Anne Arundel legislators say helping to balance a state budget facing a significant deficit is their top priority and biggest challenge in the upcoming General Assembly session.
“I’m not putting in any major bills, because all my energy will be focused on the budget,” said Del. Pam Beidle, D-District 32.
“We’re going to have to continue to make cuts, and we’re not really going to be able to do anything in terms of spending.”
The state is facing a nearly $2 billion deficit that could grow if revenue continues to decline. Many legislators say more anticipated budget cuts could mean reduced services.
Legislators on both sides of the aisle agree little spending will be approved this year.
This session’s “going to be how we will be able to maintain important programs while making major reductions,” said Sen. James “Ed” DeGrange, D-District 32.
Cuts to local aid to counties are imminent, legislators say, as Anne Arundel is facing a $36 million deficit. That would mean the county would either have to raise taxes, cut services or a combination of both to account for the funding loss.
“I think the [Anne Arundel] County Council will run into the same problem we’ll run into,” said Del. Ted Sophocleus, D-District 32.
“What cuts we make plays dramatically to the county taxpayers. It’s not going to be an easy budget for anyone.”
Del. Nic Kipke, R-District 31, said the budget woes could mean less funding for school construction and roads. And it would be “irresponsible” for legislators, groups and associations to ask for pet project funding this year.
But lawmakers are eying Washington, D.C., and President-elect Barack Obama’s proposed federal spending package.
Increased federal funding for infrastructure projects would not only create jobs, but ease the burden on the state and local budgets to maintain schools, bridges and roads.
In particular, the hope from state and local officials is the use of stimulus funding for road improvements around Fort Meade, which were deferred by the state this past year because of the struggling economy.
“Our federal delegation gets it, but to prevent deep cuts, there can be no roadblocks thrown in,” said Sen. Jim Rosapepe, D-District 30.
