O'Malley calls for more cuts

Gov. Martin O'Malley (D-Baltimore) is expected to propose millions of dollars worth of additional cuts to the state budget in the coming weeks.

O'Malley is asking state agencies to identify cuts of up to 5 percent in the current year's budget, which he can propose at the next Board of Public Works meeting.

"The more reductions we make now, the better off we will be in dealing with an extraordinarily difficult budget next year," said O'Malley in a statement. "Eighty percent of our state budget is dedicated to public education, public safety and public health, and these additional budget cuts will no doubt spark spirited debate in Annapolis."

The state is experiencing a $432 million budget shortfall for fiscal year 2009.

In the next few months, O'Malley will begin preparing the FY 2010 budget to propose to the general assembly in January, according to the governor's office.

The Board of Public Works, which consists of the comptroller, state treasurer and governor, will hold its next meeting on October 15.