In a recent interview with Gov. Wes Moore, the governor painted a picture of Maryland’s future that is centered on fiscal responsibility and practical solutions for everyday Marylanders.

Upon his departure from office, former Gov. Larry Hogan left a $5 billion budget surplus, which Gov. Moore acknowledged at the time. Since then, the Moore administration’s tone has shifted, with the governor changing his tune on the financial state of Maryland. When questioned about the apparent surplus left by Hogan, Moore made clear that there’s more to the problem than meets the eye.

“Maryland had a real problem. The problem was that we were spending more,” Moore said. “If you look at the seven years before I became the governor, Maryland’s spending increased by 70%, but the GDP growth in the State of Maryland grew at 3%. The average state in this country grew by 11%. So, Maryland was growing … lower than half of the national average but our spending increased by 70%, which means you then have a structural deficit.” He continued, “So what happened during the COVID years was you had this influx of cash that came onboard from the federal government where they gave billions of dollars to every single state, and so you saw states with cash that was sitting on the balance sheet, but that was not structural, that was one-time cash.”

To address the fiscal challenges that Maryland is now facing, Moore has taken decisive measures by proposing $2 billion in cuts from Maryland’s $63 billion budget. He noted, “There are two ways you prompt growth … in the years before I became the governor, our economy just stalled.” He added, “If you want to create growth there are two things you have to do … you need to increase your top line and control your spending.”

Moore said, “We have now introduced three straight budgets that are smaller than the year before. I have actually decreased the size of government since I’ve been governor … When we talk about the things that we made adjustments on, again, was it sustainable and was it effective? If it was sustainable and effective, it got funded … If you can’t show me that something is effective … then it was not something that made it inside of the budget.”

Moore also emphasized the need for targeted support for Maryland’s youth, which he noted in his State of the State address. “This is a personal one for me. I had handcuffs on my wrist when I was 11 years old,” he said. “This crisis that’s happening for so many young boys, it’s not just real, it’s very personal for me. And the thing that I knew is that I had people who were willing to give me a second chance … We need to make sure that we have supports in place because we cannot punish young boys simply because of the situation that they’re in.”

With a Republican president in power, many are wondering whether any of the 23 Democratic governors will work with President Donald Trump. Moore addressed this concern, stating, “I am going to work with anybody to be able to make sure that the people of my state are protected and the futures for the people of my state can be realized.” Beyond the numbers, Moore touched on the broader cultural debate that has been dividing Americans for years. When asked about his views on “wokeism,” diversity, equity and inclusion and transgenderism in relation to the state, he offered a perspective that set him apart from many of his fellow Democratic governors in Democratic-controlled states. “I’m the governor of Maryland, I’m focused on the issues that are most important to the 6.5 million people in my state.

The things that are most important to the people in my state are making sure that we can do things like reducing prescription drug costs … reduc[ing] housing costs … hav[ing] an education system that’s training our young people how not just to be employees but employers. If you’re not talking about something that impacts the 6.5 million people of my state, if you’re not talking about something that’s going to make sure that their quality of life is better and that we can decrease costs on them, then frankly, for me, it’s just a distraction and I just don’t have time for it,” he asserted.

In closing, Gov. Moore reaffirmed that he is committed to resolving the issues and practical challenges that are facing everyday Marylanders. “I think the most important thing we’ve got to do is grow. That’s why our main focus is the growth agenda. That’s why our main focus is making sure that we are investing in industries,” Moore said. “By being able to leverage Maryland’s unique assets and invest in them wisely, by being able to do procurement reform, by being able to do permitting reform, regulatory reform. Make it easier for businesses to be able to come and grow in the State of Maryland. By giving tax relief to middle-class families and giving a greater chance for more middle-class and working families to keep their money inside of their pockets.”

“I’m doing a job that I love for people that I love … And I’m just a big believer that God puts us in places that he’s prepared us for … I love the work we are doing, and I love my state and I love Marylanders.”

Armstrong Williams (www.armstrongwilliams.com; @arightside) is a political analyst, syndicated columnist and owner of the broadcasting company, Howard Stirk Holdings. He is also part owner of The Baltimore Sun.