MARYLAND (WBFF) — As Maryland lawmakers grapple with a nearly $1.5 billion budget deficit, residents are expressing growing concerns over the state’s financial future.
In Annapolis, constituents are anxious about the impact of potential tax increases and the state’s economic stability.
“Being a senior citizen and close to retirement age it scares me about property taxes… it’s hard to retire,” Alex Langtry, an Annapolis resident, said.
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The budget crisis has left many questioning the state’s fiscal management.
“When he [Gov. Wes Moore] came into office they said we had no deficit, now we have that huge deficit. Something’s not right,” Sandy Brown, of Annapolis, said.
While some are open to paying more taxes for essential services like mental health, others are concerned about the already high tax rates.
“Oh God… you know taxes are already so high in the state,” one Annapolis resident told FOX45 News.
The debate over potential solutions continues, with suggestions ranging from utilizing casino and lottery revenues to seeking federal assistance. However, confidence in lawmakers remains shaky.
“I’ll withhold my judgment,” one resident said when asked about their faith in elected officials.
Another resident added, “The local ones [officials] not so much… I’d say all of them not so much.”
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As the state navigates this financial crisis, residents hope their voices are heard and that effective solutions are found.
“I really want to believe they have our best interests at heart,” an Annapolis resident said.
“But, we know the squeaky wheel gets the oil and we have a lot of squeaky wheels that don’t have our state’s best interests at heart,” Brown said.
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