Maryland Lawmakers Hope Hogan OKs $80M in Fenced Off Funds

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Democrats who control Maryland's legislature are hoping Republican Gov. Larry Hogan approves spending $80 million that lawmakers have fenced off for education, health care and public safety. But a Hogan spokesman says the governor hasn't decided yet due to economic uncertainties.

The money could be released at the start of the new fiscal year Friday.

Del. Maggie McIntosh says lawmakers steered the money into areas they believed Hogan would be inclined to support to avoid last year's dispute over $68 million for education that Hogan declined.

Matt Clark, a Hogan spokesman, says the governor supported about half the items in his initial budget. But he says lawmakers have left him with an "all or nothing approach." He says that feels more like political maneuvering than sound fiscal policy.
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