Every once in a while, the right conversation happens at exactly the right time.
This is one of those times.
As Maryland's General Assembly returns to Annapolis for its 2025 legislative session, state Sen. Brian Feldman joins me on this week's episode of "Future-Proof" to talk about a topic that couldn't be more important for Maryland CPAs — legislative advocacy.
Our conversation comes at a critical time. Maryland is facing a structural budget deficit, the worst in two decades, and lawmakers are gearing up for tough decisions. As Sen. Feldman shares in our discussion, the state’s fiscal challenges mean every revenue option is on the table — including, potentially, taxing professional services. This isn’t the first time such a proposal has surfaced, but the stakes feel higher than ever. For CPAs, this isn’t just a matter of professional survival — it’s about protecting the businesses and communities we serve.
In this episode, we explore why advocacy is crucial, especially during this upcoming session. Sen. Feldman highlights how CPAs are uniquely positioned to influence tax policy and business decisions due to the trust and credibility we bring to the table. He also dives into how state politics — unlike the gridlock we often see in Washington — actually works, and why advocacy at the state level can make a real impact.
Listen to our conversation here.