Billions, Burdens, and Band-Aids: Senator Johnny Ray Salling Breaks Down the 2026 Session

At a recent meeting of the Republican Women of Baltimore County, Maryland State Senator Johnny Ray Salling continued the ongoing discussion series, “What Did Annapolis Pass This Time?”—offering a candid breakdown of key legislation from the 2026 session in Annapolis.

One of the most pressing issues, he noted, is the state budget—particularly the continued expansion of the Kirwan Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education plan. Senator Salling emphasized that the financial burden of this multi-billion-dollar initiative increasingly falls on Maryland’s counties. He raised concerns that, while costs continue to escalate year after year, the measurable benefits to students remain unclear. Instead, he argued, the structure primarily benefits teachers’ unions rather than improving classroom outcomes.

Salling stressed that Maryland does not necessarily need more teachers, but rather stronger accountability for how existing education funds are being spent.

Affordability was another major theme. Across the state, rising costs—combined with increasing taxes, fees, and regulatory burdens—are placing strain on both residents and businesses. According to Salling, these pressures are discouraging entrepreneurship and making Maryland a less attractive place to start and grow a business. He highlighted the growing impact on seniors and small business owners.

Turning to local challenges, Salling addressed the issue of food deserts in Baltimore County. He has begun working on initiatives aimed at attracting grocery stores back into underserved communities. However, he noted that these efforts face a significant obstacle: retailers often leave due to persistent theft and security concerns. As a potential solution, Salling expressed support for the strategic use of capital bonds to help fund targeted programs, including efforts to revitalize access to fresh food in affected areas.

Finally, energy costs remain a major concern. Salling criticized the legislature for failing to implement meaningful, long-term solutions during the 2026 session, instead relying on what he described as temporary “band-aid” measures that do little to address the root causes of rising energy prices.

For those interested in hearing the full discussion, Senator Salling’s presentation can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNJ9dqte6yk&t=89s