As we prepare to convene for the 2026 Maryland General Assembly Session, I want to share a preview of the major issues that will shape our work in Annapolis. This session will bring serious debates about Maryland’s budget, public safety, education, infrastructure, and the overall cost of living for hardworking families — with real impacts here in Western Maryland.
As we prepare to convene for the 2026 Maryland General Assembly Session, I want to share a preview of the major issues that will shape our work in Annapolis. This session will bring serious debates about Maryland’s budget, public safety, education, infrastructure, and the overall cost of living for hardworking families — with real impacts here in Western Maryland.
From Senator Mike McKay
As we prepare to convene for the 2026 Maryland General Assembly Session, I want to share a preview of the major issues that will shape our work in Annapolis. This session will bring serious debates about Maryland’s budget, public safety, education, infrastructure, and the overall cost of living for hardworking families — with real impacts here in Western Maryland.
Maryland faces significant budget pressures heading into 2026. With rising costs across state agencies and commitments in education and transportation, lawmakers must take a hard look at spending, priorities, and long-term financial sustainability. I will continue advocating for responsible budgeting that protects essential services without placing additional burdens on taxpayers.
Restoring fair and reliable funding for local roads — especially Highway User Revenues — remains a top priority for counties and municipalities across the state. Western Maryland depends on safe, dependable roadways for jobs, commerce, and daily life. I will continue fighting to ensure our rural communities receive their fair share.
The 2026 session will also focus heavily on housing:
Any statewide effort must recognize that housing needs in Western Maryland differ from those in urban areas — and I will make sure rural voices are heard.
Several proposals are expected to revisit juvenile justice laws, expungement reforms, and corrections policies. As always, my priority is ensuring community safety, supporting law enforcement, and advancing practical reforms that protect victims and families.
Under the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, schools are facing increasing mandates and reporting requirements. I will continue monitoring impacts on our local systems, pushing to ensure that rural districts are not left behind and that schools have the resources — and flexibility — they need to succeed.
Marylanders continue to feel the squeeze of rising energy costs. Legislation this year will focus on:
Our region’s energy challenges are unique, and I will advocate for balanced solutions that keep costs manageable.
Expect new proposals aimed at expanding access to care, strengthening public-health programs, and improving services for seniors, people with disabilities, and Marylanders in crisis. Protecting our most vulnerable citizens is always a bipartisan responsibility.
Bills related to civil rights protections, government transparency, and election administration will again be major topics. My focus remains ensuring transparency, fairness, and trust in government at every level.
As always, I will keep you updated throughout the session with weekly reports, floor updates, and issue briefings. Your feedback guides my work in Annapolis, and I encourage you to reach out anytime with your thoughts or concerns.
Together, we will continue working to strengthen Western Maryland and ensure our communities’ needs are front and center in every policy discussion.
— Senator Mike McKay
The Maryland Wing Civil Air Patrol, MAR-MD-999, is proud to recognize Senator Mike McKay with a promotion to the rank of Major. This honor reflects Senator McKay’s steadfast support for Civil Air Patrol missions across Western Maryland and his continued partnership in strengthening emergency services, youth development, and aerospace education in our region.
Click here for more information on the December 3, 2025 BPW Agenda.
Click Georges Creek Task Force Action Report to read the full report.
October 8, 2025 | 1:30 PM
Office of Senator Mike McKay | Mechanic Street | Cumberland, MD 21502
Present:
Senator Mike McKay
Mayor Jack Coburn
John Kirby
Bill Valentine
Elizabeth Stahlman, Tri County Council for Western Maryland
At 1:30 pm, Senator McKay convened the meeting of Georges Creek Task Force Executive Committee. The first item of business was to discuss the draft document. Comments from Scott Shoemaker regarding the WWTP options for Georges Creek and UPRC were included. Elizabeth also reviewed comments from Laura Legge, Westernport, which were agreed to be included in the report.
Sen. McKay shared that he had a conversation with Dylan Goldberg, from the Governor’s office, and indicated that a final report was forthcoming. Also brought to the Task Force’s attention by McKay was an update regarding the structurally unsound bridge going into LaVale Plaza/private residents. The Plaza owner, County, and MDOT-SHA are having discussions on viable solutions.
There was general discussion about overall resiliency for Georges Creek, not only from flooding, but the difficult economic conditions the region has faced over the years. It was agreed that language reflecting voluntary moves from floodplain/flood-prone areas should be included in the report.
The task force felt confident that following this meeting, revisions could be made and a final draft circulated by email for final approval.
Action Items:
Expectations from Georges Creek Task Force Report:
The members of the Executive Committee are Gov. Wes Moore, Sen. Mike McKay, Del. Jim Hinebaugh, Mayor Jack Coburn, John Kirby, Scott Shoemaker, and Bill Valentine. Tri County Council for Western Maryland will attend meetings as note-taker and will compile the report.
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth Stahlman
Executive Director, Tri County Council for Western Maryland
McHENRY — The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce hosted a Pre-Legislative Forum for the upcoming 2026 session of the Maryland General Assembly on Dec. 4 at the Performing Arts Center at Garrett College.
Speakers Senator Mike McKay, Delegate Jim Hinebaugh, and Chamber lobbyist Mike O’Halloran outlined their expectations, concerns, and priorities for the upcoming session before answering questions from the audience.
Senator McKay participates in the Legislative Panel during the Maryland Rural Health Association Conference.
“I was really excited about the awesome impact SB 456 had on our rural communities…”
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