ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Maryland lawmakers have passed a $70 billion budget that addresses the state’s $1.5 billion deficit, but some Eastern Shore legislators warn the plan does little to address long-term financial challenges.

With a proposed $6.58 billion budget on the table and a potential deficit looming, Delaware lawmakers are looking for ways to save money. Representative Danny Short (R-39th District) believes he has a solution: cutting more than 2,200 vacant state positions that have remained unfilled for months—or even years.