Budget

The proposal includes a new 3% tax on data and IT services.

The controversial proposal is estimated to bring in $1 billion a year.

The 2.5% tax would cover accounting, landscaping, and valet parking, among others.

Frederick County prepares for the worst financially, as the Maryland General Assembly considers legislation that may shift the responsibility of balancing the state budget onto local governments.

The fund shuffling comes at the cost of some state employee raises.

Nearly half of that, about $33 million, went to the Baltimore City Fire Department to cover overtime for sworn positions and unexpected contracting costs for fire and EMS services.

Legislative leaders say the cuts are necessary to prepare for likely cuts in federal spending.

The Democrat used his annual address to make the case for his proposed budget, including plans to raise taxes on top earners.

Gov. Wes Moore is scheduled to deliver his annual State of the State address Wednesday at noon.

The state is facing a nearly $3 billion deficit next year.