Maryland State Senate District 30

A: Maryland’s projected shortfall requires a balanced, disciplined approach — protecting core services while making smart adjustments on spending and revenue. On spending, I would prioritize accountability and results. That means strengthening oversight of existing programs, cutting waste and duplication, and making sure taxpayer dollars are tied to measurable outcomes — especially in areas like housing and economic development. For example, I’ve led efforts to require stronger inspections and oversight in public housing through HB544 (2020) and ensure state investments actually produce safe, livable conditions through SB941 (2026). On revenue, I do not support broad-based tax increases on working families. I would focus on fairness and modernization — closing loopholes, ensuring large corporations pay their fair share, and capturing revenue from emerging sectors that currently go untaxed or under-taxed. I’ve supported efforts like eliminating burdensome taxes for small businesses through HB268 (2022) while advancing policies that make our tax code more equitable. Finally, long-term stability means investing wisely. Policies I’ve championed — like expanding access to affordable housing through SB938 (2026) and strengthening pathways to economic mobility and education through HB541 (2024) — help reduce downstream costs and strengthen Maryland’s economy. Closing the shortfall is about making smarter decisions that position our state for sustainable growth.

A: Maryland is facing three pressing challenges: supporting families, ensuring fairness, and improving affordability.

First, families. Strong communities start with strong families. That means investing in education, childcare and public services so people have the support they need to succeed. I’ve advanced legislation like SB359 (2026) to streamline hiring for childcare workers and HB1268 (2024) to expand pathways into the legal profession. Second, fairness. People deserve a system that works for them — not just those at the top. I’ve focused on protecting workers and consumers through policies like SB729 (2026), expanding access to counsel in eviction cases, and HB234 (2024), which prevents child support from accruing during incarceration. Third, affordability. The rising cost of living is one of the biggest challenges Marylanders face. I’ve worked to lower costs through HB268 (2022), eliminating personal property taxes for thousands of small businesses, and SB130 (2026), increasing transparency and fairness in utility billing. These priorities are connected. When we invest in families, ensure fairness, and lower costs, we build a stronger, more stable Maryland for everyone.

A: Lowering the cost of living starts with the biggest expenses — housing, utilities, and everyday costs.

On housing, I’ve worked to expand supply and stability through policies like HB544 (2020), strengthening oversight and protections so families aren’t forced to pay for unsafe or unstable housing. On utilities, I support transparency and fairness. Efforts like SB130 (2026) ensure Marylanders aren’t hit with hidden or excessive fees and can clearly understand their bills. I also believe in targeted tax relief, not broad increases on working families. I supported HB268 (2022), eliminating personal property taxes for thousands of small businesses — helping lower costs that often get passed on to consumers. Finally, affordability means creating opportunity. Investing in education and workforce development helps Marylanders access stable, good-paying jobs and keep up with rising costs. Lowering costs requires a practical approach: cutting unnecessary expenses, holding systems accountable, and making sure Maryland remains affordable for working families.

A: We should not roll back the Blueprint — we should stay committed to fully funding it while being honest about how we get there.

The Blueprint is a long-term investment in our workforce, our economy, and our families. Walking it back now would undermine progress we’re already seeing in community schools and teacher pipelines. At the same time, we have to be responsible. That means ensuring the dollars are being spent effectively, with strong accountability and measurable outcomes. I do not support broad-based tax increases on working families. If additional revenue is needed, it should come from targeted, fair sources — closing loopholes, modernizing parts of our tax code, and ensuring those most able to contribute are paying their fair share. We also have to look at the full budget — identifying inefficiencies and prioritizing investments that deliver real results. This isn’t an either/or choice. We can protect the Blueprint and be fiscally responsible at the same time by focusing on accountability, fairness, and smart budgeting.

A: I want constituents to review my performance based on how I show up for them. For instance, last year (2025), I attended over 200 community events, held 213 constituent and stakeholder meetings, visited 11 schools and 11 houses of worship, hosted 9 young people as interns and student shadows, delivered 28 keynote addresses, and organized 5 special events, including informational town halls and college tours.

People have trusted me with this role, and I take that seriously. I show up to be present in their lives—to share in their important moments, to listen, and to understand what matters most to them. The time we spend working together is how I want to be judged. The strength of that connection is the measure of my performance.

A: Closing a structural deficit in Maryland isn’t about a single cut or tax hike — it’s about fixing a mismatch between ongoing spending commitments and reliable revenue growth. The state needs a balanced package that tightens spending where it’s inefficient, modernizes revenue, and supports our small businesses and residents. I support further audits and the use of an inspector general to ensure that tax dollars are efficiently managed and accounted for. Additionally, we must create a business climate that encourages small businesses to grow and thrive. According to WalletHub, Maryland ranks 49th in states to start a business. I support policies that will reduce unnecessary hurdles on our small businesses. Growth in business supports our residents and grows revenue for the state. On the council, I took this approach and worked to modernize outdated and restrictive signage regulations for small businesses as well as outdated zoning laws to help our small businesses locate and grow.

A: Affordability; infrastructure and environment; education.

The cost of living in Maryland has become unsustainable. Meanwhile, the American Society of Civil Engineers recently dropped Maryland’s road infrastructure ranking to a C- and Maryland’s energy infrastructure to a D+. At the same time, the mental health of our students and teachers needs additional support. We must support policies that provide affordable, reliable energy today (maximizing grid utilization and non-peak-hour energy storage for example) while investing in smarter, more efficient systems for tomorrow - infrastructure that improves residents’ quality of life and makes our communities more resilient. That includes exploring ways to bury power lines in vulnerable areas, helping prevent outages during storms and ensuring families and businesses aren’t left in the dark when severe weather hits. As the lead sponsor of key legislation on the county council, I worked to help communities transition from failing septic systems to modern public sewer, reducing harmful nitrogen pollution (the third leading cause of nitrogen in the Chesapeake Bay) while improving water quality for our residents. For our students and teachers, we must make additional progress with increased access to mental health services for all populations in person and via telehealth services.

A: The three most immediate opportunities for relief where the government can have a substantial impact is with (1) rising energy costs; (2) taxes; and (3) high housing costs. As mentioned above, supporting policies that provide affordable, reliable energy today while investing in smarter, more efficient systems for tomorrow is key for energy costs. That should include burying vulnerable power lines as well as accelerating rooftop, parking lot, and brownfield solar generation to start. Additionally, supporting further audits and the use of an inspector general is key to ensuring that tax dollars are efficiently managed and accounted for. To address high housing costs, permitting times and processes must be streamlined, and tools for low-interest financing and tax credits can make homes for Maryland’s workforce more affordable.

A: An all-or-nothing approach is not the answer. In 200 words or less, the answer is a combination of evaluating successes and areas for growth. Statistics for early literacy rates are encouraging, and I support increases in teacher salaries, increased mental health services, and access to pre-K. At the same time, the plan requires significant expansion of administrative capacity to manage planning, compliance, and data tracking. Targeting efficiencies in the administrative arena may be an area to focus on.

A: Every phone call, email, or communication with a constituent offers opportunity for feedback. My door is always open and I am always available to meet or talk. I make it a habit to set up quarterly meetings with community groups if they find it helpful to review legislation or other constituent concerns or feedback. Please don’t hesitate to reach out at ElectJessicaHaire@gmail.com to talk!