ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland's Gov. Larry Hogan is against Question 1 and for Question 2 on the state's November election ballot. Hogan (R) is the 62nd Governor of Maryland and shared his views in a statement from his office that was sent to WUSA9 on Monday.
Question 1, would amend the state’s Constitution and would give more state budget authority to the Maryland General Assembly.
Hogan has shared his opposition to the legislation that he believes could impact the Maryland economy and how the budget is formed and put into use each year.
“After the legislature nearly spent our state to the verge of bankruptcy, our very first budget eliminated nearly all of the $5.1 billion structural deficit we inherited, and we have balanced the budget year after year without raising taxes," said Hogan.
It also could hurt powers that are established under the governor's position in the state.
For Question 2, which would authorize sports and events betting for the primary purpose of raising revenue for education, Hogan supports the measure.
“Question 2 provides a critical revenue source for public education without raising taxes on families and businesses," said Hogan in his office's statement. "This initiative builds on the very successful ‘Hogan Lockbox,’ which puts casino revenues in a lockbox dedicated to education. We are already funding our K-12 schools at record levels, and this is another way to ensure that is the case for years to come.”
Sports betting in Maryland could help bring a new stadium to the state for the Washington Football Team.
Washington's stadium, FedEx Field, is currently in Landover, Maryland, but Dan Snyder is looking to have sports betting be a part of his new stadium plans.
Snyder has and will continue to looby the two states and district making up the DMV as part of negotiations. Virginia has also moved forward on its laws allowing sports betting, and so has D.C.
Hogan, 64, has been popular in Maryland as a moderate-Republican in a state that can vote for the Democratic Party in elections for top positions in state government.
A recent poll Hogan's been touting shows he is like by 82% of Marylanders.
With President Donald Trump running for reelection this year, 2024 may see Hogan run as the Republican Party presidential nominee. He has hinted that running may be a potential but has not committed firmly to the idea in conversation.
Hogan recently voted Ronald Regan for president when he cast his ballot during Maryland's early voting.