
Photo Courtesy of The Office of Governor Wes Moore
On April 8, 2026, Governor Wes Moore signed Maryland’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget into law following passage by the General Assembly with bipartisan support. The enacted budget reflects a combination of spending restraint and targeted investments across several core policy areas, including education, public safety, energy, and economic development.
The FY 2027 budget was developed against a backdrop of ongoing fiscal pressures and economic uncertainty. Legislative leaders and the administration emphasized maintaining fiscal stability while continuing investments in priority programs. Notably, the budget includes no new taxes or fees and maintains key reserve levels.
“Today’s bill signing is about delivering a state budget that reflects both discipline and direction, and does not lose sight of Maryland’s future,” said Senate President Bill Ferguson. “From the very beginning of January, we were clear-eyed about the challenges in front of us … this budget reflects balance, protecting what matters most today and investing in tomorrow.”
House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk said, “This budget reflects what’s possible when we put Marylanders first—bringing together Democrats and Republicans from every region of the state to make responsible choices that strengthen our economy, support working families, and invest in our communities.”
Overall, the enacted budget reflects a continuation of existing policy priorities, with incremental increases in funding for select programs and sustained focus on long-term economic competitiveness, infrastructure, and workforce development.
Budget Overview
- No new taxes or fees
- Rainy Day Fund maintained at 8%
- Fund balance increased to approximately $250 million
- General Fund spending lower than FY 2026 levels
Cost of Living & Community Investment
Energy & Utilities
- ~$306 million for renewable and clean energy programs (Strategic Energy Investment Fund)
- $100 million in utility bill relief
- Investments in energy infrastructure and resiliency research
Child Care & Poverty Reduction
- $434 million for the Child Care Scholarship program
- $32 million for the ENOUGH Initiative targeting high-poverty communities
Community Revitalization
- $73.7 million for more than 250 revitalization projects statewide
- Over $45 million directed to ‘Just Communities’ initiatives
Public Safety & Corrections
- Law Enforcement: $124.1 million for State Aid for Police Protection
- Juvenile Services: $10.6 million increase (total ~$30 million) for community-based youth programs
- Correctional Facilities: $35+ million for maintenance and operations of aging facilities
Education
- $10.1 billion total investment (+$370 million over FY 2026)
- ~$10.9 million for literacy and math coaching
- $480.5 million for school construction
- $19.4 million for teacher recruitment/retention
- $572 million for Community Schools programs
Economic Development & Innovation
- $100+ million in targeted business tax incentives
- Continued effort to diversify beyond traditional sectors
- $20 million toward IonQ headquarters (College Park)
- $22 million for Quantum Start-Up Foundry and test-bed infrastructure
- $20 million for a University of Maryland ‘Deep Tech’ facility
- $12 million for workforce and research recruitment in Prince George’s County
Source: Office of the Governor, “Governor Moore Signs FY 2027 Budget, Delivering Historic Education and Public Safety Investments without Raising Taxes or Fees,” April 8, 2026.