Governor Moore Signs Fiscal Year 2027 Budget, Prioritizing Education and Public Safety Without New Taxes

Annapolis, MD – Governor Wes Moore has officially signed the Fiscal Year 2027 state budget into law, enacting significant investments in education and public safety without introducing any new taxes or fees for Marylanders. This budget, which garnered bipartisan approval from the Maryland General Assembly, also reinforces the state’s financial stability by maintaining the Rainy Day Fund at 8% and increasing the state’s Fund Balance to $250 million. Notably, the General Fund expenditures for FY 2027 are set to be lower than those in the preceding fiscal year. The enacted budget aims to enhance affordability and competitiveness within the state, reflecting a commitment to its residents’ well-being and future prosperity.

The newly signed budget introduces substantial funding for initiatives designed to alleviate costs for Maryland residents. A significant allocation of $306 million has been designated for renewable and clean energy programs through the Maryland Energy Administration, sourced from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund. This funding is intended to support lower utility bills, bolster clean energy infrastructure, and advance research in energy resilience. Additionally, $100 million has been earmarked for utility fee relief. The budget also continues a record $434 million in state funding for the Child Care Scholarship program, assisting families with the cost of high-quality childcare. Further efforts to combat child poverty include a $32 million investment in community-led programs aimed at addressing poverty in high-need neighborhoods through the ENOUGH Initiative. To revitalize communities, $73.7 million will fund over 250 projects administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. A substantial portion of this, more than $45 million, will be directed towards “Just Communities” across Maryland, targeting areas historically affected by disparities to promote equitable opportunities and repair past harms.

In the realm of public safety, the budget dedicates a record $124.1 million to law enforcement through the State Aid for Police Protection Program. This represents a continued commitment by the Moore-Miller Administration to enhance safety, coinciding with reported historic decreases in violent crime. The budget also expands community-based programs for justice-involved youth, investing $10.6 million in the Department of Juvenile Services, bringing total investments to $30 million for programs like Safer, Stronger Together and the Thrive Academy. Furthermore, over $35 million will be allocated to support the maintenance and operations of aging facilities within the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, including those managed by the Department of Juvenile Services.

The Fiscal Year 2027 budget also marks a significant investment in Maryland’s economic future and educational landscape. A total of $10.1 billion is dedicated to K-12 education, representing an increase of over $370 million from FY 2026, and an almost 17% rise in overall K-12 funding since the beginning of the Moore-Miller Administration. This includes $10.9 million for the Academic Excellence Program to support literacy and math coaches, $480.5 million for school construction to modernize facilities, $19.4 million to address teacher vacancies, and $572 million for Community Schools, a 16% increase from the previous fiscal year. These funds will extend wraparound student and family support services to more than half of Maryland schools. To diversify the state’s economy beyond traditional sectors, the budget includes over $100 million in targeted business tax cuts and measures to strengthen private investment. Maryland is also positioning itself as a leader in quantum technology, with the budget supporting over $500 million in quantum investments. Specific allocations include $20 million towards IonQ’s new headquarters in College Park, $22 million for the University of Maryland Enterprise Corporation to expand the Quantum Start-Up Foundry and establish Quantum Test-Beds, and $12 million to support quantum initiatives in Prince George’s County, including recruiting faculty and technical experts.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Office of Governor Wes Moore

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