With the nation mired in the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, every state is forced to make tough choices in order to meet the public’s growing needs.  Maryland is no exception; we are facing a budget shortfall of more than $2 billion due to the record drop-off in revenues.  Challenges of this magnitude will require sacrifice, and the decisions we make as a state today will affect us long after the current crisis ends. 

To that end, we support using a balanced approach that includes revenues to solve the current budget crisis. 

The worst thing a state can do in a recession is weaken the public services that a strong economy needs, like education, health care, transportation, and public safety.  Balancing spending restraints with new revenues and prudent use of reserve funds rather than relying solely on spending cuts will help families struggling as a result of the current recession, and lay the groundwork for the economy we want and need for the future.