THIS PROGRAM IS MADE BY MPT TO ENRICH THE DIVERSE COMMUNITIES THROUGHOUT OUR STATE AND IS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF OUR MEMBERS.

THANK YOU.

[♪♪] CONNECTING MARYLANDERS TO THEIR GOVERNMENT, THIS IS "STATE CIRCLE".

FOR THE 449TH TIME THE MARYLAND GENERAL ASSEMBLY GETS TO WORK.

>> THE BIGGEST CONCERN THAT PEOPLE HAVE IS HOW EXPENSIVE IT'S BECOME TO LIVE IN THE STATE OF MARYLAND.

>> AT THE END OF THE DAY THE COST OF DRIVING MY CONSTITUENTS IN THE WRONG DIRECTION.

>> Jeff: A NEW LEADERSHIP TEAM MAKING CHANGES.

>> WE WILL MAKE DIFFICULT DECISIONS YOU HOW TO MINIMIZE THE FALLOUT FROM THE FEDERAL POLICIES THAT HARM ALL MARYLANDERS.

>> Jeff: AND AFFORDABILITY TOPS VOTER CONCERNS IN THIS ELECTION YEAR.

>> WHAT WE HAVE TO DO IS PROVIDE SOME SHORT-TERM, MEDIUM TERM AND LONGER TERM POLICIES TO HELP GIVE MARYLAND FAMILIES SOME RELIEF.

CONNECTING MARYLANDERS TO THEIR GOVERNMENT THIS IS "STATE CIRCLE".

>> Jeff: WELCOME TO MPT E45TH SEASON OF PROVIDING WEEKLY COVERAGE OF YOUR LEGISLATURE AT WORK.

I'M JEFF SALKIN.

AND THIS IS "STATE CIRCLE".

>> EVERYTHING WE DO DURING THIS SESSION, WILL BE THROUGH THE LENS OF AFFORD BILLED, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND OPPORTUNITY.

>> Jeff: THE NEW SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE JOSELINE PENA-MELNYK, SETTING THE TONE ON DAY ONE OF THE ANNUAL 90-DAY SESSION.

AGAIN THIS YEAR LEGISLATORS FACE A BUDGET CRUNCH AND IN AN ELECTION YEAR FURTHER INCREASING TAXES AND FEES IS NOT EXPECTED TO BE A POPULAR CHOICE.

SUE COPPIN HAS MORE ON THE AGENDA FOR THE SESSION.

SENATE LEADER SAYS THERE'S ONE CONCERN THAT STANDS OUT WHEN TALKING WITH CONSTITUENTS.

>> WHEN WE TALK TO PEOPLE, THE BIGGEST CONCERN THAT PEOPLE HAVE IS HOW EXPENSIVE IT'S BECOME TO LIVE IN THE STATE OF MARYLAND.

AND SO WE'RE GOING TO ADDRESS THAT.

>> AND RISING UTILITIES COSTS ARE A LARGE PART OF THE PROBLEM.

>> WE CANNOT GENERATE ENOUGH ELECTRICITY IN THE STATE OF MARYLAND WE HAVE TO RELY ON OTHER STATES WHICH ARE PRODUCING ENERGY USING FOSSIL-FUELS TO TRANSMIT THAT ELECTRICITY TO THE STATE OF MARYLAND AT A HIGHER COST.

>> COREY McCRAE AGREES UTILITY COSTS MUST BE ADDRESSED THIS SESSION.

>> WE HAVE TO LOOK AT THE PRICING ESPECIALLY IN THE BALTIMORE REGION OF JUST WHAT DOES JUST CURRENT UTILITIES LOOK LIKE.

AT THE END OF THE DAY THE COST IS DRIVING A NUMBER OF MY CONSTITUENTS IN THE WRONG DIRECTION AND THEY DO NOT HAVE THE DISPOSABLE INCOME AND TRYING TO FIGURE THESE PIECES OF THE PUZZLE OUT AND GOVERNMENT HAS A RESPONSIBILITY TO HELP DO SO.

>> HOW REPUBLICANS ARE LOOKING FOR A REVIEW IN MEDICAID COVERAGE.

>> WHAT WE HAVE TO DO IS LOOK AT WHO WE'RE PROVIDING MEDICAID FOR, WHAT ARE THE INCOME LIMITATIONS AND WHAT ARE ARE THE EXPENSES THAT GO WITH IT CAN WE PROVIDE MEDICAID FOR EVERYONE THAT WANTS TO MOVE HERE FROM PLACES ALL OVER THE WORLD AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF MARYLAND'S SOCIAL SERVICE SYSTEM.

>> AND REPUBLICANS WANT TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR WHISTLEBLOWERS TO REPORT POSSIBLE WRONGDOING AT STATE AGENCIESISM WE ARE MOVING FORWARD TO CREATE A COMMITTEE THROUGH A HOUSE RESOLUTION.

THE PURPOSE OF THIS COMMITTEE WILL BE TO INVESTIGATE THE ACTIONS REFERENCED IN THE SHA AUDIT, THE DHS WHISTLEBLOWER REPORT AN OFFER AN OPPORTUNITY FOR STATE EMPLOYEES TO COME FORWARD WITH OTHER INSTANCES OF POTENTIALLY FRAUDULENT ACTIVITIES IN OTHER AGENCIES.

>> THEN THE MATTER OF FINDING A WAY TO BALANCE THE BUDGET WITH A PROJECTED 1.5 BILLION SHORTFALL.

>> THE PROBLEM IN ANY BUDGETING PROCESS THERE'S DATA LAG.

SO WE ARE FACING THAT PROBLEM.

>> BUT WHEN IT COMES TO TAX INCREASES TO BALANCE THE BUDGET... >> THEY ARE OFF THE TABLE.

AND WHEN YOU SAY SOMETHING LIKE THAT, THAT IS OUR COMPLETE INTENTION.

THERE IS JUST NO INTENTION WHATSOEVER TO DO THAT.

DOES THAT PRECLUDE A CRISIS?

I DON'T KNOW.

THAT'S A DIFFERENT STORY.

BUT, YES, EVERYTHING YOU CAN POSSIBLY IMAGINE AT THE MOMENT I CANNOT IMAGINE DOING ANY INCREASE IN TAXES.

>> THE GOVERNOR IS EXPECTED TO RELEASE HIS BUDGET NEXT WEEK.

AT THE STATE HOUSE SUE COPPIN FOR "STATE CIRCLE".

>> Jeff: ENERGY POLICY IS A HOT TOPIC WITH RISING UTILITY BILLS COLLIDING WITH CUTS IN FEDERAL SUPPORT FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY.

>> LOWER BILLS NOW!

>> Jeff: CHAMPIONSHIP CLIMATE ACTION NETWORK LED A RALLY THE GROUP IS BACKING A BILL TO EXPAND THE STATE'S SOLAR ENERGY CREDIT PROGRAM.

>> WE ARE GOING TO KEEP MOVING FORWARD IN MARYLAND ON OUR PATH TO LOWER ELECTRICITY BILLS ON OUR PATH FOR GOOD UNION JOBS.

>> Jeff: A FEDERAL TAX CREDIT FOR NEW RESIDENTIAL SOLAR EXPIRED AT THE END.

LAST YEAR.

SEVERAL PARTS OF THE STATE NOW HAVE A 311 HOTLINE FOR NONEMERGENCY MATTERS.

THIS SESSION WILL FEATURE A BIPARTISAN EFFORT TO TAKE THAT PROGRAM STATE-WIDE AS NANCY YAMADA REPORTS.

>> THREE PEOPLE HAVE DIED IN MY DISTRICT WHEN 911 HAS FAILED.

>> THOSE TRAGEDIES INSPIRED THE SENATOR TO EXPLORE HOW TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF NONEMERGENCY CALLS TO 911.

HER ANSWER, EXPAND 311 STATE-WIDE.

311 IS THE NUMBER YOU CAN DIAL IN SOME COUNTIES TO FIND OUT INFORMATION ABOUT LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES.

>> ONLY SIX OF OUR 24 COUNTIES IN MARYLAND CURRENTLY HAVE 311 SERVICES THAT ARE OFFERED.

BUT THEY ARE NOT 24/7, 365.

SO WHEN PEOPLE NEED HELP AND THEY HAVE A QUESTION WHAT TIME DOES THE LIBRARY CLOSE WHERE CAN I GET A FLU SHOT, THEY DON'T KNOW WHERE TO GO.

SO 311 WOULD ANSWER THOSE CALLS AND LIGHTEN THE LOAD ON OUR OVERWORKED AND UNDERSTAFFED 911 CENTERS.

>> SENATOR KAGAN CHAIRED A GROUP THAT VOTED TO CREATE THE 311.

THIS SESSION SHE IS COSPONSORING A BILL WITH REPUBLICAN SENATOR PAUL QUARTER MAN TO EXPAND 311 TO ALL 24 COUNTIES THROUGH A.I.

OR ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.

>> WE LIVE IN A WORLD TRANSFORMED BY A.I.

IT'S SOMETHING WE SHOULD BE EMBRACING TO GET THE INFORMATION TO PEOPLE IN A TIMELY MANNER TO GET THE SERVICES THEY NEED.

>> THE BILL IN THE HOUSE IS ALSO COSPONSORED BY A DEMOCRAT AND REPUBLICAN.

SHOULD THE BILL PASS, MARYLAND WOULD BE THE FIRST IN THE NATION TO HAVE A STATE-WIDE 311 SYSTEM.

>> I HAD A ROBUST CONVERSATION AND MEETINGS WITH A LOT OF JURISDICTIONS ACROSS THE STATE.

URBAN AREAS, RURAL AREAS, RED DISTRICTS BLUE DISTRICTS THE WHOLE NINE.

IT'S SOMETHING GOOD FOR THE PEOPLE OF MARYLAND REGARDLESS OF POLITICAL IDEOLOGY OR WHERE YOU LIVE.

>> THE SENATOR CONCEDES SOME PEOPLE MAYBE SUSPICIOUS OF A.I.

BUT KEEP IN MIND... >> THEY DON'T NEED OUR PERSONAL IDENTIFYING INFORMATION, LITERALLY, GIVING DATA ABOUT EARLY VOTING, OR WHERE TO REPORT THE YAPPY DOG NEXT DOOR OR THE TREE THAT FELL OR HOW TO START A SMALL BUSINESS, ALL THAT'S EASY AND SHOULDN'T GO THROUGH 911.

>> SHE SAYS A.I.

WILL ENSURE EVERYONE WILL HAVE ACCESS TO THE SAME INFORMATION.

>> IF SOMEONE SPEAKS KOREAN OR SWAHILI OR SPANISH THEY CAN GET THE INFORMATION IN THEIR LANGUAGE.

>> I'M NANCY YAMADA FOR "STATE CIRCLE".

[♪♪] >> Jeff: OUR NEWSMAKER THE PRESIDENT OF THE MARYLAND STATE SENATE BILL FERGUSON WHO IS ALSO SOMEHOW SUDDENLY THE LONGEST SERVING MEMBER OF SENIOR LEADERSHIP AT THE STATE HOUSE.

DON'T KNOW HOW THAT IS BUT THANK YOU FOR SPEAKING WITH US.

>> THANK YOU IT'S SURPRISING TO ME AS IT IS TO YOU.

>> Jeff: SEVEN YEARS.

>> THE SEVENTH SESSION HARD TO FATHOM AND IT DOESN'T GET ANYMORE -- IT FEELS LIKE A PRIVILEGE AND HONOR LIKE IT'S DAY ONE EVERY TIME.

YESTERDAY'S SESSION TO START THE 449TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY SESSION FELT LIKE THE FIRST TIME I HAD DONE IT.

>> Jeff: WHAT IS THE NUMBER ONE ISSUE FOR YOU AND THE SENATE?

>> WE HAVE THE DUTY TO PASS A BALANCED BUDGET AND THAT IS GOING TO BE THE HEADLINER THAT IS WHAT WE FOCUS ON THE ENTIRE SESSION THIS YEAR.

WE HAVE A $1.4 BILLION PROJECTED DEFICIT THAT IS LARGELY THE PRODUCT OF THE SAME THING THAT FAMILIES ARE FEELING.

INFLATION, PARTICULARLY HEALTHCARE INFLATION HAS DRIVEN COSTS WELL ABOVE PROJECTIONS SO THAT'S WHAT WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO TACKLE.

WE DON'T FORESEE US USING TAXES OR FEES TO CLOSE THAT GAP.

IT WILL BE MORE ABOUT COST CONTAINMENT AND DELAYING PROJECTS.

WE'LL GET THROUGH IT AND MAKE SURE WE'RE PROTECTING THE MOST VULNERABLE.

BUT THE BUDGET WILL BE WHERE WE SPEND THE BULK OF OUR TIME THIS UP COMING SESSION.

>> Jeff: WHEN THE LAST SESSION ENDED AND IT ENDED WITH TAX AND FEE INCREASES THE EXPECTATION WAS THAT WAS GOING TO FIX THE PROBLEM THROUGH THIS ELECTION YEAR'S SESSION.

WHY DID IT NOT?

SY.

I THINK TWO BIGGEST FACTORS, HEALTHCARE COSTS ESCALATION THAT CAME IN THROUGH MEDICAID PROGRAMS THROUGH OUR INCARCERATED INDIVIDUALS HEALTHCARE SERVICE PROVISION, OUR DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED COMMUNITY THE COSTS THAT CAME IN THROUGH THE SERVICES PROVIDED THERE WERE SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER.

AND THAT IS A MAJOR COMPONENT THE OTHER IS THE IMPACT OF THE FEDERAL BUDGET BILL.

WE'RE SEEING HUGELY NEGATIVE IMPACTS BECAUSE OF WHAT PASSED OUT OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

AND MARYLAND IS THE MOST ACUTELY IMPACTED STATE IN THE COUNTRY ABOVE HAWAII AND ALASKA, CHANGES AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL PARTICULARLY NEGATIVE CHANGES THAT THE FEDERAL LEVEL HAVE AN IMPACT ON MARYLAND AND WE'RE SEEING THE IMPACT OF 25,000 LOST JOBS THAT WERE HIGH PAYING HIGH QUALITY JOBS THAT MARYLANDERS ARE SCRAM WELLING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT IS NEXT.

>> Jeff: EVERYBODY IS SAYING TAXES AND FEE INCREASES ARE OFF THE TABLE FOR THIS SESSION.

BUT IT'S JANUARY.

AND WHEN PUSH COMES TO SHOVE AND APRIL GETS HERE, WILL YOU BE SURPRISED TO SEE A REVENUE BILL?

>> I DON'T FORESEE A REVENUE BILL YOU HAVE TO HAVE THE CAVEAT YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE IF THE WORLD GOES OFF THE CLIFF.

YOU WAKE UP AND SEE A NEWFOUNDLANDS ARTICLE ABOUT WHAT IS HAPPENING IN IRAN OR UKRAINE.

SO WE'RE LIVING IN THE MOST UNCERTAIN AND UNSTABLE TIMES IN MY LIFETIME.

BUT, GIVEN THE GENERAL FACTS OF WHERE WE ARE, I FEEL CONFIDENT THAT WE CAN SOLVE THIS BUDGET DEFICIT WE HAVE FEES AND REVENUES.

>> Jeff: THE ALTERNATIVES ARE NOT GREAT, CUTS OR DIPPING INTO THE RAINY DAY FUND AND THE BOND RATING AGENCIES DOESN'T LIKE THAT AND ONE HAS TAKEN AWAY THE TRIPLE A RATING.

>> WE REAFFIRMED TRIPLE A WE HAVE FOUR RATING AGENCIES.

THREE OF THE FOUR.

I DON'T WANT TO TAP DEEPLY INTO THE RAINY DAY FUND WE HAVE LOW UNEMPLOYMENT.

WE HAVE TO BE CAREFUL THAT IT IS TRULY POURING IN RAINING AND OUR FINANCES.

GOD FORBID WE SEE 8, 9% UNEMPLOYMENT WHEN WE START TO SEE ENTITLEMENT PROGRAMS THAT NEED BACKFILLING WE SHOULD AVOID THAT AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.

WE CAN LEVEL OFF INCREASES SO IF SOMETHING WAS ANTICIPATING A 3% INCREASE AND IT GOES UP BY 1, IT IS STILL AN INCREASE IT DOESN'T KEEP UP WITH INFLATION BUT WE HAVE TO GO LINE ITEM BY-LINE ITEM AND SPEND THE MONEY THAT TAXPAYERS SEND TO MARYLAND THAT WE SPEND IT AS EFFICIENTLY AS POSSIBLE.

>> Jeff: ON POCKETBOOK ISSUES NOT HAPPY TO REPORT I GOT MY FIRST $500BG AND E HEATING AND ELECTRIC BILL AND NORMAL SIZED HOUSE, WELL INSULATED THIS IS AFFECTING A LOT OF PEOPLE.

>> YES, IN TERMS OF OUTSIDE OF THE BUDGET AND WITH THE BUDGET WE ANTICIPATE DOING POLICIES TO HELP PROVIDE SOME LEVEL OF AFFORDABILITY RELIEF IT WILL DRIVE A LOT OF THE WORK WE DO.

PEOPLE ARE FEELING IT.

FEELING IT WE HAD A $663 UTILITY BILL LAST MONTH IN A REGULAR ROW HOME.

IT'S UNBELIEVABLE TO ME.

I'M NOT ALONE EVERYONE IS FEELING IT.

WE HAVE THIS UNIQUE SET OF CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE FOR 15 YEARS THE DEMAND FOR ELECTRICITY ON THE EAST COAST WAS FLAT.

WITH THE RISE OF DATA CENTERS, A.I., ELECTRIFICATION AND THE REDUCTION OF MORE FOSSIL DRIVEN COAL BASED ELECTRICITY, WE HAVE THIS INCREASED DEMAND AT A TIME OF DECREASED SUPPLY AND THAT IS DRIVING A COMPONENT OF THESE INCREASES.

I WISH I HAD AN IMMEDIATE QUICK SOLUTION.

THERE'S NOT.

BUT WHAT WE HAVE TO DO IS PROVIDE SOME SHORT-TERM, MEDIUM TERM AND LONGER TERM POLICIES TO HELP GIVE MARYLAND FAMILIES SOME RELIEF.

SO LAST YEAR WE DID A REFUND WE WILL DO THAT AGAIN THIS YEAR IN THE HIGHEST USAGE PERIODS OF THE YEAR.

WE'RE GOING TO FIND WAYS TO GET MORE MARYLAND MADE ENERGY AND THAT IS BOTH RENEWABLE AND OTHER SOURCES TO HAVE MORE PRODUCED HERE IN THE STATE.

>> Jeff: DID WE MAKE A MISTAKE AS A STATE SHUTTING DOWN COAL-FIRED POWER PLANTS BEFORE THE NEW STUFF WAS READY, THE SOLAR, THE WIND AND THE BATTERY SYSTEMS?

>> WELL IT'S IMPORTANT TO MAKE CLEAR IT WAS NOT THE STATE THAT DECIDED TO SHUT DOWN THE PLANTS.

THESE ARE PRIVATELY COMMERCIALLY OWNED FACILITIES THAT MADE AN ECONOMIC DECISION TO NOT OPERATE.

WHERE THE GRID HAS INTERVENED IS NOW THEY ARE FORCED TO OPERATE TO KEEP RELIABILITY STANDARDS HIGH AND THE PRIVATE COMPANIES THAT SAID THEY ARE SHUTTING DOWN AND FORCED TO STAY OPEN FOR RELIABILITY MUST RUN ARE GETTING THREE TIMES WHAT THEY WOULD HAVE OTHERWISE.

>> Jeff: AND YOU ARE PAYING THAT?

>> WE'RE ALL PAYING IT.

THIS IS THE CHALLENGE.

WE NEED CLEANER AND MORE AFFORDABLE ENERGY IN MARYLAND BEING GENERATED.

THAT WILL REDUCE PRICES THAT DOESN'T HAPPEN OVERNIGHT.

YOU DON'T BUILD A PLANT OVERNIGHT WE CAN INCENTIVIZE RENEWABLES THE FASTEST TO BE DEPLOYED AND NATURAL GAS AND NUCLEAR TO HAVE INCENTIVES TO PRODUCE MERE HERE IN THE STATE OF MARYLAND.

>> Jeff: AT OUR TAPING TIME THERE IS A MEETING COMING UP OF THE GOVERNOR'S REDISTRICTING COMMISSION LOOKING AT REDRAWING THE CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS AHEAD HAD OF AN ELECTION THAT IS FAST APPROACHING.

THE SENATE'S POSITION IS?

>> THE RECOMMENDATION I MADE TO THE SENATE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS THAT WAS ADOPTED BY A MAJORITY OF THE CAUCUS WAS THAT THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH MID-DECADE REDISTRICTING HERE IN MARYLAND ARE TOO GREAT THEY CREATE TOO MUCH UNCERTAINTY WHEN MARYLANDERS ARE MOST WORRIED ABOUT DEMOCRACY AND THEIR ECONOMIC FUTURES.

AND WE WENT THROUGH THIS EXPERIENCE IN 2021 AND 22 WHERE WE PASSED A MAP THAT THE COURT THREW OUT AND CALLED IT GERRYMANDERING THAT IS LEFT THEY MARK ON MY EXPERIENCE.

SO THE MAP THAT WE HAVE TODAY THAT'S SEVEN DEMOCRATS AND ONE REPUBLICAN WAS THE PRODUCT OF A SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT BECAUSE THAT PRIOR MAP HAD GOTTEN THROWN OUT.

OUR WORRY IS IF OUR CURRENT MAP GETS CHALLENGED OR A NEW MAP PROPOSED WE COULD GO IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION.

WE WOULD THROW THE ENTIRE ELECTION CYCLE INTO CHAOS.

THAT IS ESPECIALLY THE CASE, BECAUSE AS THE ATTORNEY GENERAL HAS SAID, TAKES 100 TO 120 DAYS FOR THE OFFICE TO PREPARE TO DEFEND ANY CASE ABOUT REDISTRICTING.

WE ARE SITTING HERE IN THE MIDDLE OF JANUARY, FEBRUARY 23 IS THE FILING DEADLINE THAT IS WELL UNDER 100 DAYS.

SO IF WE WERE TO MOVE TOMORROW WE WOULD BE PUTTING THE ELECTION TIMELINE INTO JEOPARDY AND MOST IMPORTANTLY OUR STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS AND LOCAL BOARD OF ELECTIONS WOULD NOT HAVE MAPS, PRECINCTS YOU WOULD CREATE A COMPRESSED TIMELINE RIFE WITH ERRORS IT IS NOT THE RIGHT TIME.

>> Jeff: WHAT HAPPENS IF THE TIME, THE LEADERSHIP IN THE HOUSE THINKS IT'S THE RIGHT TIME AND THEY SEND OVER A BILL, THEY PASS A BILL TO CHANGE THE MAP AND POSSIBLY ELIMINATE THAT ONE REPUBLICAN DISTRICT, WHAT'S THE SENATE GOING TO DO WITH THAT BILL?

>> IT'S HYPOTHETICAL A LOT OF FOLKS ONCE THEY DIG INTO AND UNDERSTAND THE IMPLICATIONS OF WHAT HAPPENS WITH THE ELECTION TIMELINE AND HOW IT WOULD DELAY AND PUT INTO JEOPARDY OVERSEAS BALLOTS THEY REALIZE NOW ISN'T THE RIGHT TIME.

ALSO, YOU'VE SEEN OTHER STATES WHO COULD HAVE REDISTRICTED NOT PLACES LIKE INDIANA, AND KANSAS, CHOSE NOT TO.

I THINK THAT THEY -- THERE IS A LOT OF CONSTERNATION ABOUT MOVING FORWARD ON THIS ISSUE.

IT'S GOTTEN A LOT OF PRESS BUT WHEN I'M KNOCKING ON DOORS IN THE DISTRICT WHICH I DO EVERY WEEKEND TO TALK TO VOTERS NONE OF THEM BRING UP REDISTRICTING THEY BRING UP UTILITY BILLS THE COST OF HOUSING AND THE FEAR BECAUSE OF WHAT IS HAPPENING IN DC.

THAT'S WHAT I'M HEARING WHEN I TALK TO VOTERS.

>> Jeff: YOU WILL BE HEARING FROM PARTISANS IF THAT PLAYS OUT.

YOU AND YOUR DEMOCRATIC COLLEAGUES WILL GET A LOT OF PRESSURE.

>> LOOK, WE HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO DO WHAT WE THINK IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE 6.5 MILLION MARYLANDERS THAT COUNT ON US TO LEGISLATE ON THEIR BEHALF.

I'VE HEARD FROM A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO AGREE THAT THE RISK IS JUST TOO HIGH.

WHAT WE KNOW IS THAT IF EVERY STATE DOES THIS AND IT BECOMES DESTRUCTION WHERE IT IS A PARTISAN FIGHT EVERY TWO YEARS WE'RE CHANGING THE RULES, WE ARE NOT ACTUALLY SOLVING AMERICANS OR MARYLANDERS' PROBLEMS AND I THINK THAT IS WHY OTHER STATES OPTED NOT TO MOVE FORWARD AND THAT IS WHERE WE HAVE STOOD AND WHAT WE BELIEVE AT THIS POINT.

>> OUR NEWSMAKER WAS THE NEW SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES WHO MADE COMMITTEE CHANGES THERE IS A NEW COMMITTEE AND SOMETIMES WHEN YOU DO THAT A VOTE OR TWO, CAN UNLOCK A BILL THAT HAS BEEN STUCK IN COMMITTEES.

IS THERE ANYTHING FROM THE SENATE PERSPECTIVE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE HOUSE MOVE ON THIS YEAR?

>> LOOK, I THINK WE ARE GOING TO BE WORKING THROUGH A LOT OF ISSUES THIS IS GOING TO BE A TOUGH YEAR ON A LOT OF FRONTS EASTERN THOUGH IT IS AN ELECTION YEAR.

PEOPLE ARE ANXIOUS AND NERVOUS AND THE LEGISLATIVE HAS TO BE A PLACE WHERE WE CAN SHOW WE'RE DELIVERING FOR PEOPLE.

ONE OF THE THINGS WE PASSED IN THE SENATE IS THE SPECIAL ELECTIONS FOR REPLACEMENTS OF MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

>> Jeff: AS OPPOSED TO BEING APPOINTED BY A CENTRAL COMMITTEE.

>> AND WE WOULD HAVE A MINOR CHANGE IN THE FIRST TWO YEARS OF A A FOUR-YEAR TERM THERE WOULD BE A SPECIAL ELECTION AT THE MIDTERM ELECTION.

WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE THAT MOVE FORWARD BUT THE TOP ISSUES ARE AROUND AFFORDABILITY AND DESPITE THE CUTS FINDING WAYS TO INVEST SO MARYLAND'S ECONOMY CAN GROW.

WE HAVE TO SHIFT AWAY FROM THE FEDERAL RELIANCE WE'VE HAD AND THAT DOESN'T MEAN ABANDON BUT SHIFT TOWARDS MORE PRIVATE SECTOR ECONOMIC GROWTH.

SO WE HAVE TO LOOK AT PERMITTING, REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT, AND KEY COMPETITIVE INDUSTRIES TO PROMOTE SO THAT WE CAN SEE PRIVATE SECTOR GROWTH TO COUNTERACT WHAT THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION HAS DONE WITH FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT HERE IN MARYLAND.

>> Jeff: WISDOM IS THAT THE HOUSE LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP HAS GOTTEN MORE PROGRESSIVE.

DO YOU ANTICIPATE MORE OF A GAP BETWEEN HOUSE POSITIONS AND SENATE POSITIONS LATE IN THE SESSION WHEN YOU GET TO THE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE STAGE?

>> NO.

I THINK WHEN PEOPLE MOVE INTO LEADERSHIP ROLES, PART OF -- I FEEL IT FOR MYSELF I DON'T WANT TO SPEAK FOR OTHERS -- WHEN YOU HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF LOOKING AT A STATE-WIDE PERSPECTIVE YOU QUICKLY REALIZE AT THAT TIME DIFFERENT POLICIES HAVE DIFFERENT IMPACTS IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE STATE.

IT TEMPERS YOUR PERSPECTIVE ABOUT SOMETHING THAT SOUNDS EXCELLENT IN ONE PART OF THE STATE MAY HAVE A DETRIMENTAL IMPACT ON ANOTHER.

AND THROUGH THAT LEADERSHIP AND EXPERIENCE, I THINK THAT PEOPLE START TO RECOGNIZE RESPECT THEY HAVE TO PUT TOWARDS THE POLICY MAKING PROCESS.

I THINK WE'LL SEE DIFFERENT BILLS.

BUT IT'S THE SAME -- IT WILL BE THE SAME SENATE OF MARYLAND AND THOUGHTFUL AND DELIBERATIVE AND DO WHAT WE THINK IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF MARYLANDERS.

>> Jeff: LASTLY, THE IDEA OF THE STATE LIMITING THE ABILITY OF LOCAL SHERIFFS, POLICE DEPARTMENTS TO COOPERATE WITH FEDERAL IMMIGRATION.

I BELIEVE IN THE PAST THAT'S BEEN SEEN AS SOMETHING THAT WOULD INVITE RETALIATION OF SOME SORT FROM THE WHITE HOUSE.

YOU WANT THAT MOVED THIS YEAR?

>> I THINK WHAT WE'VE SEEN OVER LAST NINE MONTHS WITH THE ENFORCEMENT FROM I.C.E.

IS ABSOLUTELY UNCONSCIONABLE.

THE WAY THAT THAT ENTITY HAS ATTEMPTED TO BECOME A PARAMILITARY FORCE IS UNDERMINING TRUST AND RESPECT FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT.

SOMETHING HERE IN MARYLAND WE'VE BEEN TRYING TO BUILD FOR THE LAST 10 YEARS AND HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL WITH THE LOWEST VIOLENT CRIME WE'VE SEEN IN THE OF BALTIMRE IN 50 YEARS.

>> Jeff: THE LONG TIME PRESIDENT OF THE STATE SENATE BILL FERGUSON APPRECIATE YOUR TIME.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

[♪♪] >> Jeff: JOINING US NOW FOR THE POLITICAL ROUNDTABLE IS WILL FORD OF MARYLAND MATTERS.

WILL, THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

>> THANK YOU, SIR, GOOD TO BE HERE, THANK YOU.

>> Jeff: YOU HAVE REPORTED IN MARYLAND MATTERS THAT LONG TIME CONGRESSMAN STENY HOYER OF MARYLAND'S FIFTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT IS NOT RUNNING FOR REELECTION AFTER 45 YEARS IN CONGRESS AND THAT HAS SET OFF SOMETHING OF A SCRAMBLE FOR PEOPLE INTERESTED IN RUNNING FOR THAT SEAT.

>> AS A FRIDAY AFTERNOON THERE ARE 11 CANDIDATES WHO HAVE FILED PAPERWORK WITH THE MARYLAND STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS THAT SEVEN DEMOCRATS, TWO REPUBLICANS, TWO UNAFFILIATE.

I HAVE NOT TOUCHED UPON CERTAIN HIGH PROFILE STATE LEGISLATORS WHO ARE CONSIDERING.

BUT ONE PERSON WHO DID FILE -- DIDN'T FILE EXCUSE ME BUT WHO ANNOUNCED THEY PLAN TO SEEK THE FIFTH DISTRICT SEAT IS DELEGATE ADRIAN OUT OF PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY.

AND HE KNOWS CONGRESSMAN HOYER BECAUSE HE WAS A CAMPAIGN MANAGER WITH THE CONGRESSMAN BETWEEN 2019 TO 2021.

SO HE IS VERY FAMILIAR WITH CONGRESSMAN HOYER.

AND NOW YOU HAVE OTHERS WHO ARE CONSIDERING.

YOU HAVE STATE DELEGATE NICOLE WILLIAMS OUT OF PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY.

YOU HAVE DELEGATE CT WILSON OUT OF CHARLES COUNTY AND SENATOR ARTHUR ELLIS ALSO OUT OF CHARLES COUNTY.

AND FOR THOSE WHO MAY NOT KNOW THE FIFTH DISTRICT IS BIG IT ENCOMPASSES ALL OF SOUTHERN MARYLAND THE CHARLES, CALVERT AND ST.MARY'S COUNTIES.

A LITTLE BIT OF PRINCE GEORGE'S AND A LITTLE BIT OF ANNE ARUNDEL.

BUT HERE IS THE KEY... THIS IS GOING TO BE A FAST PRIMARY, BECAUSE IT COMES UP JUNE 23rd.

SO IT'S GOING TO BE AS SOON AS YOU START BLINKING YOUR EYES, OH, PRIMARY ELECTION IS ALREADY HERE.

STAY TUNED.

>> Jeff: THERE IS A LITTLE BIT OF TIME BEFORE THE FILING DEADLINE JUST ABOUT FIVE WEEKS, I THINK.

AND I'D LIKED HOW YOU REPORTED THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO ARE STILL VERY DEFINITELY CONSIDERING IT.

WHAT ARE THEY WAITING FOR?

>> WELL, WAITING TO SEE HOW IT'S GOING TO LOOK FOR THEM.

IT PROBABLY DOING RESEARCH, WANT TO ASSESS IT'S GOING TO BE THE RIGHT MOVE.

YOU TALK TO FAMILY.

DELEGATE CT WILSON HAD AN INTERESTING COMMENT HE MADE TO ME PAR PHRASING HE WANTED TO MAKE SURE IF HE MAY NOT RUN HE WANTS TO MAKE SURE WHOEVER DOES RUN HAVE THE PEOPLE IN MIND.

AND NOT JUST WANT TO RUN BECAUSE THEY HAVE BEEN IN POLITICS ALL THEIR LIFE.

THAT THEY ARE GOING TO RUN TO MAKE SURE THAT SOUTHERN MARYLAND, PRINCE GEORGE'S AND ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTIES ARE WELL REPRESENTED.

AND THERE IS A RICH MILITARY INSTALLATION IN SOUTHERN MARYLAND PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW AND IT'S ALSO DIVERSE.

IT HAS BECOME MUCH MORE DIVERSE THAN PEOPLE REALIZE.

SO THAT INDIVIDUAL AS DELEGATE WILSON SAID HE IS REALLY STRONG ABOUT HIS COMMENTS AND MAKING SURE HAVE THE PEOPLE IN MIND AND NOT JUST FOR PERSONAL REASONS.

>> Jeff: YOU REPORTED ON OPENING DAY, NOTING THAT THE OPENING DAY SPEECHES FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE AND THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES THE NEW SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE HAD SIMILARITIES.

>> YES, SIR.

THEY TALKED ABOUT AFFORDABILITY AND WANTED TO MAKE SURE THEY GET A HANDLE ON THE ENERGY CRISIS.

AND JOSELINE PENA-MELNYK ALSO HIGHLIGHTED ON PUTTING THE PERSONAL TOUCH ON MY COLLEAGUE WAS IN THE HOUSE AND TALKED ABOUT HER DAUGHTER HAVING TO TURN THE THERMOSTAT UP TO A CERTAIN TEMPERATURE.

THAT SAYS A LOT THAT SHE UNDERSTANDS AND WANTS TO MAKE SURE THAT LEGISLATION DOES HELP RESIDENTS.

AS A MATTER OF FACT HER AND SENATE PRESIDENT BILL FERGUSON OUT OF BALTIMORE CITY THEY ARE ALSO BACK IN LEGISLATION REGARDING TO A SENSITIVE TOPIC DEALING WITH THE PROHIBITING OF FACE COVERINGS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS HERE IN THE STATE.

>> Jeff: WILL FORD AND HIS COLLEAGUES EXPERIENCED GROUP REPORTING ON THE SESSION AT MARYLAND MATTERS.ORG.

WE APPRECIATE YOUR TIME.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> THANK YOU, SIR.

>> Jeff: AND THAT IS "STATE CIRCLE" FOR THIS WEEK.

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING.

WE'LL SEE YOU BACK HERE MONDAY EVENING AT 7:00 P.M.

FOR "DIRECT CONNECTION".

[♪♪]