Posted on 01/08/26
| News Source: FOX45
Annapolis, MD - Jan. 8, 2026 - Gov. Wes Moore on Thursday touted sharp declines in violent crime and announced major increases in state spending on public safety and education as he continued a statewide tour promoting his new budget proposal.
Speaking outside the Maryland State Police College Park Barracks, Moore said homicides have fallen 44% statewide over the past three years. Baltimore recorded a 58% drop during that period, while Prince George’s County saw a 39% decline, according to the governor.
Moore said his budget includes what he described as a record $124.1 million in public safety aid for local law enforcement agencies. The funding, he said, would support additional patrols and bolster special operations units.
Later in the day, Moore visited Frederick High School in Frederick County, where he promoted his plan to increase state education spending by more than $373 million, bringing total funding to a record $10.2 billion.
The governor’s proposals come as Maryland continues to face a $1.4 billion budget shortfall, even after lawmakers approved significant tax and fee increases last year. Asked whether taxpayers can afford additional spending, Moore said he intends to submit a balanced budget without raising taxes.
“Yes, we are going to make sure that for the fourth year in a row I will present a balanced budget to the people of this state,” Moore said. “I have said we are not going to raise taxes on the people of the state of Maryland.”
Maryland Republicans are already blasting Moore’s planned increase in spending on education.
“Maryland already spends billions of dollars each year on public education under the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, and that program is on track to drive up to $4 billion in new structural deficits in the coming years,” said Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey. “At a time when the state is facing serious budget shortfalls, piling even more spending on top of an already unsustainable mandate is fiscally irresponsible.”
Moore made similar assurances at the start of last year’s legislative session, but lawmakers ultimately approved $1.6 billion in new taxes and fees before adjourning.
The General Assembly convenes next week, beginning a 90-day session in which Moore’s budget plan is expected to be a central focus.