Prince George’s and Montgomery counties, as well as Baltimore, would be hit the hardest by sweeping budget cuts proposed if lawmakers fail to pass tax increases to balance the budget for the coming fiscal year.
The “doomsday” budget proposal would cut $794.9 million from the state budget, including big drops in higher and K-12 education spending, police aid to local jurisdiction, Medicaid spending, and the elimination of 500 state positions, according to figures prepared for a state Senate budget committee by the Office of Legislative Services.
Prince George’s County would lose $77.1 million in local aid, while Montgomery County would be hit with $51.3 million in spending cuts.
“This is the backup list,” said Warren Deschenaux, director of the Office of Policy Analysis. “This is our plan B and C.”
Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr., D-Calvert and Prince George’s counties, has said the cuts are necessary if lawmakers can’t come to an agreement on raising revenue to avoid cuts to education and other local aid.
The doomsday budget sends a message to lawmakers in jurisdictions where cuts would be the deepest but opposition to tax increases are strongest.
It also shows residents just how dire a situation the state is now in, according to Sen. Nancy King, D-Montgomery County.
“I think it’s hard for people to understand we cut the easy stuff years ago,” King said. “This is really kind of what’s left.”
Gov. Martin O’Malley has said the doomsday budget is irresponsible compared with his budget proposal for $800 million in cuts and $311 million in new revenues.
