Sixth District Delegate Bob Long submitted an article about the End of the 2025 Legislative Session and his thoughts on what passes and didn’t pass
First, I would like to thank each of you for entrusting me with the duty of serving as one of your state delegates.
My Republican colleagues and I fought until the final whistle blew this session against unnecessary tax and fee increases. Together, we were able to fend off many ridiculous proposals to protect your wallets.
As the 2025 legislative session came to a close on April 7th, many questions still remain about the fate of future state budgets. This year, it took the largest tax and fee increase in Maryland history ($1.6 billion) to dig the state out of holes dug by the democratic supermajority in Annapolis. It is predicted that the deficits in future years will continue to grow. Maryland legislators will need to be more financially responsible in the coming years.
My Republican colleagues and I had a plan to solve the budget crisis without any new or increased taxes. Unfortunately, it was swiftly rejected. The education plan known as the Blueprint continues to be one of the most expensive aspects of our state budget.
Democrats in Annapolis refuse to heed the warnings given by former Governor Hogan that we could not afford the program. This session, Democrats were stubborn to make any changes to the Blueprint; these inactions will surely bring Maryland closer and closer to the brink of bankruptcy. Our successes included putting a stop to a sugary beverage tax and avoiding a broad business to business tax that was sneakily floated toward the end of session.
We could not have fought those taxes without the public outroar; so thank you for making your voices heard.
None of the Republican Caucus crime package bills were passed.
These bills included initiatives to allow police to question juveniles with parental consent, along with eliminating diminution credits for those convicted of first and second degree murder. Instead,
Democrats chose to prioritize criminals by passing the Second Look Act, which grants individuals who have served at least twenty years to apply to a judge for a reduced sentence. This would force the families of victims of heinous crimes to be dragged back to court to relive their nightmares. Parole and appeal processes already exist and are utilized.
I offered numerous pieces of legislation spanning many topics. I had a bundle of common sense voter ID bills that were left in the drawer.
Over 70% of Marylanders believe that voter ID laws should be on the books. To do just about anything, such as drive or fly in this country, you need an ID. It is essential that we protect the integrity of our elections. I also presented a bill that would revoke the privilege of home detention if the incarcerated individual violated the conditions of the home detention.
Too many times we have seen that individuals meant to be home on home detention were out and about, committing crimes, sometimes even murder. Home detention is a privilege and when the conditions thereof are violated, a slap on the wrist does not help make Maryland a safer place to live.
I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to serve Legislative District 6. I assure you, I will always fight the good fight. I will continue to strive for a better today and a better tomorrow.
I felt that I had a lot of good ideas this session that did not make it to the Governor’s desk. However, next year I will bring the fight back!
