Democratic leaders agree on budget framework for Maryland

Democratic leaders have announced a deal on a balanced budget after weeks of discussions. This agreement comes as the state faces a $3.3 billion budget deficit. Governor Wes Moore explained that the budget will focus on three main goals: reforming the tax code, growing the economy, and investing in people. Under this plan, the governor said the state is expected to end up with a cash surplus. To address the deficit, lawmakers have been looking at significant cuts to important services and considering new taxes. The budget framework includes $2.3 billion in spending cuts to help balance the budget. Lawmakers have worked hard in the early part of the legislative session to find solutions to the financial challenges facing the state.