Maryland Counties Advocate for State Funding Amid Budget Concerns

The Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) expressed strong support for a key bill during the Education, Energy, and Environment Committee session on February 26, 2025, but raised concerns regarding its fiscal implications. Kevin Canale, representing MACo, highlighted the pressing financial challenges faced by counties, including a staggering $300 million cost shift in the current budget cycle.

Canale emphasized the importance of state support to ensure the bill's provisions do not impose additional financial burdens on local governments. He noted that counties are already grappling with significant fiscal pressures, including the loss of highway user revenue, which has not been restored.

In light of these challenges, MACo is advocating for an amendment that would require the state to cover any costs associated with the bill's implementation. This request underscores the need for collaboration between state and local governments to address shared fiscal responsibilities effectively.

The committee's discussions reflect a broader concern about the sustainability of local funding in the face of new legislative initiatives. As the session progresses, the outcome of these discussions will be crucial for determining how local governments can manage their budgets while supporting state-level initiatives.