Maryland lawmakers are wrapping up a challenging legislative session with a focus on addressing a $3.3 billion deficit exacerbated by the Trump administration’s downsizing of the federal government. Gov. Wes Moore and Democratic lawmakers made cuts across state government and implemented tax and fee increases to address the budget shortfall. Critics, including Republicans, argue that the state has spending problems and the deficit predated the Trump administration’s return to power.
The budget measures include approximately $1.6 billion in revenue increases and $2 billion in spending reductions. Despite this, Maryland will still have a rainy day fund of $2.1 billion and a fund balance of over $300 million. Some of the key legislative priorities addressed during the session include an energy package, protecting against uncertainties stemming from the Trump administration, and funding for abortion services through the Affordable Care Act.
Lawmakers also passed legislation to provide subsidies for young adults to access affordable health insurance, give individuals with criminal convictions the opportunity to petition for sentence reductions, and expand opportunities for expunging criminal records. Additionally, a statewide commission will study reparations for slavery and racial discrimination, while measures will cap liability for claims of sexual abuse at state and private institutions.
The legislative session, control-led by Democrats, concluded with a panel of House and Senate negotiators reconciling differences in the budget legislation, which still requires a final vote. The total budget allocated is around $67 billion, with new taxes on high-income residents, recreational cannabis, and sports wagering. Despite challenges, Maryland lawmakers have made significant strides in addressing key issues facing the state during a difficult budget year.
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