Moore Delivers Sweeping State of the State Address, Calls for Action

Governor highlights progress, challenges, and plans to protect Marylanders and drive economic growth

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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In his fourth State of the State address, Maryland Governor Wes Moore delivered a sweeping review of his administration's accomplishments over the past three years, while also outlining new initiatives and a call to action to address rising costs, protect residents from federal policies, and drive economic growth through investments in clean energy, AI, and key industries.

Why it matters

Governor Moore's address underscores the critical role state leadership plays in responding to federal policies, supporting residents, and charting a path forward for Maryland's economy and communities. As the state faces challenges from federal job cuts to rising costs, Moore's agenda aims to shield Marylanders, deliver tangible results, and position Maryland as a national leader in key growth sectors.

The details

Key elements of Moore's agenda include $100 million in additional energy rebates, legislation to decouple the state's vaccine authority from the federal government, a $4 million investment to train workers for the AI economy, and a $10 billion funding commitment for public schools. The governor also outlined plans to boost housing supply, modernize transportation infrastructure, and support immigrant communities through initiatives like 'Citizenship Maryland'.

  • Governor Moore delivered his fourth State of the State address on February 11, 2026.
  • Over the past three years, the Moore administration has overseen a 50% drop in homicides statewide and a turnaround at the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, upgrading it from a one-star to a four-star facility.

The players

Wes Moore

The 63rd Governor of Maryland, elected in 2022. Prior to becoming governor, Moore was a bestselling author, former U.S. Army captain, and CEO of the Robin Hood Foundation.

Joseline Peña-Melnyk

The first Afro-Latina to serve as Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates.

Bill Ferguson

The President of the Maryland Senate.

Aruna Miller

The Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, who immigrated to the U.S. from India as a child.

Carey Wright

The Superintendent of Maryland Public Schools, known as the "LeBron James of K-12 Education" for her work improving student outcomes.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Maryland legislature will continue debating and voting on the governor's legislative agenda, including the proposed $100 million in energy rebates and the Maryland Transit and Housing Opportunity Act.

The takeaway

Governor Moore's address underscores Maryland's role as a state that is willing to take bold action to protect its residents, drive economic growth, and lead on issues like education, public safety, and support for immigrant communities - even when the federal government falls short. The governor's agenda aims to position Maryland as a national model for how states can step up and deliver results for their people.