$67B state budget passes on Sine Die with tax, fee increases

Maryland’s budget compromise: Imperfect but reasonable

As predicted, some of the most consequential — and difficult — decisions lawmakers faced during the Maryland General Assembly’s 90-day legislative session, which concluded Monday night, focused on taxes and spending. Facing a $3.3 billion deficit and worsening economic uncertainty as the federal government’s upheaval/layoffs/cuts continue under the Trump administration, state legislators had to do what politicians hate most: Say no. “No” not jus…

$67B state budget passes on Sine Die with tax, fee increases

Monday saw final passage of Maryland's $67 billion budget that contains $1.6 billion in tax and fee increases.

House, Senate ratify budget compromise on final day - The Southern Maryland Chronicle

Passing a budget took longer than usual this year. This time, however, it was ongoing federal budget cuts and a congressional debate over spending that dragged on and had fiscal leaders making corrections in real time.The House and then the Senate on Monday ratified a conference committee agreement on a $67 billion overall spending plan for fiscal 2026 over the objections of Republican members, who could do little to stop the package. The fiscal…

‘Blueprint’ gets a trim after session that threatened major cuts

Del. Ben Barnes (D-Prince George's and Anne Arundel), right, responds to a question from House Minority Leader Jason Buckel (R-Allegany) Monday on the Excellence in Maryland Public Schools Act. (Photo by William J. Ford/Maryland Matters)It was one of the first issues to surface this year, and one of the last to be resolved, but lawmakers Monday approved compromise legislation to trim the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future while keeping much of the …

Real estate experts think state tax increases could drive buyers away

MARYLAND. – Lawmakers and Governor Wes Moore have finalized a state budget that includes $1.6 billion in tax increases. Individuals earning more than $500,000 a year are in one of the new income tax brackets. Meanwhile, property taxes are expected to rise across local governments. Republican lawmakers think this will burden the taxpayers, and make Maryland less competitive to neighboring states. Real estate agent Marco Smith, who works under eXp…

Maryland General Assembly Approves $67 Billion Budget for FY 2026

On the final day of session, the Maryland General Assembly passed a $67 billion budget for fiscal year 2026, which includes $1.6 billion in new fees—such as a 3% sales tax on IT and data services. Passing a balanced budget is the only constitutionally-mandated duty of the Maryland General Assembly. Senator Mary Beth Carozza voiced strong opposition, saying this budget hurts Marylanders at every level, from low to middle to high-income families. …