Maryland students, education advocates raise concerns about proposed 2026 budget cuts
The rally in Annapolis is being held on Crossover Day, known as one of the busiest days of the legislative session.
Rally organizers say Gov. Wes Moore's proposed budget includes cuts to education that would strip essential resources from schools and disproportionately impact students with the highest needs.
Gov. Moore's proposed budget aims to address a $2.7 billion deficit through spending cuts and tax increases for residents who earn more than $500,000 annually.
The budget would also increase taxes for sports betting and recreational cannabis, and would add a surcharge on deliveries from companies that make more than $500,000 per year.
During an
interview in January
, shortly after the proposed budget was introduced, Gov. Moore told WJZ the $2 billion in cuts will impact programs that are determined to be ineffective.
"There are certain programs that, as we looked at and really did deep dives, I question their efficacy," Gov. Moore said. "So you'll see certain programs, for example, certain tax credits, the enterprise tax credit is one. There's no evidence of efficacy that we have seen."
The governor also said there would be cuts to education programs that do not impact the state's Blueprint initiative and cuts to higher education spending.
Gov. Moore's proposed budget would cut $111 million from the
University System of Maryland
. The higher education system would get $2.21 billion in state funding, under the 2026 budget, down from $2.32 billion in 2025.
The system is comprised of 12 institutions and three regional centers. Gov. Moore predicts that tuition rates will increase by a projected 2.2% in 2026.
Under the proposed budget, local community colleges would receive $63.2 million.
The University of Maryland, Baltimore would receive $42.9 million for construction, and Towson University would receive $71.1 million for construction. Morgan State University would get $119.2 million for construction and other upgrades.
The budget also includes $8 million for projects at three private institutions.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Magazine
an hour ago
- Time Magazine
The 2028 Democratic Presidential Nominees Need to Start Now
Maryland Governor Wes Moore recently said on a podcast that Democrats shouldn't be thinking about 2028 right now. Focus on the present, not the next presidential cycle, he urged—going so far as to suggest that even eyeing 2028 is 'disqualifying.' I admire Governor Moore. He is one of our party's best leaders. I agree with his instincts for urgency but I think we can get to work right now and also prepare for the future. Urgency also means preparing the next generation to lead—starting today. The Democratic Party brand is in crisis. And one essential part of fixing it is to elevate the next generation of leadership—not in 2027, not after the midterms, but right now. We will not win without it. Let's start with the bad news: in poll after poll, the Democratic Party is losing the perception war. We're increasingly viewed as the party of the status quo—of aging leadership, of elite institutions, of technocratic detachment from the everyday struggles of the people we aim to serve. Ask voters under 40 what Democrats stand for and too often, you'll get a shrug. Ask swing voters in battleground states how they feel about the direction of the party, and the numbers are bleak. The Wall Street Journal recently reported Democratic favorability is at a 35-year low. Now the good news: the bench of leaders ready to step up to the plate for Democrats is not just deep—it's exceptional. Read More: Poor People Are America's Swing Voters We have governors with big wins and broad appeal: Wes Moore, Gretchen Whitmer, Andy Beshear, Josh Shapiro, JB Pritzker, Gavin Newsom, Phil Murphy. We have senators like Ruben Gallego, Elissa Slotkin, Chris Coons and Chris Murphy, mayors like Mitch Landrieu and Justin Bibb, cabinet secretaries like Gina Raimondo and Pete Buttigieg, and rising stars like James Talarico and Rep. Sarah McBride who are leading boldly and redefining the Democratic brand. We have incredible 2025 gubernatorial candidates in New Jersey with Rep. Mikie Sherrill and Virginia with Rep. Abigail Spanberger. Organizations such as NewDEAL Leaders, and Next50 are recruiting, electing, and supporting state-and-local leaders who represent the next generation of party leadership. But unless you're a political obsessive, you probably couldn't pick half of them out of a lineup. That's not a messaging problem. It's a visibility problem. Voters don't fall in love with résumés—or even results. They connect with people who show up, speak clearly, and make them feel seen. That kind of resonance takes repetition and presence. And it takes a willingness to step into the spotlight before you're asked. Presidential campaigns typically begin with vague denials'—shortly before a quiet swing through Iowa or a PAC launch. There's an old tradition of waiting until after the midterms to get serious, so as not to 'distract' from the party's broader work. That tradition no longer serves us. In fact, it's hurting us. Our brand is underwater. And part of rebuilding it is showing voters new, compelling faces of the Democratic Party. You don't change the brand with a message–you change it with leaders. Read More: Democrats Need to Stop Talking About Our Accomplishments In 2020, I worked for Joe Biden during a crowded primary. One of the most compelling arguments for his candidacy was that he wasn't just experienced—he was electable, and he had already proven it. In 2018, as a former vice president, he hit the trail hard for Democrats at every level. He showed up in red districts and purple states. He rallied crowds, recorded robocalls, and helped flip seats like Conor Lamb's in Pennsylvania. That reputation wasn't handed to him. He earned it—by showing up early, often, and everywhere and showing democratic primary voters that he knew how to win in tough places. Anyone eyeing 2028 should be doing that work now—or step aside for someone who will. Winning governors' races in 2025 and flipping red seats in 2026 will require changing who voters picture when they think of 'the Democrats.' That starts with leadership. Anyone aiming to be the party's standard bearer needs to act like it now—by supporting down-ballot candidates, organizing with state parties, raising money, recruiting talent, and showing up for the fights that matter. We should celebrate the large and competitive primary field that 2028 will yield. We will be enhanced by more ideas, from more leaders. This process will only make us stronger by demonstrating our greatest asset: our talent. It will be important for all of those candidates to remember that the presidency is more than an office—it's the leadership of a movement, a message, and a national coalition. If you want to lead the Democratic Party, start leading it now.
CNN
7 hours ago
- CNN
Anderson gives his take on Trump admin's call to vet Smithsonian museums
Anderson gives his take on Trump admin's call to vet Smithsonian museums CNN's Anderson Cooper explores what the Trump administration's declaration that it intends to take control over the Smithsonian museums says about how President Trump views history. 04:15 - Source: CNN Automated CNN Shorts 10 videos Anderson gives his take on Trump admin's call to vet Smithsonian museums CNN's Anderson Cooper explores what the Trump administration's declaration that it intends to take control over the Smithsonian museums says about how President Trump views history. 04:15 - Source: CNN 'Deeply dangerous': Wes Moore reacts to National Guard deployed in DC Maryland Democratic Governor Wes Moore spoke with CNN's Anderson Cooper about the potential deployment of federal troops in Baltimore after President Donald Trump said he is placing Washington, DC's, police department 'under direct federal control' and deploying National Guard troops to the nation's capital. 01:57 - Source: CNN A glacier outburst is underway in Alaska A wave of water gushing out of an Alaskan glacier is threatening significant, potentially record-breaking flooding in Juneau for the third consecutive August. 00:44 - Source: CNN Mayors across US react to Trump's warnings of federal intervention Democratic mayors across the US react to President Donald Trump placing DC police 'under direct federal control' and deploying the National Guard to crack down on crime. 01:10 - Source: CNN Nearly 500 rounds fired in CDC shooting The gunman who opened fire at the Atlanta headquarters for the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention broke into his father's safe to get the five firearms he brought to the scene of last Friday's shooting, state investigators said. CNN senior national correspondent Ryan Young reports. 01:54 - Source: CNN Trump will meet Putin one-on-one as a 'listening exercise' President Donald Trump plans to meet one-on-one with Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of their summit on Friday in Alaska. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt characterized the summit as a "listening exercise." 00:38 - Source: CNN Wildfires in Europe force tourists to evacuate Wildfires have been spreading across Europe — from Scotland to Italy — forcing authorities to evacuate both tourists and residents, and resulting in at least one casualty in Spain. According to official data, Europe has experienced more than twice as many fires by mid-August compared to the average in recent decades. 01:43 - Source: CNN Prince Harry and Meghan Markle extend Netflix deal Prince Harry and Meghan Markle extended their deal with Netflix to continue producing films and television shows for the streaming service. The couple's 2020 deal with Netflix was set to expire later this year. 00:39 - Source: CNN Shohei Ohtani accused of sabotaging Hawaii real estate project A Hawaii real estate investor and broker are suing Shohei Ohtani, claiming the Los Angeles Dodgers star and his agent got them fired from a $240 million luxury housing development project on Hawaii's Hapuna Coast. CNN's Andy Scholes reports. 00:49 - Source: CNN Heavy rain shuts down airport in Mexico City Heavy rain on Sunday caused flooding and traffic disruptions in several areas of Mexico City. The rain forced suspension of activities at the Benito Juárez International Airport in Mexico City for the second time in a row on Tuesday, airport officials reported. 00:35 - Source: CNN
CNN
7 hours ago
- CNN
Mayors across US react to Trump's warnings of federal intervention
Mayors across US react to Trump's warnings of federal intervention Democratic mayors across the US react to President Donald Trump placing DC police 'under direct federal control' and deploying the National Guard to crack down on crime. 01:10 - Source: CNN Anderson gives his take on Trump admin's call to vet Smithsonian museums CNN's Anderson Cooper explores what the Trump administration's declaration that it intends to take control over the Smithsonian museums says about how President Trump views history. 04:15 - Source: CNN 'Deeply dangerous': Wes Moore reacts to National Guard deployed in DC Maryland Democratic Governor Wes Moore spoke with CNN's Anderson Cooper about the potential deployment of federal troops in Baltimore after President Donald Trump said he is placing Washington, DC's, police department 'under direct federal control' and deploying National Guard troops to the nation's capital. 01:57 - Source: CNN Trump will meet Putin one-on-one as a 'listening exercise' President Donald Trump plans to meet one-on-one with Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of their summit on Friday in Alaska. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt characterized the summit as a "listening exercise." 00:38 - Source: CNN Baltimore's mayor responds to Trump's claims about his city Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott (D) responded to President Donald Trump's criticism about violence in his city by highlighting historic drops in violent crime. President Trump warned other major cities about federal intervention after he placed the Washington, DC, police department under federal control and deployed the National Guard. 01:05 - Source: CNN Texas governor threatens Democrats over redistricting battle GOP Texas Gov. Greg Abbott responds to leaders of Democratic-led states who have threatened to create Democratic-friendly seats in the US House in response to the Texas GOP's redistricting plans. 01:17 - Source: CNN What is the DC Home Rule Act? President Donald Trump announced Monday that he is placing the Washington, DC Metropolitan Police Department under federal control and deploying the National Guard to the city, saying the move is aimed at restoring order in the nation's capital. 01:32 - Source: CNN Trump warns other US cities after deploying National Guard to DC President Trump warned other US cities after announcing he is placing the Washington, DC, police department under direct federal control and deploying National Guard troops to the nation's capital. 00:46 - Source: CNN Bernie Sanders brings 'Fighting Oligarchy' tour to red state CNN's Dana Bash sits down with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) to discuss the latest leg of his 'Fighting Oligarchy' tour in West Virginia. 00:58 - Source: CNN Trump announces Pam Bondi now in charge of DC police President Trump announced that Attorney General, Pam Bondi will be overseeing the federal takeover of DC's police force. 00:24 - Source: CNN Inside the growing influence of a Christian nationalist pastor in the new Trump administration Douglas Wilson, a self-described Christian nationalist pastor, advocates for the idea that America should adopt a Christian theocracy and adhere to a biblical interpretation of society. On the fringes of the religious right for decades, Wilson has found an increasingly mainstream Republican audience under President Donald Trump. CNN's Pamela Brown reports from Moscow, Idaho where Wilson's Christ Church movement is based. 02:59 - Source: CNN Trump says he'll meet Putin in Alaska. Here are the key issues to watch out for President Donald Trump said he'll be meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin next Friday in Alaska after earlier in the day previewing terms of a potential peace deal to end the war in Ukraine that could include 'some swapping of territories.' CNN's Kaitlan Collins points out the key issues to watch out for. 01:17 - Source: CNN Trump says there will be 'swapping' of territories in Ukraine President Donald Trump was asked about the potential for a trilateral meeting with Ukraine and Russia, saying that he thinks there will be some "swapping" of territories. 01:07 - Source: CNN Christian nationalist pastor says 'women are the kind of people that people come out of' Douglas Wilson is a self-described Christian nationalist pastor who believes in a patriarchal society where women are expected to submit to their husbands. CNN's Pamela Brown reports from Moscow, Idaho where Wilson's Christ Church movement is based. 02:51 - Source: CNN What could a Trump-Putin meeting look like? President Trump has signaled that he is open to meeting Russian President Putin as soon as next week, but US officials have signaled that no details have been finalised. CNN's Nick Paton Walsh breaks down what the meeting could look like. 01:15 - Source: CNN Trump's military threats on US soil are getting more real President Donald Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of dispatching the US military on American soil and has recently taken some steps towards it in his second term. CNN's Aaron Blake explains. 01:37 - Source: CNN Kaitlan Collins presses Trump on potential Putin meeting President Donald Trump said he would not condition a potential sit-down with Vladimir Putin on the Russian president also meeting with Ukraine's leader. CNN's Kaitlan Collins explains the significance of his change in tune. 00:49 - Source: CNN Trump to Intel CEO: Resign President Donald Trump demanded the resignation of Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan following reports and allegations that he has ties to China. Intel and Tan did not immediately respond to CNN's requests for comment. 00:38 - Source: CNN New US tariffs are now in place A new wave of tariffs on exports to the US have come into effect. CNN's Marc Stewart explains the latest and what they mean for US consumers. 01:39 - Source: CNN 'South Park' mocks Kristi Noem in new episode 'South Park' creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone continue their satirical takedown of the Trump administration with the newest episode taking aim at DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. CNN's Victor Blackwell and Sara Fischer discuss the latest episode. 01:24 - Source: CNN Apple CEO gifts Trump plaque with 24K gold base Apple CEO Tim Cook gifted President Donald Trump a plaque made of glass manufactured in Corning's Harrodsburg, Kentucky, which he announced would be the cover glass on all iPhones and Apple Watches soon. 01:01 - Source: CNN Nicaraguan migrant escapes ICE, barricades himself at home Fontana resident Robert Reyes, his three children, his wife and mother-in-law have remained inside their apartment after security cameras captured the moment Reyes sprinted through his apartment door just moments before a California Border Patrol agent could apprehend him. CNN is trying to verify the status of the case with authorities in California. 02:17 - Source: CNN NYT obtains previously undisclosed images of Epstein's home The New York Times has obtained previously undisclosed images and descriptions of the interior of Jeffrey Epstein's Manhattan townhouse. 01:47 - Source: CNN
