Maryland’s budget deficit has increased to $1.4 billion, significantly higher than expected, as state leaders prepare for the next legislative session.

Maryland Republican Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey reacted to the Spending Affordability Committee’s report on the budget. He said the budget has to be addressed by cuts, including to the Blueprint for Education, a top priority for Democrats.

“You can’t spend like there’s no tomorrow and then be surprised when the bill comes due,” Hershey said.

While blaming the deficit on President Donald Trump’s budget cuts since lawmakers ended session in April, Maryland Democratic Senate President Bill Ferguson said lawmakers cannot again raise taxes and fees like they did this year.

“This is not a time where we can go for increased revenues,”

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