The House of Delegates has cut about $498 million from the State budget according to the Washington Post (see also the article in the Baltimore Sun):
The Maryland House of Delegates overwhelmingly voted this afternoon to direct Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) to cut about $498 million from the next fiscal year's budget by slowing planned spending growth on several state education, health-care and environmental initiatives.
In a 103 to 36 vote along party lines in the Democratic-controlled chamber, delegates voted to save about $150 million by scaling back the formula used to fund public schools, as well as to eliminate 750 vacant state jobs. The spending cuts are a key component of O'Malley's plan to eliminate a projected budget deficit of at least $1.5 billion during a special legislative session.
Del. Norman H. Conway (D-Wicomico), chairman of the Appropriations Committee, said trimming the budget will return "fiscal prudence and social responsibility" to Maryland's government. . . .
The House bill is similar to legislation passed by the Senate last week calling for $515 million in spending cuts. But several differences will need to be reconciled by conference committees. The House spelled out detailed program cuts to recommend to O'Malley, whereas the Senate bill was far less specific.
Delegates also trimmed spending on stem cell research grants, from $23 million to $20 million this year, and recommended that O'Malley maintain the reduced level of funding next year.
In a move projected to save about $31 million next year, the committee decided to eliminate a property tax exemption for machinery and equipment that is used by utility companies to generate electricity.
"Do people like the cuts?" asked Del. Melony G. Griffith (D-Prince George's). "No, they don't. . . . Every program that's served by state dollars believes they are the most critical program in this state."
However, the House still hasn't approved slots, a key aspect of the Senate budget plan. There are also differences in the income tax. The two houses will also need to agree on a single list of spending cuts as there are difference between the House bill and the Senate bill.
