COMMENTARY
Navigating Challenges, Creating Opportunities: Maryland’s 2025 Legislative Session Begins Today
Jan 8, 2025
Maryland's greatest asset isn't just its strategic location or talented workforce — it's the bold, innovative spirit of our businesses that truly defines our state. From the family restaurant in Annapolis to the Baltimore tech startup revolutionizing AI, to the Frederick manufacturing plant creating hundreds of jobs — Maryland businesses are more than economic engines. They are the cornerstones of our local communities.
As we enter a challenging legislative session, the Maryland Chamber of Commerce stands ready to advocate for pro-growth policies that fuel business success and, in turn, community prosperity. When businesses thrive, they provide the jobs, goods and services we all rely on — keeping our communities connected and resilient.
Our 2025 Legislative Priorities
As we navigate the complex 2025 legislative landscape, the Maryland Chamber has identified five critical issues that will shape our advocacy efforts:
- Business Taxes: As Maryland looks to address multibillion-dollar budget deficits, we stand ready to work with the legislature and administration towards a solution that prioritizes responsible government spending, including targeted cuts that maintain key government programs, and avoiding new cost burdens on businesses that reduce economic opportunities for all Marylanders. Policymakers must carefully consider the trade-off between generating new revenue and maintaining and enhancing Maryland’s economic competitiveness.
- Transportation Funding Solutions: The General Assembly must take steps to address the sustainability of the Transportation Trust Fund and its reliance on the gas tax as a key funding source. Enhanced and sustainable funding solutions are necessary for Maryland's economy and the safe and efficient movement of people and goods throughout our state.
- Data Privacy & AI: We support the development of a regulatory framework that addresses both data privacy and artificial intelligence in a manner that balances innovation with consumer protection. Maryland's current data privacy law, passed in 2024, contains inconsistencies and compliance challenges compared to other states. As AI continues to evolve, Maryland must ensure a balanced regulatory approach that promotes innovation, protects privacy, ensures ethical use, and maintains fair competition — enabling businesses to leverage AI while preserving consumer trust and market integrity.
- Climate Tax Policies: The Maryland Chamber advocates for a balanced approach to achieving the state's climate goals that fosters economic growth. As we strive to meet the ambitious goals established under the Climate Solutions Now Act, we must pursue strategies that do not impose undue financial burdens on our businesses and consumers.
- Increasing Child Care Availability: In past sessions, we have supported legislation and budget initiatives aimed at incentivizing the opening of new childcare facilities and the expansion of existing ones. The cost and availability of childcare remains a contributing factor to Marylanders' decisions to return to the workforce.
We will also engage in other critical issues like new regulatory burdens, changes to energy policy, healthcare initiatives impacting the cost of employer-provided health benefit plans and matters related to workplace regulation and employment law. See our detailed analysis of this session's legislative priorities and anticipated critical issues in our 2025 Legislative Priorities Report.
A Call to Action — Your Voice Matters
The future of Maryland depends on your involvement, your voice, your story – and your advocacy for a Maryland where all businesses and their communities can thrive. We urge every business owner and leader, entrepreneur and concerned citizen to:
- Get Involved: Join one of our 11 policy committees who meet regularly to review legislation that will impact our 7,000+ members, attend legislative hearings, participate in Chamber events and engage directly with your local representatives.
- Stay Informed: Stay ahead of critical issues affecting the business community. Sign up for email updates to receive timely advocacy alerts and insights. Follow us on social media, engage with our advocacy efforts and stay educated on key legislative developments that business.
- Make Your Voice Heard: Share your business's story, challenges and vision. Your real-world experiences are the most powerful testimony we can bring to the legislative table.
- Support the Maryland Chamber PAC: By contributing, you help amplify the voice of Maryland’s business community, ensuring critical pro-business policies are prioritized in Annapolis.
Invite: Join us for Meet the State 2025 on Jan. 15
Engage with Maryland’s top policymakers and business leaders to discuss pressing issues. Meet the State, presented by Amazon, features:
- Keynote address from Tom Barkin, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond
- Remarks from members of the Moore-Miller Administration
- Senate President Bill Ferguson with insights into the 2025 legislative session and issues facing Maryland business
- Three interactive panel discussions with leaders in government, including Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu, as well as business and academia — all engaging in dynamic conversations about critical issues facing Maryland's economy.
The challenges we face are significant, but so is our potential. Every conversation, every email, every meeting can be the catalyst for meaningful change. Together, we can transform challenges into opportunities, break down barriers and create a more prosperous Maryland for all.
Sincerely,
Mary D. Kane
President & CEO
Mary D. Kane
President & CEO
Maryland Chamber of Commerce
Commentary: This Tax Reform is Not the Answer to Maryland’s Fiscal Woes