Maryland’s high-wage job market, quality public schools, and strong government services enable our state to support an entrepreneurial, diverse, and resilient economy. Still, affordability remains one of Maryland’s top challenges, especially within the housing market, where supply struggles to keep up with demand. Today, Marylanders are leaving our state in search of more affordable housing. This is unacceptable, and lowering taxes and bringing down costs in key areas– like housing and energy – will be essential for countering Maryland’s population trend. [You can read more about my work to lower energy costs here.]
Strong communities and a strong economy go hand in hand. I support an economic development strategy that not only attracts new businesses to Maryland, but gives existing businesses the support they need to grow. Additionally, we need to invest in the infrastructure and development needed for communities to thrive by increasing funding for workforce development programs to produce higher paying jobs and empowering our innovative private sector. Maryland's economic future depends on preparing workers not only for the jobs we have today, but for the industries and technologies that will define the next generation of work. Smart tax policy and targeted public investment can support sustainable growth and strengthen Maryland’s long-term economic future.
In general, I support policies to:
- Support smart growth options like mixed-use zoning and streamline the planning and development process to increase our housing supply,
- Support apprenticeships and other innovative approaches to reduce workforce shortages,
- Reduce government red tape, such as duplicative reporting on state and local regulations,
- Lower state business filing fees and other barriers to entrepreneurship,
- Invest in state IT systems that provide faster, higher-quality public services so businesses can flourish, and
- Conduct a comprehensive review of our state tax system through an independent commission and reduce the tax burden on Maryland families.
Legislation I have passed includes:
SB0770 - Economic Development - Maryland’s Future Board (2026)
Creates the Maryland's Future Board to develop a long-term vision for Maryland's economic growth and recommend projects to help achieve it. Establishes a new fund to support these projects and requires the State Comptroller to report on economic trends to help guide future investments.
SB0388 - Delivering Economic Competitiveness and Advancing Development Efforts (DECADE) Act (2026)
Strengthens Maryland’s economy by expanding small business financing, attracting employers, and supporting emerging technologies like quantum computing. Expands economic development grants and extends tax credits for job creation and research. Senator Hester’s amendment exempts transactions between affiliated companies from Maryland’s new 3% IT services tax, reducing business costs.
SB0829/HB1137 - Bring Back Main Street Act (2026)
Puts Maryland on the path to further encouraging multifamily housing and mixed-use development throughout commercial corridors.
SB0431 - Registered Apprenticeship Investments for a Stronger Economy (RAISE) Act (2025)
Expands Maryland’s registered apprenticeship system and invests in intermediary organizations that connect employers with training providers and expands apprenticeship pathways into industries such as healthcare, IT, infrastructure, and education.
SB0482 - Engaging Neighborhoods, Organizations, Unions, Governments, and Households (ENOUGH) Act (2024)
Established a state grant program to invest in Maryland communities experiencing concentrated poverty; addresses the root causes of economic inequality by matching state resources with on-the-ground initiatives for education, employment, housing, health, and other barriers to economic opportunity.
**SB0496 - Recovery for the Economy, Livelihoods, Industries, Entrepreneurs, and Families (RELIEF) Act (2021)
Provided more than $1.2 billion in tax relief and economic assistance to Maryland residents and businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, including direct stimulus payments for eligible Marylanders, expanded unemployment assistance, and tax relief for small businesses facing pandemic-related economic hardship. The legislation also provided funding to help small businesses and nonprofits remain open and retain workers.
** SB0720/ HB0817 - Regulations Affecting Small Businesses - Certification of Comparable Local Regulation (2020)
Reduces unnecessary red tape for Maryland small businesses by allowing state agencies to recognize comparable local regulations, helping businesses avoid duplicative requirements and making it easier to comply with state and local rules.
(**Denotes Legislation I Sponsored)
