House GOP Leaders Criticize Moore Administration’s Budget for Increased Taxes!

Race Day Live  House Minority Leader Jason Buckel and other Maryland Republicans strongly criticized Governor Wes Moore’s proposed fiscal 2026 budget during a press conference.

The $67.3 billion budget plan, according to GOP lawmakers, fails to deliver genuine tax relief and instead burdens residents with additional taxes and fees.

Governor Moore has emphasized that his budget aims to stimulate the state’s economy through a “growth agenda.”

He claims it includes $2 billion in spending cuts and efficiencies, along with $1 billion in new revenue.

Some of the reductions include $200 million from the Developmental Disabilities Administration, $110 million from the University System of Maryland, and $50 million from general government operating costs.

However, Republicans argue these figures are misleading. They say that many of the so-called cuts are merely a slower increase in spending rather than actual reductions.

They estimate true cuts to be closer to $1.3 billion and accuse the administration of raising taxes to offset spending.

One particular tax proposal that drew sharp criticism is a 75-cent fee for retail deliveries, such as those from Amazon or DoorDash.

GOP lawmakers argue this will affect every Marylander. “Every Marylander will pay some sort of additional tax and fee under this budget,” said Senator Justin Ready.

The budget also proposes changes to the corporate tax rate and income tax code. Governor Moore claims these changes will reduce income taxes for nearly two-thirds of residents while increasing rates for those earning $500,000 or more annually.

But Republicans are skeptical of these measures, stating that any benefits from tax cuts are negated by higher fees and other revenue measures.

Education funding has also become a contentious issue. While Democrats insist that funding for the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future – a sweeping education reform plan – is secure for the next two years, some aspects of the program have been delayed.

This has angered education groups and prompted criticism from Democratic lawmakers.

Republicans believe the state’s spending priorities, including education reforms and climate initiatives, need serious reconsideration.

They argue that these mandates leave little room for meaningful budget cuts.

Despite their criticism, GOP lawmakers acknowledged some positive aspects of Governor Moore’s approach, particularly his focus on economic growth and private sector job creation.

“We’re happy that Gov. Moore acknowledges that private sector job creation is key to Maryland’s economic future,” Buckel said.

Even so, Republicans believe Moore’s plan falls short. They claim his strategy for economic growth relies too heavily on increased taxes and fees, which they say will make Maryland less affordable for residents.

House Minority Whip Jesse Pippy pointed out that rising costs are already a major concern for Marylanders.

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Republicans also highlighted the limited power they have in the legislature, given the Democratic supermajorities in both the House and Senate.

While they aim to engage in discussions and raise public awareness, they acknowledge the challenges of opposing the budget.

“We’ll keep having these conversations with taxpayers and Democratic lawmakers,” Buckel said. “But ultimately, we need real spending cuts to make Maryland more affordable for everyone.”

The debate over the budget will likely continue, as both parties grapple with the state’s projected $3 billion deficit for fiscal 2026.

Governor Moore remains steadfast in his belief that economic growth is the solution, but GOP lawmakers insist that deeper spending cuts are essential.