Associated Press Thu Jan 13, 2011, 07:43 AM EST
— ANNAPOLIS — Legislative leaders warned Wednesday that Maryland’s $1.6 billion budget shortfall could lead to larger K-12 classroom sizes and higher college tuition costs, as well as cuts to health care providers and environmental programs.
But Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller and House Speaker Michael Busch said they have to wait until they see Gov. Martin O’Malley’s budget proposal later this month before knowing what sorts of tax increases — if any — might gain traction this year.
The legislators issued their warnings as the Maryland General Assembly began its 90-day session.
O’Malley has said he plans to close the budget gap with a range of painful spending cuts — not tax increases. However the governor says his budget will only be the start of a dialogue, and he’s keeping an open mind on tax proposals.
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