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County legislative update warns of $3 billion state shortfall as local leaders press Annapolis on schools funding
Summary
Carroll County legislative liaison reviewed House budget actions that aim to close an estimated $3 billion state deficit, outlined proposed tax and program changes, and commissioners and parents urged continued advocacy to protect local school funding under the Blueprint formulas.
Pam, the county’s legislative presenter, told the Carroll County Commissioners on March 27 that Maryland faces an estimated $3,000,000,000 budget shortfall and that the General Assembly has been focused this week on closing that gap.
"Maryland has faced an excess of $3,000,000,000 deficit this year," Pam said, and she outlined House actions that would produce roughly $1 billion through a mix of program reductions and tax changes while preserving some high‑priority line items. She described pending proposals that would expand sales and excise taxes, add a 3 percent tax on certain IT services, raise income tax brackets for the highest earners, and change corporate reporting rules.
Pam told the board the House left the Blueprint funding formulas in place but that those formulas have not been adjusted for inflation since they were adopted and so — while technically "fully funded" by formula — do not fully cover districts’ rising costs in practice.
The presentation drew public comment from parents who said the county school system is already strained. Julie Walsh, a volunteer and parent active with the Carroll Education Coalition, said she and other parents have been in Annapolis weekly advocating for changes that would give Carroll flexibility and protect funding for local staffing and programs.
"We've been in Annapolis almost every week, walking the halls, talking to staff and legislators, testifying on the governor's education bill," Walsh said, describing coalition lobbying on amendments and flexibility for Carroll County schools.
Lisa Maizano, another parent, asked the commissioners to sustain the board’s earlier preliminary budget motion adding $13 million for Carroll County Public Schools, saying insurance and utility costs have climbed sharply and that county funding should not treat the maintenance‑of‑effort calculation as a ceiling.
Commissioners thanked constituents for attending and urged residents to continue contacting the county delegation. Pam said the Senate will now consider the House plan, differences will be sorted in conference committee, and the county should remain engaged throughout the remainder of session.
Ending: Commissioners and staff said they would keep monitoring the budget bills, continue outreach in Annapolis, and return to the board as new developments affect county revenue and the local school budget.
