December 30th, 2020 by WCBC Radio
Lost in the hotly contested presidential election in November was a ballot question in Maryland giving lawmakers more of a say in how the state’s budget is crafted. That statewide referendum question was supported by 75% of voters. The budget referendum will allow lawmakers to increase, decrease and move money around in the state’s spending blueprint, subject to the overall cap set by the governor. Governor Larry Hogan’s state political committee, Change Maryland, launched a website in opposition to the measure. Republican lawmakers also spoke against it. In October, Hogan made clear his position on Question 1, calling it “a blatant cash and power grab of multi-billion dollar proportions.” One of those Republican lawmakers strongly opposed to the change is Delegate Mike McKay. He says that once this goes into effect- the state’s smaller, rural counties could have much less say in setting fiscal priorities. As a result, he says, its imperative for the local delegation to strengthen its relationship with downstate lawmakers…
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