Department of Budget and Management

Answers to Your Questions...

Can the General Assembly add money to the operating budget?
Overall, the budget cannot increase, but the General Assembly can add, cut, ​or redistribute among programs in the operating budget.

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 2020 begins on July 1, 2019 and ends on June 30, 2020.