a “protect, deliver, lead” governing approach — often framed in contrast to President Donald Trump and federal policy decisions.

Moore also reiterated support for Western Maryland flood recovery, highlighted state-funded utility credits, and announced a new initiative — “Citizenship Maryland” — aimed at assisting eligible immigrants pursuing citizenship.

Senate Republican Response: Refocusing on Maryland’s Structural Challenges

In his official response, Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey shifted the conversation from rhetoric to results, arguing that Maryland’s most pressing challenges are homegrown and demand accountability in Annapolis.

Hershey underscored a reality felt daily by families across the state: rising electricity bills, higher registration fees, growing regulatory burdens, and sustained cost-of-living increases that outpace wage growth. While the administration emphasized federal headwinds, Hershey noted that many of Maryland’s affordability pressures stem from policy choices enacted over the last several years — including aggressive energy mandates, expanded spending commitments, and fee increases that directly impact working families and retirees on fixed incomes.

Rather than framing Maryland as a bystander to national politics, Hershey’s response positioned the General Assembly as the central decision-maker responsible for the state’s economic trajectory. His message was direct: relief must be measurable, sustainable, and structural — not temporary credits or short-term offsets.

As debate continues over energy reliability, fiscal stability, and long-term competitiveness, Hershey emphasized that Marylanders are asking a fundamental question: after years of one-party control, why does it feel harder, not easier, to get ahead?

Read the full article in Maryland Matters: Moore launches wide-ranging State of the State address with push for redistricting