Maryland spending growth ranks fourth highest in nation

Maryland state spending is projected to increase at the fourth-highest rate in the nation next fiscal year, according to a report released Thursday.

A study by the National Governors Association and National Association of State Budget Officers shows that general fund spending will increase 11.2 percent from this fiscal year in Maryland, trailing just Florida, Minnesota and Iowa, respectively. Virginia ranks 21st with a 5.6 percent growth rate, while the nationwide average is just 2.6 percent.