ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore yesterday 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 proposal accomplishes these goals without raising the sales or property tax, 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 local law enforcement and public safety, and making education, housing, health care, and child care more affordable for Marylanders:
“I’ve been proud to work with the governor and the President to secure significant federal funds for Maryland throughout the Biden Administration, including the recent commitment of full federal funding for the Key Bridge replacement. These are important victories, but this influx of federal investments may well recede during the next administration, as Maryland also faces a challenging fiscal outlook. I commend the governor for his efforts to advance a fiscally responsible plan that supports Maryland’s priorities,” said U.S. Senator Van Hollen.
“Governor Moore has assembled a budget that will help Maryland – and Marylanders – get ahead,” said U.S. Congressman Steny Hoyer. “I commend him for his deft leadership and for putting our state on a path to better fiscal health and greater economic growth through this budget proposal.”
“As an executive, I understand the difficulty of confronting a significant budget deficit and the challenge of overcoming it without disproportionately impacting the communities that have historically been forced to shoulder the burden of budget cuts,” said Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “We’ve sought to prevent repeating those mistakes of the past in Baltimore, and I am deeply grateful that Governor Moore and his team have sought to take that approach, too. While this budget proposal reflects tough decisions and we will continue to advocate with our partners in Annapolis for Baltimore’s specific needs — overall this budget represents a commitment to solving the state’s fiscal challenges, while also continuing to prioritize and responsibly serve all of our residents and our fellow Marylanders.”
“Budgets are the clearest expression of our values, and Governor Moore is investing in public education and public safety while cutting taxes for Maryland’s working families,” said Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater. “He recognizes Frederick County’s unique challenges, and he is prioritizing our school construction and highway safety needs, which will improve our quality of life and help grow our economy. I look forward to working with Governor Moore and our partners in the Maryland General Assembly to pass this budget and tax reform plan so we can continue making progress for the residents we serve.”
“It’s no secret that our State is facing a deep budget deficit, totaling nearly $3 billion this year alone. In a fiscal crisis like this one, we cannot simply tax or cut our way to prosperity — we must drive continued economic growth and prosperity for our state. Through strategic budget decisions, we will continue to collaborate with state leaders to invest in education, public safety, workforce development, and resilient infrastructure. In Howard County, we have done just that, with historic year over year increases to our public school system, Howard Community College, and Library, expanding our public safety workforce, and spurring economic development and record-setting business and job growth,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “I commend Governor Moore for putting economic growth front-and-center of his agenda to close the budget gap and ensure a brighter future for all. I look forward to continuing our work and partnership with the State to make Howard County the very best place to live, work, play, grow, and thrive for all.”
"The Hogan administration ran up the state's credit card with no plan to pay it off. Now, we are stuck with the bill,” said Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman. “Thankfully, Governor Wes Moore has stepped up to get Maryland's finances in order. Governor Moore's plan will lead us to the end of this fiscal crisis and grow our economy, all while still delivering on his promise to leave no one behind."
“I applaud the governor’s leadership in navigating the dual challenges of a fiscal crisis and shifting federal policies with bold solutions that promote economic growth and progressive tax reform,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “As Governor Moore has rightly pointed out, our state’s strength lies in its ability to create pathways for work, wages, and wealth. While I have not yet had a chance to carefully review the budget, Governor Moore is clearly leading in the right direction, and I look forward to partnering with him and the General Assembly to build on this strong foundation and deliver the economic growth and opportunity that all Marylanders deserve.”
"We appreciate the work by Governor Moore and his staff to ensure this budget reflects the needs of our communities and protects our most vulnerable residents,” said Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier. “This budget delivers for key county priorities like a new Dulaney high school, higher education opportunities at Baltimore County Community College, an improved 911 call center, investment in economic hubs like Tradepoint Atlantic, and funding for regional gems like the Pikesville Armory. I’m grateful to Governor Moore for investing in Baltimore County’s future and I look forward to continuing our progress together.”
"We face enormous fiscal challenges,” said Charles County Commissioner President Reuben Collins. “Governor Moore’s proposal to balance the state budget makes targeted investments, responsible cuts, and reforms the tax system to ensure it is simpler, fairer, and, for the vast majority of Marylanders, lower. I applaud his steady leadership during a moment of serious crisis for our state.”
“I want to thank Governor Moore and his team for their careful consideration of our state's economy as they navigate Maryland’s financial challenges,” said Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall. “As Mayor of the Town of Berlin and Past President of the Maryland Mayor’s Association, I am extremely grateful that Governor Moore has fully funded Highway User Revenues (HURs) in his proposed budget. HURs are integral in local transportation systems like those found in the Town of Berlin.”
"When times are tough, we need true leaders who show their mettle and can chart a path forward,” said Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley. “Governor Moore and his entire administration have stepped up to ensure we weather this storm together. Under this budget proposal, we will overcome one of the greatest fiscal challenges Maryland has seen in at least twenty years. The governor's leadership gives me hope and confidence in a bright future for Maryland."
“I’m thrilled the FY26 budget will include funds for the ENOUGH Initiative,” said Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman. “The City of Gaithersburg’s Community Services Division is one of nine local community partners awarded the grant in 2025. This is a unique opportunity to advance the prosperity of our community by reducing child poverty and increasing economic mobility for Gaithersburg residents. We are excited to continue this work in 2026 and beyond!”
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