Economic Forecast brings Eastern Shore Delegation together ahead of 2026 General Assembly

SALISBURY, Md. – The Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Southern Delmarva Economic Forecast at Salisbury University. The event focuses on what leaders need to do as we near the 2026 General Assembly.

There were a variety of topics for the Eastern Shore, including Delmarva housing crisis, emerging industries, and a panel with the Eastern Shore Delegation as they previewed the upcoming session.

The state has been facing trouble with its budget.

District 38C, Delegate Wayne Hartman, said that money spending is the problem.

“I really think it’s time to make cuts to spending. I don’t think we have a revenue problem, the budget is over $60 billion dollars, so I think we need to start talking about where we can cut.”

Salishbury Area Chamber of Commerce, President Bill Chambers, tells us what members are telling him.

“Maryland businesses and businesses on the Eastern Shore are scared at what the state is going to look like moving forward. A billion and a half budget deficit for FY27, projected to be nearly $4 billion by FY 2031.”

Delegate Wayne Hartman said collaboration with the other side of the aisle is key. He said while state Republicans are in the minority. They must work with state Democratic officials.

He believes the state must work with the majority Republican Federal Government for the betterment of everyone.

“It’s about eliminating some of the rhetoric, we have huge financial needs. We have a $5 billion dollar bridge that needs to be built,” said Delegate Hartman. “We gotta eliminate the rhetoric, so we can get the most out of the Federal Government to serve all of Maryland residents.”

Chambers saying it’s all about getting everyone in one room.

“This is a tough place to do business, and that’s part of what we talk about in these Economic Forecast events. What is Maryland need to do to compete? Because right now we’re losing the competition.”