Governor Moore Defends Budget Amid Criticism Over Spending and Tax Reforms

Maryland faces a $3 billion deficit as Moore proposes tax code changes, spending cuts, and investments in education and infrastructure.

Governor Wes Moore's proposed $67.3 billion budget includes $2 billion in cuts while increasing taxes on high earners and businesses to address a $3 billion state deficit.
Key investments in Moore's budget focus on education, with a 26% funding increase, and transportation, including a $21 billion six-year plan to improve infrastructure.
Republicans criticize the budget as perpetuating a 'tax and spend cycle,' arguing it fails to address structural issues and burdens taxpayers further.
Nonpartisan analyses reveal mixed results from Maryland's increased education spending, with slight improvements in reading scores but declining math performance.
Concerns persist over the effectiveness of state spending, with reports highlighting underutilized transit systems and limited success in juvenile justice reforms despite increased funding.