Mar 23, 2009 5:46 pm US/Eastern
Lawmakers Conclude Cuts Will Balance Budget
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) ―
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Budget cuts will be the key to balancing the state's budget this year.
Budget cuts will be the key to balancing the state's budget this year.
Political reporter Pat Warren reports while the state is benefiting from federal economic stimulus funds, lawmakers are still looking for ways to cut the budget.
Maryland gets $1.5 billion for healthcare in federal recovery and reinvestment funds at a time when Amber Donovan and others need it most.
It's a time when the state is struggling to keep it's own financial house in order, and the funds are considered crucial.
"So when you say these dollars are being used to stabilize state budgets, that's true because 80 percent of what we do is education, healthcare and public safety. You're damn right it is. I'm sorry, I meant to say darn," said Governor Martin O'Malley.
And darn if it still isn't enough to avoid $825 million in budget cuts.
Lawmakers approved $204 million in cuts to highway user revenue but rejected a one percent pay cut to state employees.
They approved the return of $30 million in overpaid primary education aid but rejected the lifting of a tuition freeze around the state.
"Now there are cuts obviously to local governments. We've worked very closely with them," said Michael Busch, Speaker of the House. "We think we put forth a very fair and effective budget without raising taxes or any fees during these tough economic times."
Tough times Donovan and her family deal with daily.
"It's scary to not know what we're going to be doing in a year from now," said Donovan.
For the General Assembly, it's a matter of days.
"There is not a cut to be made that will not be a painful cut in the days ahead," said O'Malley.
A total of $1.6 billion is being cut from the fiscal 2009 and 2010 budgets.
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