BALTIMORE (WBFF) — Maryland’s top Democrats say they will develop a four-year plan to address the state’s ongoing budget shortfalls, promising a review of government spending and difficult choices ahead.
In a joint statement, Gov. Wes Moore, Senate President Bill Ferguson, and House Speaker Joseline Pena-Melnyk said Maryland can no longer address its budget challenges “one year at a time.”
They pointed to federal cuts and “economic uncertainty,” arguing they have added additional pressure while the state must address problems within its control.
“Developing this joint four-year plan will require a careful review of state spending, a commitment to making government more efficient, and an honest assessment of which investments are delivering results and where changes are needed,” the leaders said in a statement.
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It’s not clear what programs could change, when the plan will be completed, or whether lawmakers will consider new taxes or fees.
“There will be difficult decisions ahead. We know those decisions affect people’s lives, and we are committed to making them together, being straightforward with Marylanders about the choices we face, and protecting the services and investments that matter most to our state’s future,” the statement continued.
After securing his re-election, Gov. Moore said his administration delivered four consecutive balanced budgets. He pointed to tax cuts for the middle class and military veterans and said the state could invest in its future while remaining fiscally disciplined.
Asked whether he could commit to pursuing affordability without raising taxes or fees, Moore said the state would address affordability “in every way that we can.” He did not directly promise that taxes and fees would not increase.
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Maryland’s Constitution requires the state’s enacted budget to have estimated revenues equal to or greater than appropriations.
The tax cuts Moore cited also came amid a major revenue-raising package. The state’s Department of Legislative Services estimated the 2025 Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act would increase general fund revenue by about $1.6 billion in fiscal 2026.
Political analyst Roger Hartley said Democrats may feel more confident making difficult budget decisions after the election, including potential tax or fee increases. But he said cuts will also be part of the debate.
“They have a big deficit, and it’s projected to be something like $3 billion,” Hartley said. “So what that means is your friends are going to get cut, and that’s hard.”
This story may be updated.
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This post was originally published on Fox 45 by Sinclair Media Group.
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