Overview
- The proposal closes a projected $1.4–$1.5 billion shortfall through nearly $900 million in targeted cuts, preserves an 8% Rainy Day Fund, and reduces operating expenses by $154 million.
- Budget officials say it shifts certain dedicated funds to the operating budget and increases local responsibility for some pension costs for teachers, librarians, and community college staff.
- It directs $10.2 billion to K‑12 education and $124.1 million to law enforcement, with $10.6 million for community programs for justice‑involved youth and $30 million for aging correctional facilities.
- Affordability measures include $414 million for child care scholarships, $32 million for the ENOUGH anti‑poverty initiative, $306 million for clean‑energy programs to lower utility bills, and major affordable housing investments.
- Economic and community development plans include $73.7 million for 252 revitalization projects focused on “Just Communities,” more than $100 million in business tax cuts, funding for IonQ’s headquarters and other quantum efforts, and support for the Sphere at National Harbor and AstraZeneca expansions that officials say will create thousands of jobs.