Preview the 2021 Session “Big Picture”

A compilation of Issue Papers previews major fiscal and policy issues facing the General Assembly in the year ahead. This year’s report also includes a special section devoted to issues resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

This resource is a handy guide to the top issues that your legislators will be tackling in 2021 – a great preparation document for county officials in advance of meetings with their local Delegations.

Developed by the Department of Legislative Services (DLS), the 2021 Issue Papers are an annual staple for the Annapolis policy-inclined population. They are also a great resource for county officials tracking specific issues, or interested in the state budget and other top-tier topics.

Here are several direct links to hot topics that may be of interest to county governments:

COVID-19

Operating Budget

Transportation Trust Fund

Federal Funds Outlook

Pension Issues

Capital Budget and Debt

Revenues and Taxes

State Education Aid

Blueprint for Maryland’s Future

School Construction

The Opioid Epidemic

Health and Health Insurance

Human Services

Transportation

Business Regulation

Public Safety

Environmental and Natural Resources

Status of the Elections System

State Aid to Local Governments

Local Revenue Trends

Local Government Tax Actions