Former Governor Hogan and Comptroller Peter Franchot say the state can benefit from past experience to avoid a budget ‘Groundhog Day.’ First, they say that endlessly raising taxes and fees will only create a sugar high that will ultimately deepen the problem. When a state goes down the road of becoming addicted to tax hikes and fees, spending continues while taxpayers and businesses flee. They advise to not kick the can down the road with short-term gimmicks that only temporarily hide the problem. Ultimately, just like every Maryland family knows, the bills will always come due. Third, during difficult times, state government works best when both parties are at the table building bipartisan consensus. A bipartisan and collaborative approach may not be easy, but it will yield better governance.
What’s next: With the release of Governor Moore’s fiscal 2025 budget plan, formal discussions on the future of Maryland’s budget officially kick off as his proposals guide the legislature in its work over the course of the legislative session.
