April 29th, 2025 by WCBC Radio

The quantum industry, one of Governor Wes Moore’s pillars for economic growth in the state, was dealt a severe blow with the announcement that IonQ would be opening a quantum-computing hub in Tennessee.  Despite a special exemption from Maryland’s new tech tax of 3% and other investment from the state, the company chose Tennessee to build a “significant US quantum economy.”  Maryland's Senate Republican leadership said in a statement that IonQ is the first, but not the last of casualties from the tech tax. Senate Minoirty Leader Steve Hershey said, " a Maryland-headquartered company has looked at the numbers, looked a t the climate, and said, 'Thanks but no thanks." It's embarrassing. Maryland offered special treatment, and they still chose Tennessee. That tells you how unfriendly we've become to innovation and investment."