ANNAPOLIS, MD - Governor Wes Moore last week delivered remarks on how Maryland will navigate a structural fiscal deficit and leadership in Washington that could directly impact Maryland’s economy during the 2024 Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Winter Conference inaugural banquet in Cambridge. 

The Governor also announced three key actions to help grow Maryland’s economy, including an executive order to make Maryland more business friendly, an education bill that will build on the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, and a housing bill to ensure that we increase supply and make Maryland a more attractive place for people to live and grow.

Here’s what Maryland leaders are saying about the Governor’s address: 

“Maryland is facing two major challenges-a fiscal crisis and the uncertainty brought by a new administration in Washington. In times like these, I’m glad we have Wes Moore in Annapolis,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “Maryland has a path forward and Governor Moore has the moral clarity and vision to take us there.”

“We understand that Maryland and the United States are going to experience difficult economic trends in the upcoming years, which will reverberate on the local level,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “In Howard County, we take a data-informed, people-driven approach to ensure our businesses, residents, and neighbors can reach success and thrive – with our collective advancements and investments in advancing the Blueprint for our students, investing in our educators so they can thrive, building a skilled workforce, embracing innovation through an enterprise zone in Columbia Gateway, and empowering our local businesses to grow and expand right here in Maryland. I look forward to continuing conversations and collaboration with the Moore-Miller Administration, and, I am certain that together we will end concentrated poverty and ensure the best quality of life for all who live, work, play, grow, and thrive in Howard County and Maryland.”

“Maryland's life sciences industry creates high quality jobs and life changing cures. Frederick County is home to one of the fastest growing economies in the state, and the life sciences industry contributes to our year-over-year GDP growth,” said Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater. “Governor Moore knows we must leverage our world-renowned research universities and federal assets to unlock the full potential of the life sciences industry, and I am committed to working with him to grow Maryland’s economy, while protecting our environment and quality of life.”

“As a long-time supporter of Governor Moore, I’ve been worried about how he and his team would navigate the structural deficit, sluggish economy, and smoke-in-mirrors surplus that he inherited on day one,” said Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman. “The MACo speech and all that I heard from him and his staff throughout the conference shifted my worry to enthusiasm as we head into the budget season.”

"The housing supply shortage is the defining crisis of this moment. Governor Moore is right to center housing as a key part of economic growth,” said Howard County Councilmember Christiana Rigby. “When we increase housing supply, we can unlock the full potential of our state, increase community stability, and invest in the future of Maryland’s children.”

“I applaud the governor for his direct and straight talk-message to county leaders,” said Talbot County Council President Chuck Callahan. “He’s absolutely right: This moment demands discipline, trust, and partnership. While we may not agree on everything, I look forward to continuing to work closely with the Moore-Miller Administration as we move through this time of challenge for the state.”

“We appreciate Gov. Moore’s commitment to enhancing the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and ensuring counties have a voice in budget discussions,” said Calvert County Commission President Earl "Buddy" Hance. “His presence at the Maryland Association of Counties Winter Conference underscores his dedication to working collaboratively with local governments, and we are grateful for the opportunity to engage on these important issues.”

"The people of Baltimore City District 6 have a full partner in Governor Wes Moore and Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller. The governor has laid out a clear vision for how we can work together as Marylanders to overcome the challenges ahead. And his promise to move in partnership is more than a talking point,” said Baltimore City Council Vice President Sharon Green Middleton. “We all saw the power of Governor Moore's leadership when he brought our city and state together to recover from the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Now, he has stepped up again to continue the strong collaboration that has been taking place between Annapolis and the City of Baltimore. We will overcome this budget crisis - and we will do it together."?