Your Voice Made History: Thank You for Standing with Maryland Businesses

Together, we made history with the largest business turnout for a tax hearing in recent memory. More than 100 business owners, executives and employees turned out in person or virtually to oppose the proposed 2.5% sales tax on business-to-business services. Nearly 400 businesses formally registered their opposition, and over 1,500 individuals contacted their legislators.

But our work here isn’t done. The fight to protect Maryland’s business climate continues, and we must be ready for what’s to come. Your engagement is critical — but so is ensuring we have the resources to keep up the fight. Contributing to the Maryland Chamber PAC strengthens our ability to advocate effectively, mobilize when it matters most, and ensure policymakers hear the voice of business at every turn.

The power of seeing business after business approach the microphone, each sharing their unique story but all pointing to the same conclusion — that this tax would devastate Maryland’s business climate — created an undeniable presence that our legislators could not ignore.

What made yesterday truly remarkable wasn’t just the numbers, but the unity of purpose. From sole proprietors to major employers, from service providers to manufacturers, the business community spoke with one clear voice.

The Power of Unity

This unprecedented response wasn’t the work of any single organization — it was the result of an extraordinary coalition coming together with one voice:

·     Maryland Chamber of Commerce

·     Maryland Retailers Alliance

·     National Federation of Independent Businesses

·     Maryland Chamber Federation

·     American Property and Casualty Insurance Association

·     Apartment & Office Building Association of Metropolitan Washington

·     Associated Builders and Contractors of Metro Washington

·     Association and Council of Automotive Repair

·     International Franchise Association

·     Mid-Atlantic Petroleum Distributors Association

·     Maryland Association of CPAs

·     Maryland Association of Realtors

·     Maryland Building Industry Association

·     Maryland Hotel Lodging Association

·     Maryland Multi-Housing Association

·     Maryland Motor Truck Association

·     Maryland Restaurant Association

·     NAIOP Maryland

Every coalition member played a crucial role, mobilizing their networks, sharing impact stories and ensuring legislators understood the devastating consequences this tax would have on businesses of all sizes.

What happened yesterday wasn’t just about opposing a single tax proposal. It was about standing up for Maryland’s economic future and demonstrating that the business community will not silently accept policies that threaten jobs, growth and competitiveness.

While yesterday’s historic turnout sent a powerful message, we know from experience that sustained pressure is crucial. The fight isn’t over until these bills are defeated, and until Maryland establishes a pro-business climate that encourages growth rather than penalizes it.

This is where membership in organizations like the Maryland Chamber truly shows its value. When we speak with one voice, backed by the resources and relationships we’ve built over decades, lawmakers listen.

In the coming days, your Chamber team will be your eyes and ears in Annapolis, providing real-time insights you won’t get anywhere else and creating strategic opportunities for your voice to make maximum impact.

Your continued engagement will be essential as we move forward. We’ll reach out with specific ways you can help as the opportunities arise.

Strengthen Our Collective Voice

Yesterday showed what we can accomplish when we stand together. To build on this momentum and ensure the business community’s voice remains powerful in Annapolis, we invite you to:

·     Share Your Story: If you haven’t already, send a personal impact statement to your legislators.

·     Stay Engaged: Follow developments and be ready to respond to action alerts and legislative updates.

·     Support the Maryland Chamber PAC: Your contribution helps us amplify the business community’s voice and support candidates who understand the importance of a competitive business climate. Your investment in the PAC provides crucial resources that allow us to conduct economic impact research, build effective coalitions and ensure business perspectives inform policy decisions — not just on this issue, but on all matters affecting Maryland’s business climate.

What we witnessed Wednesday in Annapolis transcends any single policy debate. It demonstrates the remarkable strength of Maryland’s business community when we unite behind a common cause. Whether you testified, submitted written comments, contacted legislators, or supported our efforts in other ways, you helped make history this week.

The Maryland Chamber is proud to stand alongside each of you and our coalition partners as we work toward a Maryland where businesses can grow, thrive and contribute to our communities.

Thank you for making a difference.

Sincerely,

President & CEO

Maryland Chamber of Commerce