March 4th, 2019 by WCBC Radio

Governor Larry Hogan today submitted a supplemental budget for Fiscal Year 2020 that saves $27 million in general funds, provides increased funding for several important state and local initiatives, and makes necessary technical corrections.

The largest savings are realized in Medicaid, as the state is now forecasting nearly $35 million more in savings across Fiscal Years 2019 and 2020 than when the budget was submitted in January.

The FY 2020 supplemental budget also includes $1.5 million pledged by Governor Hogan to provide funding to enable Maryland’s dairy farmers to participate in the Federal Dairy Margin Coverage Program, allowing them to leverage up to $17 million in federal funds.

The University of Maryland will see a nearly $2.8 million increase that will go toward attracting and retaining top talent at the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, operating costs at the R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland Medical Center, to establish National Registry testing centers at Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute's training regions to increase student access to emergency medical services certification, and to implement programs and initiatives to improve educational outcomes, promote civic engagement, and raise awareness around mental health and wellness among vulnerable populations at the Judge Alexander Williams, Jr. Center for Education, Justice and Ethics.

Also included is $250,000 in the current fiscal year for a public alert system in Ellicott City, $243,000 to expand cold-weather shelter services for individuals experiencing homelessness in Charles County, and $110,500 to support inspection, compliance, and enforcement activities related to the federal Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule.