ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Governor Larry Hogan on Tuesday unveiled his proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2022.
In it, the Governor calls for tax and stimulus relief and investments in education, crime prevention, and public health.
This budget aims to stimulate Maryland’s economy with the implementation of Governor Hogan’s recently announced $1 billion RELIEF Act, an emergency legislative package that will provide more than $1 billion in direct stimulus and tax relief for Maryland working families, small businesses, and those who have lost their jobs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As for the tax relief, Hogan wants retirees to see their taxes decrease. The Governor is looking to expand the Hometown Heroes Tax Credit, and increase the tax exemption status for all retired military pensions.
Hogan's budget includes $7.5 billion towards K-12 education. If approved, schools would be held harmless from declining enrollment figures.
Resources would be made available and target tutoring programs that address learning loss. Full-day Pre-K would see expansion as would the BOOST program to help low-income students attend non-public schools.
Community Colleges would be among the funding recipients, with no tuition increases.
Chesapeake Bay restoration and Program Open Space would be fully funded, according to Hogan.
The FY 2022 budget includes $48.8 million to fully fund the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund, which supports critical bay restoration activities and implementation of best management practices.
The budget would provide $978 million for mental health and substance abuse programs.
In the FY 2022 budget, police aid to local governments is funded at $74.6 million and local law enforcement grants are funded at $43.7 million—including $3 million to protect Marylanders against hate crimes.
Public Health is highlighted in the budget, with more money being allocated to providers, in-home care for the elderly, and local health departments.
Hogan will officially introduce the budget before the General Assembly on Wednesday.
