Maryland DLS recommends $1.7M cuts and position reductions across multiple agencies

The Maryland General Assembly's Appropriations Committee convened on March 19, 2025, to discuss various budget recommendations and agency responses. The session focused on adjustments to funding allocations across multiple departments, with significant implications for staffing and operational budgets.

The meeting began with the Department of Legislative Services (DLS) recommending a reduction of $94,198 in general funds to increase turnover expectancy for contractual positions to 10%. However, the agency expressed disagreement with this proposal. A more substantial recommendation followed, suggesting a reduction of approximately $1.7 million in general funds, which would eliminate 12 new office sector positions, 9 office start positions, 2 administrative positions, and 2 IT positions. The Office of the Public Defender also disagreed with this recommendation.

The committee then reviewed the Office of the Attorney General, where DLS recommended adopting a narrative regarding the final implementation of excess counsel evictions and future costs reporting. An alternative action was proposed in the additional actions packet. The Office of the State Prosecutor's budget was discussed next, with DLS recommending concurrence with the governor's allowance, which the agency agreed to.

Further discussions included the Subsequent Injury Fund and the Uninsured Employers Fund, both of which saw recommendations to concur with the governor's allowance and to submit reports regarding third-party administration needs, respectively. The Workers Compensation Commission was advised to reduce special funds by around $554,000 to increase turnover expectancy to 7%, a recommendation the agency accepted.

The Board of Public Works was addressed next, with a recommendation to reduce the contingent fund appropriation by $1.5 million, leaving a balance of $1 million. The agency did not respond to this recommendation. Additionally, the Maryland Zoo was discussed regarding operational reporting requirements, but the agency did not provide a response.

The Executive Department's recommendations included reducing two new positions from a total of 13 vacant positions, which the agency disagreed with. Another recommendation to eliminate a deficiency appropriation for a federal government affairs contract was accepted by the agency.

The committee also reviewed recommendations for the Board's commissions and offices, which included restricting general funds until a report on agency minority business participation is submitted. The agency agreed to this, requesting a modification of the due date.

In the supplemental budget discussions, DLS recommended deleting five new positions and associated funding for the Office of Immigrant Affairs, which was met with agreement from the agency. The State Ethics Commission was also asked to submit a report on county executive ethics law, with the agency concurring with the governor's allowance.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy, where DLS recommended restricting funds pending a report on the Victims of Crime Act grant program, a recommendation the agency concurred with. However, the agency disagreed with DLS's recommendations to delete $4 million in general funds for the police accountability grant and $45.9 million for state aid for police protection enhancement funding.

Overall, the session highlighted ongoing budgetary challenges and differing perspectives between the DLS and various agencies regarding staffing and funding priorities. The committee's recommendations will shape the fiscal landscape for Maryland in the upcoming budget cycle.