For the Advocacy Committee, all eyes are now on Annapolis. The 2025 session kicked off on January 8 for 47 Senators and 141 Delegates who will be considering up to 2,500 bills over 90 jam-packed days. By January 15, Governor Moore will have shared his FY26 budget with the General Assembly, setting the tone for tough fiscal deliberations in both houses of the legislature. From now until Sine Die, on April 7, legislators will be grappling with how to ensure that state priorities are maintained, and a gaping $3 billion structural deficit is closed. Spending and taxing debates will abound. It is guaranteed that significant cuts will be sought, based on statements by the Governor and by Senator Bill Ferguson, President of the Senate. It is currently less understood how raising taxes and revenues may be incorporated into Maryland’s FY26 fiscal picture. There is daunting work ahead. 

Against this challenging background, the Advocacy Committee’s 30+ members will give voice to WDC’s legislative priorities and press for key bills that address the wellbeing of Maryland’s women and their families. Our seven (7) Advocacy subcommittees are currently following legislators and their bill filings while formulating strategies to help move priority bills over the 90-day session. We’ll be guided by WDC's 2025 legislative priorities, including the issue areas of: Advancing Democracy in Maryland, Aging, Children and Youth, Criminal Justice Reform, Environment, Health/Reproductive Health, Working Families and Economic Security/Affordable Housing. In upcoming WDC newsletters, Advocacy will highlight selected high priority bills that need extra support and share ways for WDC members to directly encourage legislators to vote for them. 

Looking ahead to February, when Annapolis will be bursting with legislative energy, interested WDC members should SAVE THE DATE for WDC’s annual Annapolis Day, February 26th. Our Annapolis Day planning committee is developing the day’s features including meaningful conversations with legislators and opportunities to experience floor sessions and Senate/House committee hearings for WDC supported bills. WDC will be sharing more information soon, including how to register and attend. Advocacy looks forward to an engaging and powerful experience in Annapolis on February 26.