Maryland House of Delegates District 9B

A: Maryland’s structural deficit is real, and we have to address it honestly with a balanced approach. Firstly, I would prioritize protecting core services, education, healthcare, and public safety while conducting a full audit of state agencies to eliminate waste, duplication, and underperforming programs. That includes reviewing administrative overhead and outside contracts to make sure taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently. Secondly, we need smarter cuts. I would look at areas like unused tax credits, outdated subsidy programs, and low-impact expenditures that aren’t delivering results for working families. On revenue, I support a fair approach. That means closing corporate tax loopholes and ensuring large, multi-state corporations pay their fair share in Maryland. Long term, we also need to grow our way out of the deficit by investing in workforce development, small businesses, and industries that create stable, good-paying jobs. A stronger economy increases revenue without raising taxes on everyday people. At the end of the day, this is about priorities. We can close the gap but we have to do it in a way that protects working families and reflects our values.

A: The three most pressing issues facing Maryland are affordability, the state’s structural budget deficit, and ensuring our public services especially education and infrastructure keep up with demand. Families are being squeezed by rising housing costs, rent, and everyday expenses. At the same time, the state is facing long-term budget pressure that requires us to be honest about how we spend and how we grow revenue. And finally, we have to fully fund schools and maintain infrastructure without pushing more burden onto working families. At the end of the day, the question is simple: are we building a state where only the well-off can stay or one where working families can actually thrive and stay here long-term?

A: To lower the cost of living in Maryland, we have to focus on housing, healthcare, and everyday expenses. That means increasing housing supply, especially affordable and middle-income housing, and holding local systems accountable so families aren’t priced out. It means lowering healthcare costs by improving access and competition. And it means targeting hidden costs like childcare, utilities, and fees that quietly strain working families. At the same time, we have to grow wages through workforce development so incomes actually keep up with costs. Because the goal isn’t just to survive in Maryland it’s to be able to stay and build a life here.

A: I don’t believe the answer is simply rolling back the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, because that plan represents long-overdue investments in our students, teachers, and public schools. But we also have to be honest about the cost and the funding gap. First, we should look at targeted, fair revenue options like closing corporate tax loopholes and ensuring large, profitable corporations are paying their fair share. Second, we need strong oversight to make sure every dollar in the Blueprint is being spent effectively and reaching classrooms, not administration.

The goal shouldn’t be to abandon the Blueprint, it should be to make it sustainable and accountable so it actually delivers for students without overburdening working families.

A: I want constituents to be able to review my performance the same way I would expect any public servant to be held accountable, continuously, not just every four years.

That means regular, transparent reporting on what I’ve done: how I voted, what legislation I’ve supported, what I’ve delivered back to the district, and how I’ve responded to constituent concerns. I would also hold consistent town halls both in-person and virtual so people can directly question me and give feedback in real time, not filtered through election season.I also believe in being accessible between those moments, through community meetings, and clear communication channels where constituents can track issues they’ve raised and see how they’re being addressed. At the end of the day, accountability shouldn’t be periodic it should be constant. If I’m doing the job well, people shouldn’t have to wait for an election to say so or to challenge it.

A: There is a projected imbalance between revenues and expenses for the state in future years, just as there was this year. As a member of the Appropriations Committee who chairs the subcommittee on Transportation and Environment, I routinely work with my fellow committee members to find reductions to make in the proposed budget each year. This year we were able to balance the budget through reductions in some areas, while still funding priority areas without raising taxes or fees. I anticipate a similar approach in future years. Serving on the coveted Appropriations Committee as a subcommittee chair, and the only member from Howard County, provides many opportunities to influence budget decisions and bring home funding for Howard County.

A: Affordability of everyday costs of living

Shortage of affordable housing options for Marylanders Actions of the Federal Government that negatively impact the state, such as funding cuts in healthcare, as well as reduction of the federal workforce.

A: Implement the Utility Relief Act that just passed by the House of Delegates in March to reduce utility rates for Marylanders in both the short and long term.

Implement the Childcare expansion of benefits just passed by the House of Delegates in order to help more families afford the cost of childcare.Continue to support the subsidy of healthcare in the Maryland Health Exchange for all residents who need health insurance, and particularly for young adults.

A: The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future is fully funded for the time being. The Blueprint will need to be evaluated next year, both for results to date, and for adjustments to the implementation timeline to make the plan practical and affordable, without jeopardizing the benefits to our students.

A: The short answer is RESULTS. For example, I have brought back $70 million of flood mitigation funding for historic Ellicott City as a state delegate - ensuring a protected historic town for future generations. I worked to bring an additional $35 million to Howard County for school renovations, and I saved the state’s new Native Plant program which is essential to our local environment when it was cut from the budget each of the past two years. These are just a few examples. Results - large and small, each and every day, for district 9B is what counts for residents.