Maryland state senators and delegates always celebrated their return to Annapolis, but this year, there is a decidedly dark mood around the state house.

Maryland lawmakers are bracing for a fiscally challenging legislative session, which begins Wednesday. They are facing a budget deficit of roughly $3 billion and uncertainties about reductions in the federal government under President-elect Donald Trump that could have a big impact on the state.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has warned that massive budget cuts are on the way as state lawmakers try to solve a $3 billion budget gap. Moore told Maryland residents Wednesday to brace themselves for $2 billion worth of cuts in his soon-to-be-released budget.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said Wednesday he will submit a budget plan with about $2 billion in spending reductions to start addressing a deficit of roughly $3 billion, as lawmakers convened for the firs