Who is responsible for proposing the Maryland state budget?

• A. The Governor
• B. The General Assembly
• C. The Supreme Court
• D. The Department of Budget and Management

Answer: (A)

The question tests understanding of who starts the budget process in Maryland. In Maryland, the Governor, as the chief executive, is responsible for proposing the state budget to the General Assembly. The Governor’s proposal outlines funding levels and policy priorities for the coming fiscal year. The Department of Budget and Management helps prepare that proposal, but it is the Governor who submits the budget as the official proposal. The General Assembly then reviews and enacts the budget, while the Supreme Court has no role in proposing or setting the budget. So the Governor is the best answer because the executive branch initiates the budget through the governor’s proposal.