Maryland’s $67 billion budget, which includes $1.6 billion in tax and fee increases to address a $3.3 billion deficit, was finalized on Monday after reconciliation by House and Senate negotiators. New tax brackets for high-income residents and a piggyback tax allowance for local jurisdictions were included. Governor Wes Moore expressed satisfaction with the budget, despite the lack of a corporate tax cut. Republican leaders criticized the plan, calling it the largest tax hike in Maryland history.
Other legislation approved at the end of the session covers a range of topics, including energy independence, prescription drug affordability, abortion funding, health care for young adults, and reforms related to sentencing, expunging criminal records, slavery reparations, and sex abuse lawsuits. Despite disagreements between lawmakers on certain bills, the session ended with various measures being sent to the governor’s desk for approval.
The budget also includes a trigger to reconvene lawmakers if federal actions reduce state funds by $1 billion. Governor Moore emphasized the need to protect middle-class families and make Maryland more economically competitive. Republican leaders criticized the budget for increasing taxes and called for more cuts instead. The session also addressed immigration legislation, teacher planning time, and cooperation with federal law enforcement. Lawmakers worked through the final day of the session to address a variety of legislative priorities before adjourning at midnight.
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