John,

As Maryland faces a budget crisis like no other, we need to create a tangible plan that targets both our strengths and our weaknesses. And, if we’re going to make this Maryland’s decade, we need to take action immediately.  This is why I’ve introduced The Decade Act of 2025.

This legislation aims to sharpen the tools in the State’s economic development toolbox by revamping, relocating, rebranding — and in some cases, repealing — programs to maximize returns on investments.

So, how are we going to accomplish this? It’ll take four steps. Here’s what it will look like:

1. We’re going to apply lessons learned from the administration of economic development programs to improve them.


2. We’ll ensure that programs are straightforward to market and utilize.


3. We’ll also ensure that our economic tools are complimentary of one another by focusing on high potential, priority industries.


4. Finally, we are going to eliminate programs that are ineffective or have served their purpose.

While Maryland is safer and more competitive than it was two years ago when we took office, there is still plenty of room for improvement.

Marylanders expect their elected officials to invest their tax dollars wisely.

And we also need to ensure that where we increase investment, we grow. 

Growth will continue to be our north star.

Because a growing Maryland leads the rest of the nation and has the resources and the willpower to deliver results for the people we serve — no matter the obstacles thrown our way.

Together, we can win this decade. It will take hard work and determination, but we will get this done.

Elevate,

Wes