Friday Five
Sept. 11, 2026 | This week's latest on Maryland business and government
1 — Proposed six-year transportation plan focuses on priorities, not new projects
Maryland’s proposed $21.9 billion six-year transportation plan is essentially flat-funded, with $200 million less than last year’s plan amid rising construction costs and a growing maintenance backlog, while prioritizing safety, maintenance and economic development rather than funding new capital projects.
Fuel tax decline: Maryland fuel tax revenues continue to decline. A Department of Legislative Services analysis in February projected that state titling taxes will overtake gas taxes as the largest state-sourced revenue in the transportation fund for the 2026-2031 plan.
2 — Maryland must repeal its tech tax
Maryland’s 3 percent tax on information technology and data services is drawing renewed criticism after generating just $112.8 million in fiscal 2026 — 77 percent less than the state’s $500 million projection. The tax is being criticized for raising business costs and undermining Maryland’s competitiveness, particularly when neighboring states offer lower-cost alternatives, with calls for repeal during the 2027 legislative session.
The wrong signal: Maryland’s tech tax signals to the business community that the state is willing to increase the cost of essential services, adding uncertainty and making Maryland a less attractive place to invest, grow and create jobs.
3 — After $1.6B tax, fee increase, Wes Moore won’t rule out additional hikes next year
Governor Moore declined to rule out additional tax or fee increases as Maryland faces a projected $2.7 billion budget shortfall in fiscal 2028, following roughly $1.6 billion in new taxes and fees enacted in 2025. With structural deficits expected to grow through the end of the decade, the uncertainty raises concerns for Maryland businesses and families already facing higher costs.
Maryland's spending problem: Maryland must address its growing structural deficits by pursuing meaningful spending reforms and budget cuts alongside any consideration of new taxes or fees, ensuring taxpayers and businesses are not continually asked to shoulder the burden.
4 — Maryland Transportation Authority failed to collect $818.1 million in tolls, penalties
An audit found the Maryland Transportation Authority failed to collect $818.1 million in tolls and penalties, including significant amounts that had gone unpaid for years. The findings raise concerns about revenue collection, financial accountability and the agency’s ability to ensure drivers pay the tolls and fees they owe.
Quoted: “This is another astonishing failure of basic government responsibility and unfortunately, will further support the administration’s eagerness to raise tolls in the near future,” said Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey.
5 — New Maryland laws start Oct. 1: Cash payments, speed cameras, police identification
Beginning Oct. 1, several new Maryland laws take effect, covering areas including transportation, public safety, consumer protections and health care. The changes will create new requirements and protections for Maryland residents and businesses, making it important for employers and organizations to understand which provisions may affect their operations.
Why it matters: These laws create new compliance requirements, costs and operational changes for which employers and organizations will need to prepare. Understanding the changes early can help businesses avoid penalties, adjust policies and plan for their impact on the bottom line.
Advancing inclusive partnerships for a Maryland where all businesses and their communities thrive
The Maryland Chamber of Commerce is the state’s leading business advocacy organization — committed to working with our alliance of partners on critical public policy issues. With a focus on economic development and grassroots advocacy, we impact policies that directly affect Maryland business.
