Delegate Ben Barnes, Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, joins Conversations with HJM to share insights on Maryland’s budget, education, and infrastructure priorities.
In this episode, Chairman Barnes explains how Maryland closed a structural deficit last session, balancing the budget through targeted cuts and new revenue while protecting the state’s AAA bond rating. He discusses how ongoing federal policy changes and potential cuts could impact Medicaid, education, and federal jobs in Maryland, while emphasizing the state’s commitment to fiscal stability.
Barnes highlights transportation as a top priority and underscores the importance of fully funding the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, which is beginning to show measurable success in student achievement and remains the state’s cornerstone strategy for tackling long-term poverty through education.
Barnes also reflects on the challenges posed by national economic uncertainty and federal policy shifts, while affirming the General Assembly’s dedication to safeguarding education, healthcare, and critical infrastructure for Marylanders.
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