MARYLAND – While Maryland Governor Wes Moore aims to cut the state’s 2.7-billion-dollar deficit, many say the FY2026 proposed budget isn’t the way to go.

Representatives of small businesses are in opposition, and the Maryland Chamber of Commerce has even gone on record saying in part quote, “Our state is debating tax proposals that threaten to push Maryland in the wrong direction, an approach that is short-sighted and will only make things worse,” end quote.

Salisbury Chamber of Commerce, President Bill Chambers agrees. He says retailers will have the most difficulty, but that Maryland got themselves into this mess well before Governor Moore was elected.

“Our economy in Maryland grew 3% from 2017 to 2022. The national average is 11%. We’re 31st out of 50 states in overall business competitiveness. We’re the 3rd most expensive state in the United States to do business. And we’re 46 ^th in the United States regarding our tax climate… They can’t cut their way out of it, and they can’t tax their way out of it, so they’re going to have to do a combination of both.”

Governor Wes Moore is committed to bolstering Maryland’s economy going on record saying in part quote- “For the first time in a long time, we’re watching labor force participation increase in the state of Maryland, not decrease…” He goes on to say, “We will continue going out, meeting with CEOs, meeting with business leaders, particularly in growth industries, and letting them know that there is no better backdrop for their long-term growth than the state of Maryland,” end quote.