Updates from District 7

Good afternoon,

I hope your summer continues to be productive and meaningful. First, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the first responders, emergency service personnel, and utility workers who worked tirelessly to restore our communities after last week’s severe flooding. Your dedication does not go unnoticed.

National Night Out brought energy and engagement to neighborhoods across our area, with law enforcement officers visiting communities to build stronger relationships.

Looking ahead,Tax-free shopping week is coming up on August 10-16. Clothing under $100 is tax-free, and the first $40 of a backpack is tax-free. This applies to online purchases as well as layaway. During this time, clothing priced under $100 will be tax-free, and the first $40 of a backpack purchase will also be exempt. This applies to in-store, online, and even layaway purchases.

In other news, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has issued an order allowing the Wagner coal-fired power plant to operate beyond the limitations set by its previous Reliability Must Run order. This is positive news for our region’s energy supply, and over time, we’ll be able to evaluate its impact on both cost and reliability. For more information, check here.

I’m also pleased to report that I successfully advocated for the Department of Budget and Management to rescind a request that would have delayed hiring during the statewide freeze. In addition, I recently received a response from E-ZPass regarding the concerns I raised in a letter sent in June.

Finally, several new road projects are in motion across our district, each at varying stages of development. (See the Harford County section for details.)

Thank You!

I want to extend my deepest appreciation to the emergency service workers, volunteers, and small businesses in both Baltimore County and Harford County who stepped up in the aftermath of the flood.

Your dedication, sacrifice, and tireless efforts to keep our communities safe and functioning does not go unnoticed.

Thank you for all you do every day. Neighbors who want to give back to Volunteers, you can participate in weekly fundraisers, such as the food truck events, or donate to the firehouse in your community.

Alert Systems:

Harford County has launched a new emergency notification app: Smart911

Baltimore County has a similar app: Sign Up for Emergency Alerts | Baltimore County Government

E-ZPass Update

You may recall that back in June, I raised concerns about the steep penalties many Marylanders face related to unpaid E-ZPass tolls. While I believe everyone should pay the tolls they owe, I do not support saddling individuals with crippling debt over what are often minor issues.

Consider this example: a person travels from Cecil County to Annapolis and back, passing through multiple toll points. If their E-ZPass account is not current, whether due to an expired credit card, a depleted transponder battery, or a recent address change, they could be charged around $45 fee per toll. That’s up to $180 in penalties for one round trip. For many Maryland families, that’s simply unaffordable. And if your address isn't up to date and the bill goes to collections? Unfortunately, it cannot be recalled once it reaches that stage.

I’ve received a response from the Executive Director of the Maryland Department of Transportation, but concerns remain, particularly around the aggressive fee structure and collections process. I plan to raise these issues directly with the incoming Secretary of Transportation.

In the meantime, E-ZPass recommends taking a few steps to help avoid problems:

• Order a new transponder (free of charge)
• Ensure your mailing address is up to date
• Confirm that a valid credit card is on file
• Confirm that your transponder is properly mounted

If you or someone you know has experienced excessive fees or difficulty resolving toll-related issues, please don’t hesitate to contact your legislator. Your voice helps drive change.

Here is a link to E-ZPass' frequently asked questions.

Updates from the Maryland Department of Budget and Management

This month, I successfully opposed a budget amendment that would have quietly transferred $30,000 from Maryland’s Dedicated Purpose Account to fund the Governor’s expedited hiring program for former federal employees despite, a statewide hiring freeze and $20,000 buyouts being offered to existing staff.



Only 17 out of 251 hires since February have come through this initiative, and nearly $2 million of the original appropriation remains untouched. Spending more taxpayer money on a stalled program simply didn’t make sense.

After I formally raised these concerns in a July 17 letter, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) rescinded the request on July 29. This decision is a win for transparency, fiscal responsibility, and working Marylanders. I spoke to David Collins this week to discuss the hypocrisy.

Rockfield Manor Ribbon Cutting Marks New Chapter in Community Legacy:

On the evening of July 22, 2025, local and state community leaders gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the newly renovated Hoza-Grafton Room at Rockfield Manor in Bel Air, MD. The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the culmination of a major renovation project that blends the Manor’s historic charm with modern functionality.

Executive Director Kellee Kalthoff and President of the Rockfield Manor Foundation Donna Dickey delivered heartfelt remarks, expressing deep gratitude to the many individuals, past and present, who have contributed to preserving and enhancing this beloved community treasure.

But did you know Rockfield Manor is more than just a historic estate?

It’s a vibrant community hub that connects people, honors local history, and opens its doors to visitors from near and far. Operated by the Rockfield Foundation, the Manor provides more than picturesque event space, it actively supports the community through:

• Scholarship programs for local students
• Partnerships with nonprofits for fundraising events
• Affordable rental fees to ensure accessibility for all

With its rich history and continued investment in community enrichment, Rockfield Manor remains a proud symbol of Bel Air’s heritage. The renovation was designed by Paul Thompson of ADW-Architectural Design Works, Inc., with construction led by KasCon and Todd Marcin Contracting. The entire project was made possible by the fundraising efforts of the Rockfield Foundation.

National Night Out

National Night Out is celebrated annually on the first Tuesday of August. This year, it was held on August 5, 2025, with communities across Legislative District 7 coming together for events designed to strengthen relationships between residents and local law enforcement.

Rebecca had the pleasure of attending the event hosted by the White Marsh Volunteer Fire Company. It was a valuable opportunity to engage with community members and public safety officials. One of the most meaningful aspects of this work is hearing directly from local leaders and residents who experience these issues firsthand. Their perspectives help shape the conversations we bring to Annapolis, ensuring that the voices of Harford and Baltimore Counties are always represented.

Baltimore County

If you live in Baltimore County and you're job seeking, the Baltimore County Department of Economic and Workforce Development has a listing of businesses that are hiring in the County.

Midge Update:

My office recently participated in a federal funding call and has begun the application process.

Considering the midge population is testing at 8x the Nusiance level, the priority should lie in getting this situation under control.

If your community was negatively affected by midges this year, I encourage you to email us and get involved. We are seeking input from community leaders and impacted businesses to strengthen our case and improve the chances of securing funding for the Maryland Department of Agriculture to address this issue.

Your input is wanted! There is a Baltimore County Department of Public Works and Transportation meeting regarding the traffic improvement options at Cross Road and Honeygo Blvd. The meeting will be held on August 13, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information, contact the Baltimore County Bureau of Engineering and Construction.

Mark your calendars for BCPSFest 2025 – a free, family-friendly event to jumpstart the school year!

📍 Saturday, August 16, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at New Town High School in Owings Mills

Highlights include:

Free backpacks and school supplies (while supplies last)

Live DJ and student performances

Food trucks and treats

Interactive games, crafts & hands-on activities

Meet local heroes: Fire, EMS & Police

Resources from community organizations & BCPS departments

This event is open to all BCPS families, come celebrate, connect, and get ready for a great school year!

Learn more: www.bcps.org/community/bcpsfest

I hope you're having a safe week during this hot summer. Cooling centers have been set up in Maryland. Should a need arise, feel free to email me at jb.jennings@senate.maryland.gov. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, or X.

Best regards,



Senator J.B. Jennings