Maryland Lawmakers Approve $70 Billion Budget Without Tax Increases While Addressing School Safety and State Worker Pay

Maryland lawmakers are navigating tight budgets and pressing social issues as the legislative session progresses. Delegate Caylin Young denied claims he told police he was on top of the law during a traffic stop, demanding a media apology according to Fox News reports. A 17-year-old at Great Mills High School faces adult charges for allegedly stabbing another student in a school bathroom, Fox5 DC reports. The Senate Budget and Taxation Committee unveiled its fiscal year 2027 spending plan, totaling around $70 billion with $250 million to spare and no tax hikes, WYPR reports. It softens Governor Wes Moores proposed 10 percent cuts to the Developmental Disabilities Administration by adopting only $127 million in reductions, rejecting a $500,000 cap on individual care budgets to avoid institutionalizing clients, while trimming self-directed caregiver wages and enforcing dedicated care hours more strictly. State employee salaries see a modest 2 percent average increase via cost-of-living adjustments and step changes, below inflation and drawing criticism from AFSCME Maryland President Patrick Moran, who calls for prioritizing frontline workers. In education, Montgomery County Public Schools advances major projects like Damascus High School and Eastern Middle School amid debates over a $2.79 billion capital plan, potentially delaying elementary replacements if funding falls short, per MCPS updates. Community college construction grants fund 14 projects at 11 campuses with $52.4 million, alongside workforce centers at Howard Community College set for July 2026 completion. Business developments include the Brightview Homeland senior living project next to Notre Dame of Maryland University, breaking ground summer 2026 for 170 residences opening in 2028, The Daily Record reports. Officials introduced the Utility RELIEF Act to lower resident energy bills. Recent storms brought cold rain and snow across the state, CBS News Baltimore notes, with no major disruptions reported. Public safety remains vigilant amid school incidents. Looking Ahead: The Senate budget heads to the House next week for tweaks, while higher education capital projects like lab modernizations begin construction this spring. Watch for energy bill reforms and session-end wage negotiations. Thank you for tuning in, listeners. Please subscribe for more. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai. Some great Deals https://amzn.to/49SJ3Qs For more check out http://www.quietplease.ai This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.