Maryland Board Approves Elimination of 500+ State Jobs to Save $32.5 Million

Maryland's Board of Public Works approved the elimination of 502 state government positions to reduce spending by $32.5 million across fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The cuts include 332 roles eliminated through a Voluntary Separation Program offering buyouts and 170 vacant positions within the Executive Department, projected to save $10.5 million this fiscal year and $22 million the next. Governor Wes Moore emphasized the severity of the state's fiscal crisis and the need for measures such as hiring freezes, workforce reductions, and spending reviews to address a budget deficit exceeding $3 billion. Alongside workforce cuts, the board approved $6.1 million for affordable housing through the Rental Housing Works Program and launched a new public spending dashboard to increase government transparency. A payment glitch caused some Voluntary Separation Program participants to receive double buyout payments, with the state planning to recover the overpayments through various means. These actions are part of a broader effort to streamline state operations and balance the budget without sacrificing essential services.