1.7 Seven billion and counting

In this episode, Jimmy dives deep into the issues currently gripping Maryland—spiraling crime, exploding government spending, a looming $1.7B deficit, and growing frustration from everyday residents struggling to get by. What begins as a discussion about local political motives expands into a full breakdown of the state’s structural problems and the political opportunity forming ahead of the 2026 elections. Jimmy highlights the rising concern over quality-of-life issues, including retail theft spreading beyond Baltimore City into Baltimore County and Anne Arundel County. Long-standing institutions like Walgreens and Bank of America are pulling out of neighborhoods, signaling deeper economic instability and a collapse of basic services. The episode also challenges the narrative of government “accountability,” questioning whether state leadership—including Governor Wes Moore—has taken responsibility for the worsening fiscal and social conditions. With Moore’s approval rating sliding and the legislative session yet to begin, Jimmy argues that the administration’s excuses are running thin. Education spending plays a major role in the conversation, with over $22,000 per pupil allocated but little measurable improvement. Jimmy pushes back on the lack of oversight, and the reliance on spending without results — pointing to the Kerwin plan and the role of the Department of Education. A major theme of the episode is state sovereignty and the relevance of the 10th Amendment. Jimmy argues that federal agencies controlling education, environmental laws, and policing undermine the effectiveness of local governance. He draws parallels to the Baltimore Police Department consent decree and the broader consequences of federal involvement in state affairs. As the 2026 gubernatorial race approaches, Jimmy lays out a roadmap for Republicans: unify after the primary, deliver a clear economic message, focus on affordability, and capitalize on voter dissatisfaction. While sweeping change won’t happen overnight, a GOP governor with veto power could slow the state’s financial freefall and shift political momentum. The Jimmy Mathis indoctrinating common sense