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Week 8 of 2026 Session

Now that we are past the halfway point, here is what’s been getting the attention. While families are asking about costs, energy, and fiscal stability, much of the legislative attention has been directed toward: […]

Week 8 of 2026 Session

Now that we are past the halfway point, here is what’s been getting the attention. While families are asking about costs, energy, and fiscal stability, much of the legislative attention has been directed toward: […]

Now that we are past the halfway point, here is what’s been getting the attention.

While families are asking about costs, energy, and fiscal stability, much of the legislative attention has been directed toward:

  • Bills restricting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement
  • Renewed conversations about redistricting and changing election timelines
  • Measures designed to respond to national political debates rather than Maryland-specific challenges

Instead of focusing on affordability pressures and structural reforms, session time has increasingly been spent on proposals that generate national headlines but do little to address rising energy bills or the growing budget deficit.

Marylanders expect us to prioritize their daily realities — not engage in virtue signaling tied to Washington politics.

Senator Mike McKay
Allegany, Garrett and Washington Counties Serving Appalachia Maryland
I was proud to join and support our Western Maryland House Delegation on the House floor once again. It is always an honor to stand alongside colleagues who work diligently to represent and advocate for the people of our region.

This visit also provided an opportunity to continue advancing legislation and policy priorities that are important to Western Maryland, including efforts to strengthen our communities, support disaster recovery initiatives, and address infrastructure and public safety needs across our counties. Working together as a regional delegation ensures that the voices of Western Maryland families, businesses, and local governments are heard in Annapolis.
Leadership Allegany 2026, who traveled to Annapolis this past week. Thank you for the opportunity to address the process and discuss opportunities communities are facing back home in the District.

State Senator Mike McKay
The Maryland Federation of Republican Women recently hosted its annual Red Scarf Day in Annapolis.  During this event, members of clubs from throughout the state gathered in Annapolis to attend floor sessions and committee hearings, and to meet with Republican legislators to see the state legislature in action.

Members from the Garrett County Republican Women’s Club and the Allegany County Republican Women’s Club met with Sen. Mike McKay.
Transparency Matters: Where is your money going?

Upon the most recent findings from the Office of Legislative Audits. These reports are public documents and are available to every Marylander for review. Transparency matters, and so does accountability.

The audits identified approximately $3.4 billion in funds that were not properly documented. That figure alone raises serious concerns about internal controls and financial oversight. When funds are not clearly tracked or supported with appropriate documentation, it undermines public trust and complicates responsible budgeting.

In addition, the report highlighted $888 million in potentially unfunded liabilities. In practical terms, this refers to projects that were categorized or presented as “federal projects,” but for which federal funding was either never formally approved, not fully secured, or not recovered. When that happens, the financial responsibility does not disappear, it shifts to Maryland taxpayers. That is a significant exposure and one that requires careful scrutiny.

There is also $67 million in funding that remains uncertain, with questions about whether it is recoverable. Determining the status of those funds is critical as we continue through the budget process.

During DHS briefings, the Department of Legislative Services noted that required reports were 143 days overdue and that certain federal funds had not been approved, properly documented, or recovered. Interestingly enough, Secretary Lopez was absent from both the Senate and House DHS briefings, leaving much to be desired in terms of accountability. He then resigned, effective Monday, February 22.

In response to the Department’s ongoing budgeting and reporting concerns, legislative analysts are considering withholding $750,000 in DHS funds until the department can provide the requested documentation and clearer information regarding its spending programs. This action is intended to ensure greater transparency, accountability, and compliance moving forward.

Marylanders deserve clear answers, responsible management of taxpayer dollars, and leadership that prioritizes transparency and fiscal accountability. As more information becomes available through the committee process, I will continue to review the facts and communicate updates.
“Maryland residents are facing a significant increase in energy bills,” Sen. Mike McKay said.  Read more here.
Several bills proposed are aimed at bringing those costs down.  Watch here.
BILL SPOTLIGHT
Senator McKay Testifies on Senate Bill 690 – Distribution of Premium Tax Proceeds to State Disaster Recovery Fund
“So the purpose of this bill is to redirect a portion of the premium tax revenue from property and casualty insurers to provide stable, reoccurring funding sources for the fund.

…You know, the rationale of this bill is simple.  Maryland faces increased risk from severe flooding, hurricanes, tropical storms, extreme weather events, and this dedicated funding stream ensures that rapid response and recovery without waiting for federal determination.  This year we are really trying to be fiscal responsible.  SB 690 is no new taxes, no new fees; it’s just utilizing existing premium tax revenue.”

Watch more here.
Senator McKay’s Senate Bill 478 being heard in the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee on 3/11/2026.  Click below to see the bill and the current status.

Washington County – Institutions of Higher Education – Dually Enrolled Students

Summary:  This bill alters the definition of “dually enrolled student” to include both a nonpublic secondary school student and a homeschool student in Washington County so that these students are eligible to apply for the Part-Time Grant Program and the Early College Access Grant.
Senator Mike McKay
Third Reader Floor Votes
As your elected representative, I believe in transparency and letting my constituents know how I vote on every bill that comes to the Senate floor. 

A “third reader” vote is the final vote that is taken on a bill in the House. Each bill receives three readings on the floor in each chamber before it becomes law. The first reading is when the bill is introduced and referred to the appropriate committee. The second reading is when a bill comes back to the floor after being amended and passed out of its respective committee (not all bills get this far). This is also when the bill can be amended on the floor by all members of the chamber. The third reading for “final passage” is when the final version of the bill with all amendments is voted on before making its way to the Senate, or the Governor if the bill started out in the Senate.
2026 Third Reader Votes – updated March 2nd, 2026 click here.

CLICK HERE & SCROLL DOWN TO SEE ALL 2026 THIRD READER VOTES.
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