BALTIMORE (AP) — Faith leaders want the Maryland legislature to restore budget cuts that came with the so-called doomsday budget passed by the General Assembly earlier this month.

Religious leaders are scheduled to release a letter Monday morning asking the lawmakers to do away with the more than $500 million in cuts and enact a tax increase on some tobacco products.

Lawmakers are expected to return to Annapolis in mid-May to address the budget situation which also threatens 500 state employee jobs.

The cuts came as legislators unexpectedly failed to pass an income tax hike during the regular session, setting off a series of cuts to education and public services.

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