Friends,
For Maryland to thrive, we must support businesses and job growth. I am so proud to have earned a 100% pro-business rating by the Maryland Free Enterprise Foundation.
As a small business owner of 40 years, I know small businesses are the backbone of Maryland’s economy, and I will continue to stand for policies that make our state a more competitive and effective business market.
Five months ago, the Maryland Freedom Caucus started raising the alarm about the looming energy crisis. With 7 power plants closed in our state in the last decade and a half, it doesn't take a genius to figure out that our grid was stressed. On top of that, the Green Energy Scam is the top priority of Maryland Democrats in the legislature, and now the governor's mansion. Every year, "green energy" mandates have been strangling our power supply and replacing it with extension cords from Pennsylvania and beyond to import a whopping 40% of our energy.
Since February, we have consistently called on the governor, the legislature, and even appealed to the federal Department of Energy and the president himself to intervene.
The requests are simple and attainable:
✅ Intervene to keep our existing power plants open
✅ Repeal the Green Energy Extremist Mandates
✅ Halt the EmPOWER program and its associated fees, taking hundreds of dollars from individual ratepayers a year without powering a single lightbulb in their homes
✅ Intervene to keep our existing power plants open
✅ Repeal the Green Energy Extremist Mandates
✅ Halt the EmPOWER program and its associated fees, taking hundreds of dollars from individual ratepayers a year without powering a single lightbulb in their homes
Yesterday, our first request was granted when Secretary Wright granted a waiver for Wagner Unit 4 in Anne Arundel County to keep the power running, even when energy demand is at its highest.
But this victory is only temporary and the power to act is squarely in Governor Wes Moore's hands. He must issue an executive order to stay the green energy mandates that are crushing our economy and driving our power plants to retirement, end the EmPOWER monthly fees, and get started converting our recently closed plants to natural gas or nuclear.
We recently called on Governor Moore to get started and we promise, until our energy is reliable and affordable, we won't stop until it is accomplished.
Enjoy the rest of your week,
Del. Kathy Szeliga
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 July 29, 2025 | The Avenue News
On July 3, Congress passed President Trump’s long-anticipated One Big Beautiful Bill Act — better known as the OBBBA. With so much conversation online about its scope, we want to set the record straight and share what this historic legislation does. The OBBBA delivers permanent tax relief, strengthens our southern border, boosts American energy independence and trims the size and cost of the federal government. In short, it makes America stronger, leaner and more secure.
At the heart of the bill is a permanent extension of the 2017 Trump Tax Cuts — the largest tax cut in American history. Without congressional action, those cuts were set to expire, triggering automatic tax hikes for millions of hardworking families. Thanks to the OBBBA, those cuts are now the law of the land, providing a permanent and secure financial future for American families.
The bill goes further by eliminating federal income taxes on tips and overtime, major relief for working families. Tip workers can now deduct up to $25,000 annually, and overtime workers can deduct up to $12,500. These reforms reward hustle and allow Marylanders to keep more of what they earn which boosts the economy by putting power back in the hands of consumers.
For service industry workers and trade professionals across Baltimore County, this is a huge win.
The OBBBA also raises the cap on the state and local tax (SALT) deduction. Families earning under $500,000 can now deduct up to $40,000 which is a significant increase from the current $10,000 limit. However, this provision will sunset in 2030 unless extended, so we must remain vigilant in keeping this relief in place for middle-class families.
Families with children also benefit from targeted support. The child tax credit is permanently increased by $200, a significant boost that acknowledges the hard work of parents. A new savings program has been launched to help parents invest in their children’s futures. The federal government will deposit $1,000 into each account, and parents can contribute up to $5,000 annually, with tax-deferred growth that can be used for college, job training or a first home. This creates a path to long-term stability and opportunity for our youngest citizens.
Since President Trump returned to office, illegal crossings have dropped to the lowest levels in recent history, providing a sense of safety and security for our communities. The OBBBA builds on that success by boosting funding for Customs and Border Protection. More immigration judges, more agents, and smarter border technology are now on the way along with continued construction of the southern border wall. These investments not only reduce illegal activity but also protect the safety and sovereignty of our communities.
The bill also encourages Americans to buy American. From 2025 through 2028, interest on auto loans for American-made vehicles will be tax-deductible, giving a powerful boost to our manufacturing sector and the auto industry. This provision helps union workers, factory towns and car dealerships right here in Maryland.
Finally, the OBBBA delivers the most significant federal spending cut in American history at more than $1.2 trillion. These aren’t across-the-board cuts but rather precise and responsible cuts that put our fiscal policy back in order. Programs like Medicaid and SNAP will now prioritize those truly in need, with stronger work requirements to ensure accountability. Despite Democrat fear-mongering, the bill also invests over $50 billion into hospitals, expanding access to care across the country.
While Maryland’s state leadership is busy raising taxes and fees on everything from gas to groceries, conservatives in Washington are offering real relief. The One Big Beautiful Bill is a victory for working families, economic freedom and the American dream.
We’re proud to support legislation that rewards hard work, builds strong families and lays the foundation for future generations to thrive.
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Paid for by Friends of Kathy Szeliga, James Appel, Treasurer
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Delegate Kathy Szeliga
9932 Richlyn Dr, Perry Hall, MD 21128
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