TV: WBAL TV 11TV Hill 1-18-2026

“The cost of living has skyrocketed here in Maryland. There are ways to drive down the cost of government.”

-Senator Steve Hershey, 11 TV Hill, hosted by Jason Newton

Sen. Hershey on 11 TV Hill: Affordability Requires Effective Government

Annapolis, MD.:

As the 2026 Legislative Session began amid a projected $1.4 billion state budget deficit, Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey joined WBAL-TV’s 11 TV Hill to outline the Republican perspective on affordability, fiscal responsibility, and the need for a more effective state government.

During the interview, Senator Hershey made clear that while Republicans agree Marylanders cannot afford higher taxes or fees, real affordability requires more than rhetoric—it requires results.

Affordability Starts with Cost-Efficient Government

Senator Hershey emphasized that Marylanders want to know their tax dollars are being used wisely and that government is operating efficiently before lawmakers ask families to pay more.

“I think Marylanders want to hear that they’re paying this much money in taxes, that they want to hear that they have an effective, cost-efficient government,” Hershey said.

He noted that Senate Republicans have been focused on affordability long before it became a talking point in Annapolis, pointing to the rising cost of living across the state.

“The cost of living has skyrocketed here in Maryland,” Hershey said. “There are ways to drive down the cost of government.”

Watch Senator Hershey’s full interview on WBAL-TV’s 11 TV Hill to hear more about the Republican approach to affordability and fiscal responsibility. Click the photo link and scroll to The Republican Response.

Republicans Offer a Path Without Raising Taxes

Senator Hershey highlighted past Republican efforts to balance the state budget without raising taxes or fees, including a budget amendment offered during last year’s session that demonstrated alternatives to higher costs for taxpayers.

He reiterated that Maryland cannot continue to raise revenue on the backs of families and small businesses while failing to address inefficiencies in state government.

“There are ways to make sure we don’t have to have tax increases, don’t have to have fee increases,” Hershey said. “That’s what we’re going to promote this year.”

Energy Independence and Long-Term Stability

In addition to affordability, Senator Hershey stressed the importance of energy independence as part of a broader strategy to control costs and strengthen Maryland’s economy. He warned that reliance on other states for energy leaves Marylanders vulnerable to higher prices and fewer choices.

As the legislative session moves forward, Senate Republicans say they will continue pressing for policies that prioritize affordability, efficiency, and accountability—while protecting taxpayers from additional financial burdens.