ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Gov.-elect Larry Hogan says strong medicine is needed to get Maryland's long-running budget problems in order.
Hogan gave a general outline of problems the state is facing on Thursday in Annapolis. While he avoided specifics, Hogan says state government needs to have the courage to avoid increased spending.
Maryland is facing a shortfall of about $300 million for the current fiscal year, which ends June 30. The state also has a projected $593 million budget hole in the next fiscal year.
Hogan, a Republican, has asked an adviser to present policy options in 10 days on how to get as close to a balanced budget as possible for the next two years. Hogan will submit a budget plan to the Legislature two days after he is sworn in Jan. 21.
Breakfast Meeting
BETHESDA, Md. (AP) - Gov.-elect Larry Hogan is scheduled to give the keynote address at a breakfast gathering of government and business leaders in Montgomery County.
The event Friday is expected to include more than 700 elected officials, government and business representatives, and community leaders in the county, Maryland's most populated.
The breakfast is the traditional start for advocacy efforts for Maryland's legislative session, which begins next month.
The event is organized by the Committee for Montgomery, a coalition of leaders representing business, labor, civic and community-based organizations.
Stewart Edelstein, the group's chairman, is scheduled to announce a new policy proposal aimed at increasing voter participation. Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett also is schedule to speak.
