When Delegates Joe Boteler and John Cluster were sworn in as legislators in 2003, the biggest challenge facing state government was the budget deficit. The state faced a $2 billion shortfall, caused largely by a poor economy and by the Glendening administration’s unsustainable level of spending.
 

Today, Maryland’s economic outlook is bright again. Governor Ehrlich’s last three budgets have trimmed the state government and sharply reduced the growth in spending. Thanks to fiscal discipline and a robust economy, the state is projected to have a $777 million surplus this year.

Just as important, Maryland is one of only seven states with a Triple AAA bond rating, which means the state can borrow at reduced rates.
Over the past three years, Delegates Boteler and Cluster have tried to steer government spending toward core services. Those functions include public safety, education, and transportation.

The budgets since 2003 have sharply increased local aid to schools, public school construction, and funding for improvements to roads and bridges.

This page was last edited on March 30, 2006