Md. governor and leading lawmakers meet on budget

Gov. Larry Hogan and Maryland’s leading lawmakers have met to talk about trying to resolve differences over the state’s $40 billion budget.

The Republican governor said Saturday afternoon he thinks progress is being made in negotiations with the Legislature’s Democratic presiding officers.

Earlier in the day, the House advanced the governor’s proposal to help expand charter schools. The House also advanced a bill to end state-mandated stormwater fees and a measure with some tax relief on military retirement income for people over 65.

House Speaker Michael Busch says he’s hoping the governor will embrace a compromise and restore added money for education and a 2 percent cost-of-living adjustment for state employees.

Maryland’s 90-day legislative session is scheduled to end Monday at midnight.

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