ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland Senate Republicans are raising concerns after the Board of Revenue Estimates announced an additional $280 million write-down, increasing the state’s budget shortfall to $3.3 billion.
In a statement Thursday, Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey called Maryland’s financial situation “abysmal” and criticized the state’s reliance on federal jobs and funding. “Economists have warned for at least twenty years that our economy is too dependent on federal jobs,” Hershey said.
Senate Minority Whip Justin Ready accused Democrats of prioritizing tax increases over spending cuts. “Thoughtful, commonsense cuts to the budget seem to have been rejected by the Democratic establishment, who refuse to face reality,” Ready said.
The budget deficit has sparked a political battle in Annapolis, with Republicans pushing for reductions in state spending while Governor Wes Moore and Democratic leaders consider revenue measures to close the gap.