Dem gov says MD, with $3B deficit, has being doing DOGE ‘before anyone knew what [it] was’

Maryland Democratic Gov. Wes Moore has been at the helm since 2023, following the departure of Republican Gov. Larry Hogan Jr. Moore, a rumored 2028 presidential contender, has downplayed such speculation and instead focused on his potential second term in office. In a recent interview with news outlet Semafor, Moore discussed his approach to governance, drawing parallels between his administration and that of the Trump administration.

One key issue Moore highlighted was the need to address fiscal burdens within the Annapolis bureaucracy, a challenge exacerbated by Maryland’s $3 billion budget deficit. Moore, who comes from a business background, emphasized the importance of right-sizing the government and eliminating waste. Upon taking office, he identified 10,000 vacancies in Annapolis and recognized that many essential functions were not being carried out.

To tackle these challenges, Moore implemented a chief performance officer and began a government modernization initiative aimed at cutting waste and saving taxpayers money. He stressed that his administration had been engaging in DOGE-type governance long before the term gained popularity. Despite facing criticism from Republicans, Moore remains committed to reducing inefficiencies and investing in Maryland’s economy.

One point of contention between Moore and his predecessor, Larry Hogan, has been the state’s budget surplus. While Hogan claimed to have left a $5 billion surplus, Moore argued that some of those funds were misallocated as leftover COVID-19 relief money. Moore’s team also dismissed Hogan’s budget recommendations as fiscally irresponsible, opting instead to focus on their own priorities for economic growth.

Critics, including Maryland House Minority Leader Jason Buckel and Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey, have questioned Moore’s ability to deliver on his promises of cutting waste and improving efficiency. They point to budget increases and new hires as evidence of a lack of fiscal discipline. However, Moore’s administration remains optimistic about achieving $50 million in savings through government modernization efforts by FY-2026.

Looking ahead, Moore is determined to steer Maryland towards economic prosperity by making tough decisions and ensuring taxpayer dollars are used efficiently. While facing challenges and skepticism from political opponents, Moore remains steadfast in his commitment to DOGE-ing Annapolis and building a brighter future for the state.