Maryland is laser focused on work, wages, and wealth, with Governor Wes Moore unveiling his budget investments and legislative proposals for Fiscal Year 2026.
A significant portion of the governor’s budget will support the “Capital of Quantum” initiative, aimed at putting Maryland front and center for the quantum revolution. These efforts will help solidify the state’s leadership in the emerging industry, while investing in IonQ’s planned expansion and new job creation in College Park.
Several targeted investments will be directed at programs under the Maryland Department of Commerce, including $25 million for the Economic Development Opportunities Program Fund (also known as the Sunny Day Fund) to attract major economic development projects to the state; $10 million for Build Our Future grants to support innovative infrastructure projects; $6 million for the M4 Program which helps manufacturers invest in Industry 4.0 technologies; and $2.2 million for additional Child Care loans.
Additionally, Governor Moore has announced the DECADE Act, a broad-based effort to reinvigorate the state’s approach to economic development, including alterations to several existing state finance and tax credit programs that will help maximize returns on investments. Complementing this legislation is a new executive order focused on economic growth and the reorganization of the Commerce department.
“Together, we have laid out an economic growth strategy that plays to Maryland’s unique strengths—so we can spur business growth and build an economy that works for everyone,” said Gov. Moore. “In partnership with the General Assembly, we will make Maryland a place where businesses want to grow and thrive, create good-paying jobs in industries of the future, and connect more Marylanders with opportunity.”
