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Citizen's Guide to the Budget


Answers to Your Questions...

Can the General Assembly add money to the operating budget?
No, the General Assembly can only cut the operating budget as presented by the Governor. They cannot add to the budget, and they cannot rearrange the money from one item to another.

I know the Federal Government always operates at a deficit in its operating budget - does Maryland do that, too?
No, the state operating budget MUST be balanced - when the Governor submits it, and when the General Assembly approves it.

Is a fiscal year the same as a regular calendar year?
No, a Maryland fiscal year runs from July 1 of the previous numbered year through June 30 of the year. So, fiscal year 2017 begins on July 1, 2016 and ends on June 30, 2017.


Did You Know?

An OPERATING EXPENDITURE is for ongoing operations of state programs, while a CAPITAL EXPENDITURE is acquisition or construction of buildings or other fixed assets with a useful life of at least fifteen years.

... from the Glossary of Budget Terms