Maryland News Roundup – december 16, 2025
Table of Contents
BIPARTISAN EFFORT SEEKS ACCOUNTABILITY ON GUARD ABUSES OF TEENS: Current and former lawmakers from both major parties are demanding accountability and change from state leadership and the Maryland National Guard after The Baltimore Sun uncovered repeated staff abuses of vulnerable teens enrolled in the state’s Guard-run camp for at-risk youth, the Freestate Challenge Academy. Kate Cimini/The Baltimore Sun
STATE’s FISCAL OUTLOOK HAS IMPROVED, BUT PROBABLY NOT ENOUGH: Maryland’s revenue outlook for the coming fiscal year improved slightly in recent months, but nowhere near enough to stave off the “hard choices” lawmakers will face in the 2026 legislative session when dealing with a $1.5 billion budget shortfall. Bryan Sears/Maryland matters
POLL: MARYLANDERS OPPOSE GERRYMANDERED DISTRICTS: While Gov.Wes Moore (D) awaits an advisory commission’s decision on whether to engage in midcycle redistricting of congressional districts, a new poll reveals Maryland residents are not fans of partisan redistricting. A majority would also prefer to separate elected officials from the redistricting process. Bryan Sears/Maryland Matters
WHAT ELSE COULD HAPPEN DURING SPECIAL SESSION? Gov. Wes Moore has called state lawmakers back to Annapolis on Tuesday to elect a new speaker of the Maryland House of delegates. Here’s a rundown of how a special session works and what to expect. Pamela Wood/The Baltimore banner
MOORE EARMARKS FUNDS FOR CLIMATE STUDY HE VETOED: Days before maryland lawmakers are expected to override Gov. Wes Moore’s veto of a bill to assess the local damages of climate change, the first-term Democrat earmarked funding for the study. Adam Willis/The Baltimore Banner
DATA CENTER IMPACT STUDY WAS VETOED; LAWMAKERS WONDER IF IT WAS A MISTAKE: Gov. Wes Moore vetoed a bill at the end of the legislative session earlier this year to shave off costs as the state faced budget constraints. Now, a growing bipartisan coalition of lawmakers and advocates worry that vetoing a study on the impact of data centers may have been a mistake. Baltimore Sun
Baltimore County News Update: Council Candidate Enters Race, Mother-Daughter Duo sentenced for Medicaid Fraud
This news update covers recent developments in Baltimore County, Maryland, including a new candidate entering the 2026 County Council race and the sentencing of a mother and daughter convicted of a significant Medicaid fraud scheme.
New Candidate Enters 2026 County Council Race
David Starr has announced his candidacy for one of the four at-large seats on the Baltimore County Council in 2026, becoming the 13th candidate to enter the race. Ceoli Jacoby/Bethesda Today reported on the proclamation. Further details about Starr’s platform and campaign are expected as the election cycle progresses.
Mother and Daughter Sentenced in $3.6 Million Medicaid Fraud Case
A Parkville, Maryland mother and daughter have been sentenced for defrauding Medicaid out of $3.6 million over a five-year period. Tasha S. Saunders, 46, and her daughter, Tamyra Jordan, 26, were convicted of stealing funds through fabricated patient records, forged signatures, and stolen identities, targeting vulnerable maryland residents. The Baltimore Sun reports that Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced the sentencing on Friday.
The scheme involved illegally siphoning millions of dollars from the Medicaid system. Medicaid is a government-funded healthcare program providing coverage to low-income individuals and families. Fraudulent claims like these strain the system and divert resources from those who legitimately need assistance.
Understanding Medicaid Fraud
Medicaid fraud encompasses a range of illegal activities, including:
* Billing for services not rendered: Claiming payment for medical procedures or treatments that never occurred.
* Upcoding: Billing for a more expensive service than the one actually provided.
* Identity theft: Using someone else’s Medicaid facts to obtain services or benefits.
* False documentation: Submitting falsified records to support fraudulent claims.
These actions are not only illegal but also undermine the integrity of the healthcare system and harm vulnerable populations.
Key Takeaways
* david Starr has entered the race for the Baltimore County Council, increasing the field of candidates to 13.
* Tasha Saunders and Tamyra Jordan were sentenced for a $3.6 million Medicaid fraud scheme.
* Medicaid fraud is a serious crime that diverts resources from those who need them most.
this update provides a snapshot of recent events in Baltimore County. As the 2026 election cycle unfolds, further coverage of the County Council race will be provided. Continued vigilance and prosecution of fraudulent activities like the Medicaid scheme are crucial to protecting public resources and ensuring equitable access to healthcare.
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