ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore this week released the Moore-Miller Administration’s FY 2026 budget proposal. The $67.3 billion plan is driven by four principles: growing our economy, strengthening Maryland’s labor force, modernizing government, and fixing what’s broken in our tax system. The budget proposal accomplishes these goals without raising the sales or property tax for the third year in a row, and provides a tax cut to nearly two-thirds of Marylanders.
The Governor’s FY 2026 budget proposal reduces the structural deficit by $2.25 billion for FY 2026, maintains a Rainy Day Fund balance of 8.0%, and flips the projected cash shortfall of $2.95 billion to a positive cash ending balance.
Leaders from across the state applaud the Moore-Miller Administration’s preliminary budget proposal, which directs state resources toward investing in commercial hubs and industries of the future; maintaining record funding for education, local law enforcement, and public safety; and making housing, health care, and child care more affordable for Marylanders:
"Under Governor Moore’s visionary leadership, Morgan State University has expanded its research capabilities and continued its ascent as one of the nation’s fastest-growing institutions, deeply rooted in innovation and focused on addressing Maryland’s most pressing challenges," said Morgan State University President David K. Wilson. "The Moore Administration’s investments in our university, including full funding for our new science and research complex and critical infrastructure upgrades, reaffirm Morgan’s pivotal role in growing the state’s capacity and competitiveness. We are grateful for Governor Moore’s steadfast support and his recognition of the vital role Morgan plays in Maryland’s success. We remain confident in his stewardship of the state and look forward to our continued partnership with his administration to advance a brighter future for all Marylanders."
"As we navigate a challenging fiscal environment, it is important to remember the governor’s focus on balancing immediate needs with long-term priorities," said Salisbury University President Dr. Carolyn Ringer Lepre, PhD. "Governor Moore’s proposed budget emphasizes the importance of building an economy that creates jobs, supports the middle class, and ensures pathways to opportunity. His continued support for higher education will allow universities like Salisbury University to continue to prepare students for careers in core fields like healthcare, technology, and education. Governor Moore’s continued support ensures we can maintain and expand these efforts."
"We know that the state of Maryland faces a challenging financial outlook in the coming year, and the University System of Maryland is prepared to do its part," said University System of Maryland Chancellor Jay A. Perman. "The USM is committed to reducing costs across our universities while still offering the same high-quality, affordable education that Marylanders expect from us. Creating value and innovation for our state has always been a top priority and that won’t change with this coming budget cycle. Our economy depends on the strength of an educated workforce that can create the path to our future and leave no one behind. We appreciate the governor’s investment in our world-class universities and remain steadfast in our mission to make a college degree accessible to everyone in Maryland who wants one. We support Gov. Moore’s budget proposal and look forward to working with his administration for the good of Maryland."
"Advanced manufacturing is a critical ingredient to growing Maryland's competitiveness and cementing our state as a global leader in industries of the future," said Regional Manufacturing Institute of Maryland President Mike Galiazzo. "Governor Moore's unprecedented investment in the Maryland Manufacturing 4.0 Program – which will help strategically advance high tech manufacturing and other critical economic and workforce development investments as part of his FY 2026 budget – will put Maryland on the right course for long-term economic and fiscal success."
"Tackling the budget deficit in these next 90 days is of paramount importance," said Greater Salisbury Committee President and Chief Executive Officer Mike Dunn. "We all understand that. We also understand that the state must also commit to investing in its communities, in things that will help the state remain competitive and grow – economically. To that end, the Greater Salisbury Committee salutes and thanks Governor Moore for including, among other things, funds for a new airport hangar for the Salisbury Airport, which will be critical for Piedmont Airlines and their 400 employees to maintain its presence at Maryland’s second largest airport. Additionally, the inclusion in the budget of nearly $3 million for the Wicomico Public Library is significant. That library project has been a significant collaborative project over the last year. This funding will allow our library to go to the next level, as it renovates and moves into an iconic Salisbury building that currently sits unused. GSC appreciates Governor Moore's investments in our community, and his commitment to continue to keep Maryland as competitive as possible."
"Our state's economic growth requires a highly educated, skilled workforce," said Maryland State Education Association President Paul Lemle. "Governor Moore's plan makes bold, forward thinking reforms that will fund the programs Maryland's children need to pursue their dreams and participate in a growing economy."
"Governor Moore's budget reflects a clear understanding that environmental protection and economic growth go hand in hand," said Maryland League of Conservation Voters Executive Director Kim Coble. "While we have concerns about the one-time transfer of $150 million from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund, we appreciate that funding for core environmental programs remain intact. We look forward to working with the General Assembly to ensure stable, long-term funding for climate initiatives and Bay restoration that are critical to Maryland's economic future and the health of our communities."
"The governor's public safety policy shows a commitment to our officers and our communities," said Maryland Fraternal Order of Police President Clyde Boatwright. "I appreciate the governor's commitment to our law enforcement throughout Maryland. The ‘all of the above’ approach he uses makes sound investments in the quality and care of our officers, ensures accountability, and provides critical programs to address the root cause of crime in our communities. He is a leader that works tirelessly with all jurisdictions to ensure every Marylander is safe."
"Governor Moore’s public safety budget remains the bedrock of his administration’s commitment to the safety of every Marylander," said Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha N. Braveboy. "His approach to safer communities is balanced in holding our most violent offenders accountable, while working closely with our local leaders to address the underlying causes of crime. Despite the challenges of the current state budget Governor Moore sustained funding for the State Aid for Police Protection of $122 million, expanded funding for the Department of Juvenile Services’ Enhanced Services Continuum to $11.2 million, and is opening a youth drug treatment facility to help adolescents under DJS’s care that are impacted by drug addiction. This additional capacity was achieved through collaboration of our State’s Attorney and the governor’s office. The strength of the governor’s budget is the balance it achieves between justice for our victims and restorative justice for Marylanders who need a second chance. It is an investment that sustained record funding of $35 million for the Victims of Crime Act despite reductions in federal funding. It is a budget that increased $2.2 million in funding to the Office of the Public Defender to ensure the justice system has qualified advocates for all defendants. This budget provides an additional $1.3 million to assist victims of violent crime. Governor Moore’s budget continues to reinforce the success we’ve seen in reducing violent crime, caring for victims, and ensuring Marylander’s feel safe in their community and in their skin, regardless of zip code."
"I am thankful for Governor Moore's continued commitment to public safety in Maryland," said Montgomery County Chief of Police Marc Yamada. "This is an approach that balances accountability and care for our communities. Despite the impacts of a structural deficit his commitment to sustain the State Aid for Police Protection ensures the safety and well being of my police officers. I appreciate the focus on both good policing and addressing the underlying issues that drive crime in our communities. The reduction in crime we've seen in the past two years is due to the hard work of every public safety professional, and the deep partnership between our county and our state government. The governor’s recent visit to the Montgomery County Drone as a First Responder Operations Center is further evidence of his support to innovations in public safety."
"Governor Moore continues to keep public safety as a top priority for his administration and our state," said Baltimore City Sheriff Sam Cogen. "His budget demonstrates a commitment to the Baltimore City Sheriff's Office and the safety of my Deputy Sheriffs. This approach is based on investment in what we have seen work over the past two years. The sustained record funding of the State Aid for Police Protection ensures our Sheriffs can fulfill their commitment to communities and receive the training and care crucial to good policing."
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