January 18th, 2024 by WCBC Radio
Governor Wes Moore yesterday released the Moore-Miller administration’s FY 2025 budget proposal. The $63.1 billion plan follows a fiscally responsible framework to respond to the state’s budget challenges while making record investments in priorities that will make Maryland safer, more affordable, more competitive, and the state that serves. The governor’s FY 2025 budget proposal shrinks the state’s structural deficit by 34 percent, keeps the Rainy Day Fund balance at 9.4 percent, and flips the state’s projected cash shortfall of $1.1 billion to a positive cash balance of more than $100 million—all without raising taxes for Marylanders. The proposal directs state resources toward fighting child poverty, makes record investments in child care, helps tackle housing supply challenges to boost population growth and support economic mobility, and bolsters our administration’s work to rebuild State government.
Leaders from across the state applaud the fiscally responsible preliminary budget laid out by Governor Moore with the goals of making Maryland safer, more affordable, more competitive, and the state that serves. “Our administration’s second budget is one that delivers on our core priorities and delivers for the people of Maryland – all without raising taxes,” said Lt. Governor Aruna Miller. “It addresses some of the biggest issues facing Marylanders such as funding our schools in record amounts, making Maryland more affordable by strengthening investments in affordable child care, and historic investments in public safety. The budget also positions Maryland to continue its economic momentum.”
Making Maryland Safer:
"I applaud DJS and the Moore-Miller Administration for investing in youth who have often been forgotten about or dismissed. These are youth and families who are most vulnerable and in great need of support,” said National Institute of Criminal Justice Reform Executive Director David Muhammad. “"NICJR is happy to work with DJS to focus much needed interventions on young people who are at highest risk of being involved in gun violence. These community based interventions have been proven to be effective and when fully implemented will have significant impact in Baltimore and the State of Maryland, including less gun violence and improved outcomes for youth."
"It's promising to learn that the governor is including additional funds for THRIVE in the Department of Juvenile Services budget, I look forward to continuing my office's partnership with DJS to provide targeted interventions to Prince George's County youth who are at the highest risk of being a victim or a perpetrator of gun violence,” said Prince George’s County State's Attorney Aisha Braveboy.
Making Maryland More Affordable:
“Maryland must invest in its future, and it’s clear that investment in early childhood is a priority for Governor Moore,” said Maryland Family Network Executive Director Laura Weeldreyer. “Governor Moore and his administration are helping Maryland serve more children and families in need than ever before – from record investments in child care and Pre K-12 education, to permanently expanding the child tax credit – the Moore-Miller Administration has enhanced the economic stability and quality of life for tens of thousands of Maryland children and their families. It's clear the governor is not stopping there.”
“Family child care providers give invaluable support to working families and help to prepare young children for school,” said Maryland State Family Child Care Association President Ruby Daniels. “By making child care investment a budget priority, Governor Moore is helping to ensure that we leave no Marylander behind, particularly low-income children and families.”
"As affordable housing faces unprecedented challenges and Marylanders statewide are facing rising costs, we welcome Governor Moore's commitment to greater housing affordability in the proposed budget,” said Enterprise Community Partners Chief Executive Officer and President Shaun Donovan. “His proposals will support the governor's ongoing partnership with many mission-minded providers like Enterprise to produce quality homes across Maryland and increase quality of life for residents. Housing production that reaches families at all income levels is essential to meeting the state's economic goals. We welcome the opportunity to work with the governor and his administration to build greater economic prosperity in Maryland."
"This budget proposal recognizes the importance of revitalizing neighborhoods in and around Baltimore, and the work that organizations like Comprehensive Housing Assistance Inc. does every day," said Comprehensive Housing Assistance Inc. Chief Executive Officer Lisa Budlow. "The Baltimore Regional Neighborhood Initiative in particular has helped CHAI to support investments in Baltimore City and Baltimore County, including the Pikesville Armory NCO Club, Cylburn Nature Education Center, and a senior home repair program."
"We are pleased to see that this budget shows a commitment to making Maryland a place that all can call home, investing in programs that widen the pathways to homeownership in low-income communities," said United Way of Central Maryland President and Chief Executive Officer Franklyn Baker.
Making Maryland More Competitive:
"We applaud the Moore-Miller Administration for including several key investments in the FY 2025 budget to strengthen Maryland's tech economy," said Maryland Tech Council Chief Executive Officer Kelly Schulz. "These investments are critical to support industries of the future, create more good-paying jobs, and generate more tax revenue to support our communities."
"The governor's support of UpSurge and our work to build the first Equitech city in Baltimore is a game changer for our growing tech community," said UpSurge Chief Executive Officer Kory Bailey. "Equitech is our aspiration to build a tech economy anchored by diverse leadership, equitable systems and practices, and a culture of belonging in tech."
“The Moore Administration’s support and partnership to solidify the Baltimore Region as a federal tech hub, and now the commitments to invest in the ecosystem organizations is a significant step forward," said Greater Baltimore Committee President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Anthony Thomas. "With this support, we’re poised to ensure the region’s innovation economy helps power Maryland’s decade and look forward to the continued partnership through this and future phases of this transformative federal opportunity.”
“We are profoundly grateful for Governor Moore’s strong investment in higher education and the Eastern Shore,” said Salisbury University President Dr. Carolyn Lepre. “The crucial support provided to Salisbury University in the governor’s budget is instrumental in ensuring that every student who attends SU has the opportunity to not just succeed but thrive, emphasizing our collective commitment to fostering inclusivity and accessibility in education across the Eastern Shore.”
Making Maryland A State That Serves:
“I applaud Governor Moore for his continued bold leadership to make Maryland a state where service transforms communities and the lives of those who serve,” said AmeriCorps Chief Executive Officer Michael D. Smith. "When states prioritize national service, the benefits are transformative – from a stronger workforce and more equitable access to post-secondary education, to safer, healthier, and more unified communities.”
"When Governor Moore came into office, he was clear that during his term Maryland would create a service year option for our high school graduates–he did it in his first year, when so many said it couldn’t happen,” said Break A Difference Chief Executive Officer Brian Pham. “That kind of vision and commitment to our state and young people is what we need to make sure Maryland is the state that serves today, tomorrow, and well after Wes Moore is the Governor of Maryland.”
“As a proud graduate of a two-year school, no one knows the importance of our work like Governor Moore,” said Maryland Association of Community Colleges Executive Director Brad Phillips. “His commitment to ensuring that Maryland is that state that serves is rooted in every community that the Service Year program is a part of. Our state is fortunate for his leadership, and we are proud to stand alongside him.”
“In his first year Governor Moore has shown a commitment to young people that is second to none,” said Maryland Independent College and University Association President Matt Power. “From support of veterans and students to creating the first ever state-operated service year program, Governor Moore has shown Maryland his desire to commit the resources and make the investments to help us build the future we want to see here.”
“Nonprofit organizations have benefited tremendously from the impact of Governor Moore’s service year program,” said Maryland Nonprofits President and Chief Executive Officer Heather Iliff. “In his first year in office, the governor has been able to create a major program that has had a material impact on communities across the state immediately. His vision for this program will make Maryland a state that serves.”
