Budget surplus, pot, virus, climate, top issues in Maryland

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland lawmakers will be gathering for their annual 90-day legislative session this week with a huge budget surplus.

How to manage more than $4.5 billion in surplus for the current and next fiscal years will be a top issue in an election year. Lawmakers also will be grappling with potentially legalizing recreational marijuana, battling COVID-19 and stronger measures to address climate change. Legislation to create a statewide insurance program to provide family and medical leave is expected to be proposed.

Lawmakers also will be finalizing a new map for state legislative districts for the Maryland General Assembly’s 188 seats.

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