The Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its January General Membership Luncheon featuring Abbi Ludwig, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the Maryland Chamber of Commerce. Ludwig presented an in-depth briefing on what businesses can expect during the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session.
More than sixty Chamber members attended the luncheon, held at the Wicomico Civic Center in Salisbury. Ludwig opened her presentation with a pointed remark: “I am wearing green today, but rest assured, Maryland is not green for business.”
Her presentation outlined several critical issues facing the state and emphasized that significant legislative action may be limited due to the upcoming 2026 election year. Chief among the challenges is Maryland’s projected $1.5 billion FY 2027 budget deficit. Ludwig also highlighted concerning economic indicators, noting: “Maryland job growth numbers are the second lowest in the past ten years, layoffs of federal workers have negatively impacted the state economy, and the 2025 tax increases have not created the new state revenues that were projected.”
With 550 bills already pre-filed early in the session, Ludwig overviewed legislative proposals ranging from regulatory and permitting reforms to climate policy and unemployment insurance. She also underscored the state’s affordability pressures—including rising energy and housing costs—stating, “Legislators are keenly aware that Maryland only produces 40% of its energy needs. Accelerating the use and availability of natural gas is now on the priority list in Annapolis.”
Ludwig closed by comparing Maryland’s competitiveness with neighboring states, pointing to Virginia as a contrast: “Virginia’s job growth isn’t booming either, but they are welcoming to business investment, don’t have energy production challenges, and encourage the growth of all industry sectors.”
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- Abbi Ludwig, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the Maryland Chamber of Commerce
