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Published: December 12, 2025 | | |
Dear Community Members,
I hope your winter season is off to a safe and warm start. During this interim period between legislative sessions, my staff and I have been busy working on your behalf, gathering information, conducting research for thoughtful legislation, attending meetings and community events, and addressing constituent concerns as they arise. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Baltimore and Harford Counties and look forward to sharing my Annapolis Update, which provides weekly updates on legislation under consideration and current events throughout the state.
In November, I met with the Department of Natural Resources to discuss changes to the Striped Bass Fishing Season. I was grateful to attend an event with Rural Maryland to discuss the state budget and the upcoming session, with particular focus on the financial challenges ahead. Having experienced the previous recession during Governor O’Malley’s administration, I remain committed to ensuring that state budget pressures are not shifted onto counties or local jurisdictions through unfunded mandates, essentially asking local governments to shoulder costs that should be managed at the state level.
The Governor recently announced that the Key Bridge Project is significantly over-budget and will face significant delays. If you're interested in learning more, there is a virtual public hearing on December 16, 2025, at 6:30p.m. CLICK HERE to sign up to attend.
On Tuesday, Governor Moore announced a special session on December 16 to appoint a new Speaker of the House of Delegates. Special sessions are relatively rare in Maryland, called only to address urgent or unique matters outside the regular legislative calendar. In addition to selecting a new Speaker, the session may include consideration of veto overrides and other legislative business. I will be closely monitoring developments and will provide updates on the outcomes of this notable session.
If you don't see my signature at the bottom of this email, click "read the entire message."
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Out and About in the Community:
This month, I’ve been active both in the community and in preparation for the upcoming legislative session. I attended the Harford County Liquor Board Pre-Legislation meeting, the Chesapeake Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast, and the Upper Chesapeake Pre-Legislative Dinner with fellow Harford County representatives to review session priorities, budget requests, and possible legislation.
Perry Hall and Kingsville had an amazing display during their tree lightings, and the Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum Holiday Party was so full of fun. Take some time to support the museum that celebrates Maryland's place in Aviation & Military History.
I'd also like to congratulate and welcome the 2026 Harford County Legislative Pages who Rebecca met at the Harford County Student Page Breakfast. This continues a Maryland tradition that began in 1970, of giving high school seniors hands-on experience with the legislative process.
As the legislative session approaches, agency meetings are in full swing. I met with the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Information Technology to discuss priorities and concerns as well as participated in a conference call with fellow members of the Joint Committee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Biotechnology, where we reviewed state cybersecurity challenges and potential legislative solutions.
For more information on holiday events and community activities in Harford and Baltimore Counties, please see my Holidays Guide from December 3, 2025. Some events have passed.
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Changing of Command Ceremony:
175th Maryland Air National Guard
I had the honor of attending the Airman of the Year Ceremony and the Change of Command Ceremony at the Maryland Air National Guard at Martin State Airport.
Congratulations to all the men and women of the Maryland Air National Guard for their outstanding work over the past year.
Thank you to Brigadier General Dougherty, who is retiring as the Assistant Adjutant General for Air, and to Brigadier General Hunt as he steps into this important role.
And a special shout-out to my good friend and former commander, Colonel Carbonell, now serving as the Base Commander for the 175th. Proud to see his leadership recognized.
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Department of Natural Resources Striped Bass Seasons
The Department of Natural Resources held a meeting on Striped Bass Seasons that I attended to learn more about the fishing season and their reasoning for changing the Striped Bass open season. In recent years, female breeding fish have been living longer, but fewer juvenile fish are surviving. To address this, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources released a voluntary plan aimed at avoiding federal corrective action with potential long-term impacts.
The plan includes a reduction of fishing days by five over the year, with a full closure from August 1–31. Business owners may supplement income by offering Chesapeake Bay wildlife tours as an alternative to commercial fishing. There will also be an extended catch-and-release period from December 6 to April 30 to improve fish survival. Anglers are reminded to return fish to the water quickly and gently to prevent harm. There are additional pointers here on successful catch & release practices. In total, there are 146 catch and release days, a 35-day increase; 188 harvest days, a 5-day decrease; 31 no targeting days, a 30-day decrease. Marylanders will be able to spend more time fishing overall, but the August fishing season will be closed. Please consider supporting local captains during the month of May, when possible, as August was a very busy month that these fishermen are losing. It's my hope that this is temorary.
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Common Scams Targeting Residents
& How to Stay Safe:
Scammers never take a break, and the holiday season is an especially difficult time to be targeted. As Maryland faces rising living costs, budget uncertainty, and rapid technological change, scammers are becoming increasingly aggressive and sophisticated, particularly when targeting seniors. Awareness is our best defense. Below is a list of the most common scams reported across the state, along with practical steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones.
AI-Powered Voice Cloning Scams (Emerging Threat)
Fraudsters use artificial intelligence to mimic the voice of a family member, often crying or sounding distressed. They claim to need money immediately for an emergency.
Jury Duty & Legal Threat Scams
Scammers claim you missed jury duty or violated a federal law and now face arrest unless you pay immediately or even scarier, meet in a parking garage to walk you into the building.
Grandparent / Family Emergency Scams
Someone pretending to have your grandchild in their custody and claiming the child is in trouble, needing bail money, medical funds, or help abroad.
Government Impersonation Scams
Scammers pose as IRS, Social Security, Medicare, or even local police. They claim you owe money or need to “verify” personal data.
Tech Support & Computer Pop-Up Scams
A pop-up claims your device is infected, or a caller says they are from “Microsoft,” “Apple,” or “Amazon,” urging you to grant remote access.
Romance & Online Relationship Scams
Scammers build an emotional connection with seniors, widowers, or isolated individuals, then claim emergencies requiring financial help.
Investment & “Guaranteed Returns” Schemes
Fraudsters pitch phony crypto, real estate, or retirement investments promising high returns with no risk.
Utility & Energy Bill Scams
Scammers threaten to shut off your electricity, gas, or water due to a “past-due balance,” demanding immediate payment- often in the form of gift cards or digital transfers.
Package Delivery & “Missing Shipment” Text Scams
Fake texts or emails claim a package is delayed and ask you to click a link to “verify your address.” These links often steal personal and banking information.
Medicare, Health Plan & Prescription Scams
Scammers try to obtain personal information by offering “new benefits,” free medical equipment, or lower premiums.
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Why These Scams Work:
These schemes are deeply underreported, often because victims feel embarrassed, confused, or worried about losing independence. But these criminals are professionals. They target good, honest people, including seniors, caregivers, and working families.
You are not alone, and reporting scams helps protect others.
How to Protect Yourself & Loved Ones:
Never:
- Never send money, gift cards, Bitcoin, or wire transfers to unknown callers.
- Never provide personal information (Social Security number, bank account numbers, Medicare ID) to unsolicited contacts.
- Never withdraw money because someone on the phone tells you your bank account is in danger.
- Never trust caller ID- it can be spoofed.
Always:
- Always verify by contacting a trusted source directly.
- Always talk with a family member before sending money in an “emergency.”
- Always take computers to reputable repair services if you see a suspicious pop-up.
- Always use multifactor authentication and strong passwords on accounts.
- Always freeze your credit if you believe information has been compromised.
Additional Safeguards:
- Install call-blocking apps or use your carrier’s scam-blocking features.
- Add your phone number to the National Do Not Call Registry.
- Enable alerts from your bank for unusual transactions.
- Review statements monthly for unauthorized activity.
- Educate family members, especially seniors. about new AI-based scams.
- Limit what you share online.
If You Believe You’ve Been Targeted:
Contact:
No one should feel ashamed for being targeted. These criminals exploit trust and vulnerability. By sharing information, we help protect all Marylanders, especially our seniors, veterans, and hardworking families who deserve peace of mind.
Stay safe when using online marketplace:
Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace are online marketplaces people are using to sell goods and services. Protect yourself by using public meet up spaces including Baltimore County Police Department Precincts. Precinct 8: Parkville: 8532 Old Harford Road, 21234; Precinct 9: White marsh 8220 Perry Hall Blvd, 21236; Precict 11: Essex: 216 North Marlyn Avenue, 21221;
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Baltimore County:
On days when the weather is deadly for individuals who are homeless or without heat, Baltimore County Health Department has set up a warming station at the Eastern Family Resource Center at 9150 Franklin Square Drive in Rosedale.
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Stay Up-to-Date with Baltimore County Trash Schedule | | |
Baltimore County Job Centers:
Helping Adults Get Back to Work
Baltimore County offers a network of Job Centers designed to connect adult job seekers with the resources they need to find meaningful employment and advance their careers. At a time when many Marylanders are feeling the impact of rising costs and economic uncertainty, these centers provide a reliable pathway to workforce support, skills development, and new opportunities.
The County’s Job Centers offer a wide range of services, including:
- Career counseling and job search assistance
- Resume and interview coaching
- Access to training programs and certifications
- Support for veterans, career changers, and those reentering the workforce
- Connections to local employers actively hiring
Locations include Eastpoint, Hunt Valley, Liberty, and Randallstown, each staffed with specialists ready to assist adults in navigating today’s job market.
Marylanders work hard, and they deserve access to the tools that help them succeed. These centers are a valuable resource for individuals looking to sharpen their skills, explore new careers, or return to the workforce. I encourage anyone seeking employment support to visit Baltimore County’s comprehensive Job Center directory to find the location nearest them.
Learn more here: baltimorecountymd.gov/jobcenters
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Closures and Delays:
As a reminder, if schools close or become delayed due to inclement weather, Baltimore County Public Schools has automated texts, phone calls, and emails that are sent out automatically. Please check the BCPS website for more information. You can also follow Team BCPS on Instagram or Baltimore County Public Schools on Facebook to learn more about closures and delays. Schools will be closed the first 3 days, then transition to virtual learning after the fourth day.
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The Board of Ed is Seeking a Student Member of the Board to serve in the 2026-2027 School Year:
For the 2026-2027 term, the Student Member of the Board Application will open on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 9:00 am. The deadline to submit applications will be Friday, January 23, 2026, at 11:59 pm. Incomplete applications or applications received after the deadline will not be considered. Please review the application instructions and timeline carefully before submitting your application.
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The Next Board of Education Meeting:
Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
6901 N. Charles Street, Towson, MD
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The BCPS Board of Education is Seeking a Volunteer to Serve on its Ethics Review Panel:
This panel plays an important role in maintaining transparency and accountability by advising the Board on interpretations of its Ethics Code. It is made up of five citizen members appointed by the Board of Education.
To be eligible, applicants must:
• Be a U.S. citizen and Baltimore County resident
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Not hold or be running for any elected or appointed office
• Not be a Board member, BCPS employee, or the spouse of one
• Not be a registered lobbyist with a potential conflict of interest
Those interested must submit an application by Friday, January 9, 2026.
Applications can be mailed to:
Board of Education of Baltimore County
6901 N. Charles St., Building C
Towson, MD 21204
Attn: Ethics Review Panel Vacancy
Or emailed to: ethics@bcps.org
Finalists will complete a routine background check.
For questions, contact General Counsel Margaret-Ann Howie at 443-809-4060.
If you’re passionate about ethics, public service, and strengthening our schools, this is a valuable opportunity to contribute.
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Harford County:
Harford County Emergency Services takes excellent care of the County during difficult times. For the Emergency Preparedness Guide, please CLICK HERE. If you have not signed up for the Emergency Alerts, CLICK HERE.
As a reminder, if schools close or become delayed due to inclement weather, Harford County Public Schools has automated texts, phone calls, and emails provided by push notification. You can also check the HCPS website. You can also follow Harford County Public Schools on Instagram or Facebook to learn more about closures and delays.
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Harford County Sets New Records Helping Neighbors in Need and Earns Statewide Recognition for Harford's Water:
This season, Harford County residents came together to collect 3,800 pairs of warm socks, mittens, gloves, scarves, and hats, along with 2,820 pounds of food and essential items for local families. Contributions came from residents, local nonprofits, senior groups, the Harford County Public Library, the We Cancerve Movement, and a donation from Bomba’s, Inc. The food drive saw a 278% increase over last year, helping the Harford Community Action Agency support families through the holiday season.
Even as neighbors support one another, Harford County continues its work in service, stewardship, and innovation. This year, Harford’s water earned Best in Show at the American Water Works Association’s regional taste test, with the Abingdon Water Treatment Plant taking first place in the surface water category. The plant will move on to the national competition in Washington, D.C., in June 2026.
Harford County also received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association, reflecting continued efforts to maintain accurate and transparent budgeting practices.
For residents seeking assistance, the county’s Housing & Community Services Resource Guide is available at: Resource Guide | Harford County, MD
Holiday Volunteer Opportunities & Outreach | Harford County, MD
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Harford County Delegation, Pre-Legislative Session Meeting:
As we continue preparing for the upcoming legislative session, I, along with many of my fellow colleagues in the Harford County Delegation met with community stakeholders who work in medical, public safety, education, and local government.
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Strengthening Communities &
Supporting Local Growth:
The Harford County Executive’s Office reported that 19 properties, totaling 1,000 acres, were conserved this year, underscoring the county’s ongoing commitment to preservation. One initiative the County Executive is exploring is maximizing public spaces by using them for multiple community programs, such as offering senior activities in schools after hours. The County Executive also noted HCPS’s request to increase the Impact Fee (Bill 24-033) to help fund a new elementary school in the Aberdeen/Havre de Grace area.
Bel Air’s mayor asked for a clearer appeals process for Historic Preservation Commission rulings to ensure fairness and transparency.
In Havre de Grace, local leaders requested flexibility for new bars and restaurants by waiving the six-month waiting period for liquor services, along with expanded permissions for microbreweries and wineries to sell one another’s products, helping small businesses grow.
Public Safety Priorities:
The Bel Air Police Department requested updates to Maryland’s e-bike and bicycle definitions to address safety and enforcement challenges. Kids as young as 8-12 are riding e-bikes in public spaces, on sidewalks, and throughout traffic without helmets and with safety features and pedals removed. This presents a clear concern to community members.
The Harford County Sheriff’s Office urged the state to maintain the 287(g) agreement within the Detention Center, preventing federal enforcement from entering homes and schools, and called for the Maryland Department of Health to comply with mandated 10-day transfer orders for inmates in crisis.
Healthcare:
University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake has made improvements across several areas, including remote patient monitoring for chronic illnesses and decrease in emergency room wait times.
Education:
Harford Community College opened its new Chesapeake Welcome Center, offering expanded meeting and community space, and invites community members to its opening on January 21st.
College officials requested a reassessment of the funding formula, protection from further cuts, infrastructure support, and relief from $600,000 in unfunded state mandates impacting their budget.
Harford County Public Schools raised concerns about the affordability of the state's Kirwin Blueprint funding formula and significant underestimates in special education costs ($124M actual vs. $54M projected).
HCPS also emphasized the need for better information-sharing on violent juvenile offenders and expressed support for public safety legislation.
Delegation members requested a more detailed and transparent budget from HCPS, which Superintendent Bulson bulked at, amid concerns over staffing protocols.
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Klein Family Center:
While the holiday season is a joyous occasion for many, it can be a challenging time as well. If you, or someone you know, is struggling with their mental health, please remember that this resource is available to our community. If you wish to support the program, donate here.
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