By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Staff Writer
Tmcqueen@afro.com
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) signed a package of budget bills for fiscal year 2027 into law April 8 at the State House. The $70.8 billion balanced spending plan closes a $1.5 billion structural deficit while funding key initiatives without increasing taxes or fees.
The package—comprising the operating, capital and Budget Reconciliation Financing Acts (BRFA) bills—cleared the Maryland General Assembly with less contention amongst legislators than in previous years. Moore signed the bills in the State House reception room, emphasizing relief for middle-class families.
“This budget protects our people,” said Moore. “This budget makes life just a little bit more affordable for our people.”
A centerpiece of the plan is $100 million in utility fee relief. When paired with the pending Utility RELIEF (Reducing Energy Load Inflation for Everyday Families) Act, the initiative could save Marylanders at least $150 on energy bills starting at the beginning of the new fiscal year on July 1. The budget also allocates $280 million to the Office of Home Energy Programs and $73 million for heat pumps in low-income households.
“Families need relief now,” said Moore.
The budget allocates $73.7 million to over 250 revitalization projects statewide. Notably, $45 million is dedicated to “Just Communities,” which are historically divested communities within the state. The program aims to rectify past harms, decrease disparities and generate equitable opportunities for community members.
“Marylanders should be able to afford to live in the communities where they work,” said Moore. “They should be able to afford to live in the communities where they grew up.”
Delegate Malcolm P. Ruff (D-Baltimore City) called the budget a “responsible step forward” for Black Marylanders.
Key investments that Black Marylanders should pay attention to, as highlighted by Ruff, includes $14 billion for Medicaid, $163 million for historically Black colleges and universities and $79 million in direct state aid to Baltimore City.
“While no budget is perfect, I believe this is a responsible step forward that delivers real resources to our communities,” said Ruff. “I will continue fighting to make sure Black Marylanders see equitable outcomes from every dollar we spend.”
Despite the plan’s early passage and support from 16 House Republicans, the Maryland Freedom Caucus stood in unanimous opposition. Members warned the record-setting spending represents a harmful expansion of government.
“When government grows faster than the economy, taxpayers are forced to make up the difference,” said Delegate Ryan Nawrocki (R-Baltimore County), the caucus whip. “If this course is not corrected, more seniors, more families and more businesses will continue to leave for states that respect taxpayers.”
Moore maintains that the state can fund key state initiatives while maintaining fiscal discipline.
“We are saying loudly that choosing between fiscal responsibility and investing in our state is a false choice,” said Moore. “Maryland can and will do both.”
The budget also provides $5 million for African American Heritage Preservation Grants.
“This budget says that we are a state where every person matters, and no one is left behind,” said House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk (D-Md.-21). “This is truly a budget for all Maryland.”