MARYLAND BUDGET & TAX POLICY INSTITUTE
STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF SENATE BILL 691, TASK FORCE TO STUDY THE NEEDS AND EXPENDITURES OF STATE PROGRAMS
February 27, 2008
The Maryland Budget and Tax Policy Institute supports Senate Bill 691, Task Force to Study the Needs and Expenditures of State Programs. The bill will provide a forum for a systematic analysis of public needs across a broad range of government functions.
SB 691 creates an 18-member task force to study future staffing and funding requirements for state programs, based on future needs and service demands. The Task Force would deliver an interim report in December 2008 and a final report in December 2009.
Maryland’s finances have been in almost constant cost-containment mode since the early 1990’s. Funding for public areas has been squeezed in almost every functional area. For example:
- Even as we expand health care coverage, access to services is limited (especially in key specialties and under-served localities) because Medicaid provider rates have not kept up with the market.
- Senior citizens, developmentally disabled adults, and substance abusers seeking treatment face long waiting lists for services.
- Over 100,000 working families will lack affordable rental housing in the next four years, placing greater demand on rental assistance and other programs.
Similar gaps exist in almost every function of state government.
Looking to the future, there are economic and demographic trends that will surely put new stresses on government services: the increasing proportion of elderly population, the increasing proportion of immigrant population, and the effects of “BRAC” workforce influx, to name just three significant factors.
The Task Force study will provide valuable planning information to government leaders and citizens in setting the state’s financial and programmatic priorities for the next several years. The Maryland Budget and Tax Policy Institute respectfully requests the Budget and Taxation Committee make a favorable report on Senate Bill 691.
Contact: Neil L. Bergsman, Director
410-727-6367 x17
nbergsman@mdnonprofit.org