Good morning, all.
Here's my write-up in today's paper about continued concerns that the shaky economy may force further budget cuts in the state budget. (No talk of tax increases, yet.)
Gov. Martin O'Malley, a Democrat, submitted a $31.6 billion budget last week that increases total spending by 6 percent and spending controlled by lawmakers 4 percent, but does not completely close a long-term budget gap.
"It does represent a significant improvement in the financial position than that which faced the state in fall," said Warren G. Deschenaux, the Assembly's chief budget analyst. "By no means can we say the problem is completely resolved, but I think it is easier to envision a happier ending for the general fund than there was six months ago."
Here's my write-up from last week on the same problem. Keep an eye here for updates throughout the 90-day regular session, here in Annapolis.
