Baltimore, January 7, 2026
The Maryland Chamber of Commerce has revealed its legislative priorities aimed at enhancing the business environment in Baltimore. Key focuses include responsible tax strategies, innovative funding for transportation, data privacy regulations, climate policies, and job creation strategies. These priorities aim to foster economic growth and improve quality of life for Maryland residents. Collaboration among policymakers, business leaders, and communities is emphasized to create a thriving environment.
Maryland Chamber of Commerce Unveils 2026 Legislative Priorities
Baltimore is gearing up for a pivotal legislative session as the Maryland Chamber of Commerce has revealed its legislative priorities for 2026. With a strong focus on enhancing the business environment, the Chamber aims to promote increased housing development and reduce burdensome regulations. These efforts are designed to stimulate economic growth and elevate the quality of life for residents across the state.
Key Legislative Priorities
- Business Taxes: Advocate for responsible government spending and targeted tax cuts that maintain essential programs without imposing new burdens on businesses.
- Transportation Funding Solutions: Address the sustainability of the Transportation Trust Fund and reduce reliance on the gas tax by exploring alternative funding sources.
- Business-Driven Data Privacy & AI Solutions: Develop a regulatory framework that balances innovation with consumer protection, particularly concerning data privacy and artificial intelligence.
- Climate Tax Policies & Energy Reliability: Pursue strategies to meet climate goals without imposing undue financial burdens on businesses and consumers.
- Job Creation & Workforce Development: Support policies that create jobs, strengthen workforce development, and build economic opportunities for all Marylanders.
Background Context
The Maryland Chamber of Commerce represents over 7,000 businesses statewide, advocating for pro-business policies that drive economic growth and benefit communities. In prior legislative sessions, the Chamber successfully opposed proposals that threatened to undermine the business climate, including a proposed 2.5% tax on B2B service transactions and legislation that would have significantly raised non-economic damage awards. Such advocacy has been crucial in maintaining a competitive environment that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship.
As the 2026 legislative session approaches, the Chamber continues to emphasize the importance of partnerships among policymakers, business leaders, and community stakeholders. This collaboration is vital for creating a thriving business environment as well as vibrant communities throughout Maryland.
FAQ
What are the Maryland Chamber of Commerce’s legislative priorities for 2026?
The Maryland Chamber of Commerce’s legislative priorities for 2026 include Business Taxes, Transportation Funding Solutions, Business-Driven Data Privacy & AI Solutions, Climate Tax Policies & Energy Reliability, and Job Creation & Workforce Development.
How does the Maryland Chamber of Commerce support businesses in Maryland?
The Maryland Chamber of Commerce supports businesses by advocating for pro-business policies, engaging with policymakers, and fostering partnerships that help businesses and communities thrive together.
What were some of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce’s successes in previous legislative sessions?
In previous legislative sessions, the Maryland Chamber of Commerce successfully opposed proposals such as a 2.5% tax on B2B service transactions and legislation that would have opened the floodgates to skyrocketing non-economic damage awards, thereby maintaining a competitive environment for businesses in Maryland.
Key Features of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Legislative Priorities
| Priority Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Business Taxes | Advocate for responsible government spending and targeted tax cuts that maintain essential programs without imposing new burdens on businesses. |
| Transportation Funding Solutions | Address the sustainability of the Transportation Trust Fund and reduce reliance on the gas tax by exploring alternative funding sources. |
| Business-Driven Data Privacy & AI Solutions | Develop a regulatory framework that balances innovation with consumer protection, particularly concerning data privacy and artificial intelligence. |
| Climate Tax Policies & Energy Reliability | Pursue strategies to meet climate goals without imposing undue financial burdens on businesses and consumers. |
| Job Creation & Workforce Development | Support policies that create jobs, strengthen workforce development, and build economic opportunities for all Marylanders. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Three Arrested in Drug Bust in Cumberland, MD
Maryland Authorities Disrupt Multiple Illegal Car Rallies
Accidental Shooting in Cordova Injures Child
Authorities Seek Arjun Sharma in Columbia Stabbing Case
Baltimore Man Sentenced to 85 Years for Murder and Kidnapping
Search Continues for Missing Woman in Baltimore County
Body-Worn Camera Footage Released Following Fatal Police Shooting
Cockeysville Police Operation Ends Safely with Arrest
ICE Agents Fire Upon Moving Vehicle in Glen Burnie
Ellicott City Police Utilize Drones to Catch Car Burglars
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
