Democratic lawmakers decline to rule out tax hikes for next year’s budget

State lawmakers on Tuesday didn’t rule out the possibility of raising taxes to uphold their policy commitments to voters while balancing the state budget amid projections of a structural deficit. “We should not forgo a conversation about getting the resources we need in the next session to ensure that we have the funds we need in the outlying years for the big, bold commitments we’ve made to the people of Maryland,” state Del. Stephanie Smith, a Baltimore City Democrat, said during a virtual meeting of top lawmakers from both General Assembly chambers.