March 20, 2026

Dear Friend:

Of the 1,406 bills introduced in the Senate this session, the most significant is always the State Budget. Unlike Congress, Maryland is required by our Constitution to pass a balanced budget. This week, the Senate debated and approved a preliminary spending plan for Fiscal Year 2027. The budget now moves to the House; a conference committee will reconcile differences between the two chambers. The Capital Budget will be presented soon with funding for local community projects.

With 25 days remaining, here’s a brief overview of the Senate’s version:

Tackling a Budget Shortfall

This year, we faced significant budget challenges. Spending cuts and sweeping federal workforce layoffs by the Trump Administration and its arbitrary Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) forced us to confront a roughly $1.5 billion shortfall.

Addressing this gap required tough but necessary actions, including spending reductions and program delays. I believe that Maryland must continue to be fiscally prudent and socially responsible.

The $70.8 billion budget approved by the Senate includes no increases in taxes or fees. I was proud to support this plan, which delivers critical funding and resources. I was disappointed that it did not receive unanimous, bipartisan support.

Highlights of the budget include:

• Investing in our public schools under the “Blueprint for Maryland’s Future” (learn more below);
• Helping lower energy bills;
• Funding Emergency Responders with $25 million (M) to compensate for federal cuts;
• Dedicating $20M to the Child Care Scholarship Program for working parents;
• Withholding $124M allocated for local governments until they certify they are not cooperating with the lawless Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in keeping with SB245;
• Committing $24.4M for new voting equipment;
• Protecting our future with $2.2 billion in the Rainy Day Fund (about 8% of General Fund revenue);
• Distributing $20.4M in grants to nonprofit organizations; and
• Creating a $250M surplus!