Maryland lawmakers have concluded their 90-day legislative session following a challenging year for the state’s budget. The session, which began in January, was marked by tough budget decisions as lawmakers grappled with the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the session, lawmakers worked to address a range of issues, including economic recovery, education funding, and healthcare access. Despite the financial constraints, the legislature approved a $52 billion budget for the next fiscal year, which includes funding for key services and programs.
One of the key priorities for lawmakers this session was addressing the impact of the pandemic on the state’s economy. Maryland has faced high unemployment rates and revenue shortfalls due to the economic downturn caused by the pandemic. Lawmakers worked to allocate resources to support small businesses, unemployed workers, and essential services.
Education funding was also a major focus for legislators, with efforts made to ensure that schools have the resources they need to support students during these challenging times. Additionally, lawmakers passed legislation to expand healthcare access and address disparities in healthcare outcomes.
Despite the challenges of the past year, Maryland lawmakers expressed optimism about the state’s future. Senate President Bill Ferguson stated, “We’ve experienced a lot of difficult moments, but also seen remarkable resiliency and strength.”
As the legislative session comes to a close, lawmakers will now turn their attention to implementing the new budget and continuing to address the ongoing impact of the pandemic on the state. The conclusion of the session marks the end of a challenging chapter for Maryland lawmakers, who are now focused on moving forward and building a stronger future for the state.
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