The third week of the 449th Legislative Session had a rough beginning with snow & ice throughout the state, but everyone persevered and work went on!
Read ‘Statement on Senator Mike McKay’s Amendments to SB 1’ Here
Read ‘McKay Fights Back Against Annapolis Bills That Strip Local Control from Western Maryland’ Here
Great to welcome the Leadership Washington County Class of 2026 to Annapolis today.
I appreciated the chance to speak with this impressive group about how the Maryland General Assembly works, the challenges we’re tackling this session, and—most importantly—why strong local leadership matters. Washington County’s future is in good hands with people willing to step up, learn, and serve.
Thank you for the thoughtful questions and for your commitment to our community. Always glad to have Washington County represented in the State House.
Senator Mike McKay
Allegany, Garrett and Washington Counties Serving Appalachia Maryland
| Senator Mike McKay secured more than $180,000 in Program Open Spacefunding for parks, playgrounds, and recreation projects across all three Western Maryland counties—investments that will improve quality of life for families in Allegany, Garrett, and Washington Counties.
“This is the kind of thing that makes Western Maryland a great place to raise a family,” said Senator McKay. “Better parks, safer playgrounds, places where kids can play and families can spend time together. That’s what these dollars are for.”
Garrett County will receive more than $61,000 for three projects:
- Garrett College McHenry Campus: $46,800 to renovate the entrance and outdoor area of the athletics facility, which serves both students and the public
- Piney Reservoir: $7,920 for a new ADA-accessible overlook and picnic area
- Savage River State Forest: $6,623 for land acquisition to expand the forest and protect the Casselman River watershed
Allegany County will receive $30,000 for the Gene Mason Sports Complex—new picnic tables, trash receptacles, and pet waste stations to improve the park for families and visitors.
Washington County will receive $90,000 for Clear Spring Elementary School—new playground equipment and safety surfacing so kids have a safe place to play.
“Western Marylanders pay into Program Open Space every time they buy or sell property. I make sure those dollars come back to our communities instead of staying in Annapolis,” McKay added.
Click Here to see the article on his website. |
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| Click here to read my Supplemental funding request for Western Maryland Economic Future Investment Board that was omitted in the 2027 Fiscal Budget legislation. |
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Ice and snow didn’t keep attendees away from the Rural Maryland Council Legislative Lunch sponsored by Senator McKay.
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| Maryland Matters shares key points of the DLS budget analysis – read here. |
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| In Case You Missed It: Georges Creek Task Force Action ReportFollowing a series of significant flooding events that occurred in 1996, a report was prepared by the ‘Governor’s Flood Mitigation Task Force for Western Maryland’, under the leadership of Maryland Speaker of the House Casper Taylor. Following this model, Governor Wes Moore, Senator Mike McKay, and Del. Jim Hinebaugh identified the need to develop a new report specific to the Georges Creek watershed. The objective of the Georges Creek Task Force, under the leadership of Senator McKay, is to succinctly identify actions that can be supported by the State of Maryland to mitigate the impacts of future flooding, through policy and/or legislative changes, as well as funding needs.
Click Here to read the full report. |
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