With state revenue lagging behind projections, Gov. Larry Hogan’s budget chief said Wednesday the governor would not spend $80 million the General Assembly authorized him to use this year to reduce violence, renovate older schools and fund other programs.
Budget Secretary David R. Brinkley said, it would be “shortsighted” to spend money that should go into the state’s savings account.
The legislature’s chief budget analyst estimated revenue to be $150 million short of projections.
The administration’s decision to not spend the $80 million set aside by lawmakers — Hogan’s choice was to spend all or none of it — sets up a confrontation with the Democratic-led legislature, which in recent years has tried to force spending on programs it prefers by redirecting money from the governor’s budget proposal.
Under the Maryland Constitution, the legislature cannot add spending to the governor’s budget — it can only cut money and request that it be spent elsewhere.
Click here to read the rest of the article written by Michael Dresser over at Baltimore Sun