“All the easy decisions are gone. Everything that we are doing now, every choice that’s left — they’re difficult.”

Maryland’s Democratic governor, Wes Moore, referring to the abolition of 502 state jobs through the elimination of vacant positions and the departure of hundreds of workers who took an early buyout. With the state dealing with a budget crisis and cuts being made to federal jobs and agencies by the Trump administration, the eliminated jobs are expected to save $47.2 million in fiscal 2027 and in years going forward. (Maryland Matters)