Statement on Governor’s Budget Preview

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan previewed his fiscal 2018 budget Tuesday in a press conference. Maryland Center on Economic Policy Executive Director Benjamin Orr issued the following response:

“As Gov. Hogan previewed his budget today he said it ‘sounds too good to be true.’ We agree on that. Continued small cuts in funding, holding funding flat as costs go up, and preventing state agencies from hiring new staff they need – while not as drastic as eliminating departments or programs, these tactics do in fact harm state services. We see it in the form of longer waiting lists, fewer supports for families who are struggling to make ends meet, and the inability to make meaningful new investments in Maryland’s future.”

Additional details on areas where Maryland’s current budget is falling short are available in a new MDCEP report. (Note – this assessment was based on the current budget and some issues could be addressed in the governor’s budget proposal.)

MDCEP will review the proposed budget once it is released and publish additional analysis on our blog as the budget review process gets under way.

Media Contact
Kali Schumitz, Director of Communications and Partner Engagement
410-412-9105, ext. 701
kschumitz@mdeconomy.org

 
About Maryland Center on Economic Policy
The Maryland Center on Economic Policy advances innovative policy ideas to foster broad prosperity and help our state be the standard-bearer for responsible public policy. We engage in research, analysis, strategic communications, public education, and grassroots alliances promoting robust debate and greater public awareness of the policy choices Maryland residents face together.