If there’s one thing Republicans and Democrats can agree on, it’s that Maryland is facing a budget crisis. But how we got here – and why it’s becoming so much worse so quickly – shouldn’t be up for debate.
Maryland’s economy has been relatively stagnant for years. According to the Maryland Comptroller’s office, our state’s economy grew just 1.6% between late 2016 and early 2023. Meanwhile, our neighbors in Virginia and Pennsylvania grew by 11.2% and 6.6%, respectively. The U.S. economy grew 13.9% during that same period.
This lack of growth was a ticking time bomb. In fact, economists have predicted since 2017 that this issue – a $3 billion structural deficit – was set to detonate this year.
While you may not like specific solutions in this budget – and it is by no means perfect – it is misleading to blame Governor Wes Moore for a budget shortfall that was predicted eight years before he was elected to office. It’s further misleading to point to a 2022 budget surplus because, like every other state, Maryland received a crucial financial lifeline from the federal government during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was convenient for the former governor, but not a long-term solution to Maryland’s ongoing budget issues.
Maryland also must face a stark reality: we will be hit disproportionately hard by the federal government’s workforce reduction priorities and bureaucratic consolidation. Whether you support this effort or not, our friends and neighbors on both sides of the Bay are going to be hit hard by these federal cuts. This does not even account for a stubborn inflation rate, ongoing and incoming tariffs, and a continuing rise to prices.
I’ve tried to read the latest budget proposal with a clear, unbiased perspective. It has things that both do and do not work for us on the Shore. It is not perfect, but it is a budget that can get us through very difficult times both now and ahead. It’s a sensible plan that balances $2 billion in cuts with $1 billion in new revenue. There are areas where all Marylanders may pay more in fees and such, but a significant majority of Marylanders will not see an increase to their individual tax rates. I think, given the difficult times ahead, this is an acceptable solution.
Real financial pain is on the horizon. Partially because of nearly a decade of economic stagnation in Maryland, partially because lawmakers have no choice but to accept an unpopular, but responsible, budget, and partially because of economically questionable decisions being made at the federal level. But I do have faith that we have the right individuals in charge in the State House and within the General Assembly – and that includes Del. Sample-Hughes’ thoughtful vote against the budget proposal in a symbolic gesture to support her constituents for a bill that would inevitably pass the House of Delegates.
The last thing I would contribute is that it is disingenuous to attack and sling mud at the lawmakers from the sidelines as they make tough decisions entering uncharted waters. There has never been a more important time to work together, across the political aisle, in search of and support for common-sense, bipartisan solutions that work for all Marylanders. And we citizens have a duty to remind our elected officials that they are sent to Annapolis to work together, to form partnerships, and to advance their constituents’ interests. Rather than “just say no,” perhaps our Eastern Shore delegation can begin conversations with their fellow lawmakers that begin with, “yes, and I need this for my constituents.” Maybe then they can be stronger advocates for our community. We all share the important value of securing a stronger, more sustainable future for our state and for the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
Patrick Firth is the outgoing chair of Talbot Democrats.
Darrell Parsons says
I have been hoping someone with more understanding than I have, could write a rebuttal of the recent spate of blaming articles about the budget. Thank you for your reasoned response.
E.W. Clucas says
I wonder what everyone would think about reiterating JFK’s famous statement: “Ask not what your country can do for…………… “ . We all should know the rest . Do we ask to much of our government?
Could Talbot county get Black and Decker back………?
Eric Ploeg says
What bizarre rationale. If, in fact the professional bureaucrats in Annapolis knew we’d have financial issues 5+ years ago, how incredibly irresponsible that they didn’t prepare and plan ahead. Suddenly we’re to believe they knew the whole time?
Instead, for the past few years we’ve seen Moore proudly beaming in front of the cameras every day or two, granting away millions and millions of taxpayer funds to various of his special interests. New projects and “nonprofits”. He’s grown our state government by adding new departments, agencies, offices, commissions, etc. Moore’s own office budget has increased nearly 80% in 2 years. Maryland now has added over 5000 new government employees. This is NOT preparing for a budget shortfall.
Maryland has new revenues sources from gambling and weed taxes. For 2024, they reported Maryland’s new cannabis tax revenue provided over $72 MILLION. Where’d that go? Where did the $5.5 BILLION surplus actually go?
Saying “a significant majority of Marylanders will not see an increase to their individual tax rates” is ridiculous when they add new and increased taxes and fees to our necessities. And when the state cuts customary subsidies to our localities it forces our local governments to increase taxes and fees to maintain basic services. “Smoke and mirrors” much!
Your figures show that Maryland’s economy grew just 1.6% while our neighbors Va. +11% and Pa. +6%. The US economy grew over 13%. If your neighbors garden plants grow 5X bigger, you’re not managing your garden very well. Spending more and taxing more IS NOT the solution!
It’s a shame that people accept the excuses and rhetoric convincing us its okay. It’s not. Wake up. Changes can’t come soon enough!
Brian Wroten says
Democrats are forever in the position of cleaning up economic disasters of Republicans administrations.
Judy Wixted says
This is a reasonable response to the crisis we face. This reader is sick of opinions that are attacks without solutions. It’s easy to take pot shots from the outside. Harder to take a level headed approach.
Thank you.
Barbara Perry says
I remember hearing during Hogan’s administration the following about how the Maryland budget is handled: “(excerpt from Maryland’s Department of Budget and Management)
Executive Budget Powers
The Governor:
• Sets the revenue estimates that establish the basis for State spending; and
• Is required to submit a balanced budget proposal to the General Assembly on or by the 3rd Wednesday in January, or in the first year of a new term, by the 10th day of the Legislative Session.
The Governor’s budget proposal includes ALL planned expenditures for the fiscal year and is presented as both a budget bill and in detailed budget book volumes.
Legislative Budget Powers
• The General Assembly can only cut the Operating Budget.
• They cannot add to the budget.
• They cannot rearrange items to spend less in one area and more in another.”
From this, it seems that the Legislature has little power to change much of what the governor submits, regardless of the governor’s party. I think Mr. Firth presented a well thought out explanation of what happened with the current budget which by Maryland law, must be a balanced budget.
Craig Michaels says
Please stop calling new taxes revenue and the Covid money that came in to MD was quickly dispersed.
Craig Michaels says
Patrick, you fail to explain the victories claimed by democrats whilest burying the state in debt. You cannot run a household like this. What makes you think a state can.