Maryland Senate GOP Responds to Moore’s “Budget Cuts”
Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey and Senate Minority Whip Justin Ready issued the following statement in response to the Board of Public Works (BPW) approving Governor Moore’s proposed $150 million in “budget cuts” this week.
“It is disingenuous for Governor Moore to call this $150 million a cut. When you look beyond the cleverly orchestrated headlines, you will not find a $150 million decrease in overall state spending. What you will find is a fund transfer and budgeting tricks akin to looking for coins in the couch cushions to make up a significant underfunding of Medicaid created by flawed projections. Also, what didn’t make the news cycle was the Moore Administration’s $190 million request to transfer additional money from the Rainy Day Fund to cover that same shortfall. So, when Governor Moore was proclaiming $150 million in budget “cuts,” he was actually seeking authorization to spend an additional $190 million over the approved FY25 budget,” said Senate Minority Leader Senator Steve Hershey.
“These hidden budget tricks are disappointing especially when you consider Maryland looming $3.7 BILLION budget deficit. This Medicaid shortfall is not going away, nor is the lack of funding for the Blueprint. Marylanders deserve better. Governor Moore’s Administration and Maryland Democrats must address these massive spending mandates that swamp us for the long term before asking for another dime from taxpayers. How does any of this fuzzy math grow our economy, build new pathways to work, wages and wealth for all?” said Senate Minority Whip Senator Justin Ready.
