## Maryland Republicans Voice Concerns Following Governor Wes Moore’s State of the State Address
Following Governor Wes Moore’s fourth State of the State address on Wednesday, Maryland Republicans shared their perspectives, expressing concerns over the state’s direction under his leadership. The Governor’s speech touched upon key issues including mid-cycle redistricting, collaboration between local law enforcement and immigration enforcement, his proposed budget, and the affordability of living in Maryland. He also highlighted efforts to shield residents from perceived negative impacts originating from Washington, D.C.
### Economic Concerns and Affordability
Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey (R) argued that Maryland families and businesses are facing increased hardship since Governor Moore took office in 2023. He questioned whether tangible improvements have been made, stating, “Do families feel more secure? Is life more affordable? Is it easier to live, work, build, and invest in Maryland? For far too many Marylanders, the honest answer is no.”
Hershey pointed to rising costs, escalating energy prices, and persistent structural deficits as areas where the state has regressed. He also noted the recent change in presidential administration, stating, “President Trump has been in office for just one year.” He emphasized the need for the Governor to prioritize Maryland’s challenges and take accountability for decisions made within the state.
Specifically, Hershey criticized decisions impacting energy costs, stating, “Reliable, affordable energy was sacrificed, affordability was ignored, and Maryland families are paying the price every single month.” He believes that listening to Republican proposals in the General Assembly could pave the way for a more affordable future, restoring accountability, ensuring reliable energy, and fostering economic growth.
### Crime and Public Safety
Governor Moore emphasized the state’s efforts to reduce crime, highlighting a historic decline in homicides in 2025. He detailed his administration’s investment in communities affected by intergenerational poverty, asserting that addressing the root causes of violence is crucial. “You cannot address violent crime if you aren’t addressing the failed conditions in the communities where the violence is occurring,” he stated.
However, House Minority Whip Jesse Pippy (R) raised concerns about juvenile crime, referencing the recent shooting at Thomas S. Wootton High School in Montgomery County. He criticized the majority party for allegedly prioritizing politics over safety, pointing to the case of an individual on monitoring for prior offenses allegedly involved in the school shooting.
Pippy also expressed frustration with the impact of the Juvenile Justice Reform Commission, claiming it has hindered accountability for juvenile offenders. He cited rollbacks of changes in Baltimore City due to public safety concerns.
### Immigration Enforcement Debate
Governor Moore addressed immigration enforcement, advocating for protections for immigrant communities. He acknowledged the advancement of bills aimed at banning 287(g) agreements, which allow local law enforcement to collaborate with federal immigration agents. Several jurisdictions, including Baltimore City and County, have sought to prohibit these partnerships.
However, Harford County, along with seven others – Allegany, Carroll, Cecil, Frederick, Garrett, Washington, and St. Mary’s – have signed onto 287(g) agreements. Moore stated that Maryland law enforcement will continue to work with federal officials to remove violent criminals while upholding constitutional principles.
Recent protests in Washington County followed the county commissioners’ full support for immigration enforcement and the planned construction of a new ICE detention center near Hagerstown. House Minority Leader Jason Buckel (R) called for a more focused approach to identifying and deporting dangerous individuals, suggesting it could reduce collateral arrests and enhance public safety.
Pippy highlighted polling data indicating strong opposition to eliminating 287(g) programs, with 76% of Marylanders, including 65% of Democrats, opposing the change.
### Budget Concerns and Federal Impact
Republicans also expressed reservations about Governor Moore’s proposed $70.8 billion Fiscal Year 2027 budget. While the Governor claims the budget avoids tax increases, it addresses a $1.5 billion deficit through nearly $900 million in cuts and cost-saving measures. The budget aims to fund education, reduce energy costs, and invest in law enforcement, while maintaining 8% in the Rainy Day Fund and cutting government spending by $154 million over two years.
Pippy criticized the reliance on raiding the Rainy Day Fund, questioning the state’s financial stability in the coming years. Moore attributed the budget shortfall to federal layoffs impacting 25,000 Maryland workers and potential cuts to healthcare and food assistance benefits due to the President’s domestic policy agenda.
“Marylanders are seeing firsthand how the White House Agenda is making their lives worse,” Moore stated, emphasizing his commitment to protecting residents from perceived negative actions from Washington, D.C.
[Learn more about Maryland’s budget process](https://www.maryland.gov/agencies/dls/Pages/default.aspx).
