Maryland Senate leadership shakeup comes as lawmakers face multi-billion budget shortfall

BALTIMORE (WBFF) — Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson is reshuffling his leadership team and expanding key positions as lawmakers prepare to confront a projected $2.5 billion budget shortfall during the next legislative session.

The changes put new lawmakers in charge of influential Senate committees overseeing state spending, health care, education and energy policy, while giving one senator a larger role in shaping the chamber’s economic development strategy.

Ferguson, a Democrat from Baltimore City, acknowledged the difficult financial decisions awaiting lawmakers in Annapolis.

“We know that we have a hard budget coming up,” Ferguson said during a recent economic development event. “We know the budget challenge that we’re going to be facing this year is going to, to some degree, unprecedented.”

The leadership changes come as Maryland faces ongoing fiscal pressures that could force lawmakers to consider spending reductions, additional revenue or other changes to balance the state budget.

Among the most significant changes is the appointment of Sen. Brian Feldman, D-Montgomery, as the Senate’s new majority leader and chief of policy, replacing Sen. Nancy King as majority leader.

The newly expanded position will give Feldman a broader role in developing legislation, coordinating policy priorities and overseeing the work of Senate committees.

Feldman will also chair the newly reconstituted Senate Rules and Operations Committee, which will have expanded authority over late-filed legislation and certain issues involving state government operations.

The appointment follows Ferguson’s announcement earlier this week naming Feldman the Senate’s economic development chief.

In that role, Feldman will serve as a liaison between the Senate, Gov. Wes Moore’s administration, the House of Delegates and private businesses as lawmakers pursue policies aimed at expanding Maryland’s economy.

Ferguson has argued that economic growth will be necessary to address the state’s long-term financial challenges.

“We also know that in order to move through this in the long term, we must grow,” Ferguson said when announcing Feldman’s economic development responsibilities.

FOX45 News asked Ferguson about whether Feldman would participate directly in budget negotiations.

“He will certainly be a part of the budget negotiations as it relates to economic development, certainly in this role and then in a number of other capacities,” Ferguson said.

Ferguson also emphasized the importance of private-sector involvement in the legislative process, saying Feldman’s appointment would help ensure “the private sector voice is infused within every part of the budget negotiations.”

Feldman’s promotion creates an opening atop the Senate Committee on Education, Energy and the Environment.

Sen. Dawn Gile, D-Anne Arundel, will take over as chair of the committee, which handles legislation involving education, energy policy and environmental issues.

The appointment comes as Maryland lawmakers continue confronting concerns about rising utility costs and energy affordability.

“Senator Gile has demonstrated the ability to navigate complex policy issues,” Ferguson said in announcing the changes. “Her skillset will be critical as she leads the committee on issues most critical to Marylanders, like energy affordability and education.”

Sen. Ben Brooks, D-Baltimore County, will become the committee’s vice chair.

Meanwhile, Sen. Antonio Hayes, D-Baltimore City, will take over as chair of the powerful Senate Finance Committee, becoming the first Black man to hold that position.

The committee oversees legislation involving health care, insurance, labor, business regulation and economic development. It will also assume primary jurisdiction over legislation related to artificial intelligence.

Hayes previously served as the committee’s vice chair. Sen. Katie Fry Hester, D-Howard and Montgomery, will now fill that position.

Ferguson said Hayes’ ability to work with lawmakers and stakeholders will be important as the committee addresses issues affecting Maryland families and businesses.

Another Baltimore City Democrat, Sen. Cory McCray, will become vice chair of the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee.

“Senator McCray’s understanding of the budget process will be critical as we navigate fiscal pressures on existing state programs,” Ferguson said.

McCray will also chair the committee’s Education, Business and Administration Subcommittee.

Beyond the committee appointments, Sen. Mary Washington, D-Baltimore City, will become Senate majority whip, replacing Sen. Joanne Benson.

Sen. Alonzo Washington, D-Prince George’s, will become chair of the Senate Executive Nominations Committee, replacing Brooks.

Sen. Malcolm Augustine, D-Prince George’s, will serve as vice chair of the reconstituted Rules and Operations Committee, while Sen. Cheryl Kagan, D-Montgomery, will become the Senate’s liaison for national legislative affairs.

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