Make No Mistake — This Structural Deficit Is The Direct Result Of The Majority Party’s Reckless Overspending

“Other people, spending other people's money, on other things is a very dangerous way to run a government.” - Milton Friedman

The budget crisis we now face was entirely predictable — Republicans warned about it when Democrats pushed for the 2020 constitutional amendment that expanded the Maryland General Assembly's budgetary powers. The majority party sold this amendment as a way to provide "more flexibility," but in reality, it handed them the power to increase spending, shuffle funds, and expand the budget with little restraint.

Even some Democrats were wary. Delegate Geraldine Valentino-Smith (D-Prince George’s County) opposed the amendment, expressing concerns about the rushed process and warning that it could undermine "the integrity of the process." Her reward for speaking out? She was stripped of her leadership position. Despite these warnings, voters were misled into approving the measure, unaware of the consequences it would bring.

Once the General Assembly gained these new powers in 2023, the members wasted no time. They ramped up spending and borrowing, creating a staggering $3.3 billion deficit. Make no mistake — this structural deficit is the direct result of reckless overspending. During the 2023 session, I spoke out against Governor Wes Moore’s budget, which recklessly drained a $5 billion surplus left by Governor Larry Hogan (House Bill 200 in 2023; House vote—Senate vote). The seeds of this crisis were sown during the COVID years, as spending surged. Maryland’s state budget ballooned by 32% in just four years.

To compensate for the loss of federal COVID funds, the Moore administration resorted to raising hundreds of fees. Then, with the surplus depleted, the General Assembly approved another $453 million tax hike. Have you renewed your car registration lately? You probably noticed the sharp increase — just one of many in their so-called "enhanced revenue package," which is nothing more than code for tax hikes.

Now, after Crossover Day has passed, we still haven't voted on the budget. The tax-and-spend majority in Annapolis is once again reaching deeper into your wallet. With no plans to reduce spending, they’re preparing to push through even more tax increases — targeting deliveries, income, sales and small businesses. Since Wes Moore took office, the tax-and-spend majority has already raised taxes and fees over 300 times — and they’re still not done.

The consequences of this unchecked, one-party control are clear: runaway spending, rising taxes, and working families left to foot the bill. It’s time to hold them accountable.