Maryland state Sen. Guy Guzzone, left, talks about a budget agreement reached on the state’s $63 billion budget with Del. Ben Barnes during an availability with journalists, Wednesday, April 3, 2024 in Annapolis, Md. ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland lawmakers headed toward a final vote Friday on the state’s $63 billion budget legislation, which includes tax and fee increases to help pay for transportation and education, though not as much as some lawmakers wanted.for the budget year starting July 1.
A variety of tobacco tax increases, including an additional $1.25 on a pack of cigarettes, will help generate about $91 million for K-12 education, though that is estimated to drop off due to a projected decline in tobacco use.
House and Senate differences on how much to raise new revenues held up passage of the state’s spending plan until late in the legislative session, which is set to adjourn Monday at midnight.to get further in front of expected education costs and transportation funding shortfalls. In addition to taxes, fees and tolls, it included corporate tax reform and a proposal to legalize internet gambling.