Phil Krause

The LIST now includes horses: Maryland has lost trademark/intellectual property rights to the Preakness Stakes, which were bought by Churchill Downs in Kentucky. UPDATED LIST of what has happened to Maryland residents in 2026 (followed by 2025). 2026: -Maryland lost Preakness Stakes trademark rights to Churchill Downs -Potomac River ranked nation’s “most endangered river” (American Rivers) -2nd most expensive state to raise a child (lendingtree) -Paint fee enacted/$2.25 up to 5 gallons -Unemployment rate jumps to 4.3% -$1.4 Billion budget defect -Massive Sheraton Hotel closes in downtown Baltimore -WalletHub names Maryland 2nd worst U.S. state to start a business in 2026 -Proposed U.S. Congressional map introduced to eliminate bipartisan state representation -High School graduation rate falls 1.2% to 86.4%, despite massive funding spike -12,127 residents lost to domestic migration (6th most in US, per Census) -Maryland named 6th worst state for tax competitiveness (per: Tax Foundation) 2025: -$3 Billion budget deficit -$1.6 Billion tax/fee hike -Moody’s credit downgrade -vehicle emissions/registration fee spike -state hiring freeze/job cuts -soaring utility prices (highest in America according to Doxo) -Lost IonQ’s quantum computing hub -Lost FBI headquarters -Lost Washington Commanders -Six Flags America closed -New 3% IT tax -Vending machine tax 6% -Vehicle excise tax up to 6.5% -$5 tire purchase fee -Sports betting tax hike (15% to 20%) -Cannabis tax increase (9% to 12%) -Car title fee increase ($100 to $200) -3.5% car rental tax -Fishing license increase ($25.50 to $52) -Boating and Title Registration Fee ($24 to $70) -Speed Camera Ticket increases -Historic car registration changed from 20 years to model year 1999 or older -Public school enrollment falls 11,322 students (1.3%)