My original X campaign account was suspended, and my campaign NextDoor account was banned. Now, while giving testimony in support of establishing an Office of the Inspector General (OIG) in Maryland (HB1449), my microphone was cut off. The Democrats really enjoy silencing anyone who disagrees with them! On Tuesday, I went to Annapolis to challenge my opponents and Maryland Democrats for their inaction while billions of dollars in fraud, waste, and abuse (FWA) persist across numerous Maryland agencies. Rampant recent FWA in Maryland: - Eight Maryland agencies expended $3.5 billion in federal funds, which were inadequately documented and lacked the necessary support. - The SHA knowingly charged $358 million in unauthorized expenses to federal projects. - The Department of Juvenile Services spent $125 million on direct voucher payments that bypass normal fund-tracking controls. - The Division of Unemployment Insurance lacked proper oversight procedures, resulting in $760 million in uncollectible unemployment benefits. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Yet Governor Moore claims we don’t need a statewide OIG because a paid “outside consultant” is already handling it. The OIG would provide real accountability that audits and consultants simply can’t. With true subpoena power, including the ability to mandate sworn testimony and pursue criminal charges, it will foster efficient governance, strengthen accountability, and save taxpayers millions as we face ongoing budget deficits. Please reach out to Delegate Mellissa Wells and Delegate Kenneth Kerr, presiding officers of the Government, Labor, and Elections Committee, and urge them to act on HB1449. Delegate Wells: 410-841-3545 [email protected] Delegate Kenneth Kerr: 410-841-3240 [email protected]