Public Provision
(billions 2012 $)

Public Provision

What are we measuring?

Public provision represents state and federal government spending along with non-profit spending that benefits the people of Maryland. Spending by state and federal governments benefits the residents of Maryland in a variety of ways, it provides roads, funding for small businesses, and assistance for low-income families. While it can be debated whether or not all governmental spending increases well-being, a significant portion directly increases societal well-being. The spending categories considered include Food and Nutrition, Housing, Energy Assistance, Primary and Secondary Education, Public Transit, and Recreation.

Trends 2012-2019

Public provision spending was very similar in 2012 and in 2019 but did fluctuate between those years, with the biggest change seen between 2015 and 2016. Public spending on food and nutrition assistance fell by 20%, public transit assistance fell by 40% while spending on primary and secondary education and recreation (state and local parks) increased by 7.6% and 23%, respectively.

Calculation

Data was collected from State, Federal, and Local governments on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development rental services expenditures, Maryland Low Income Energy Assistance, Maryland’s spending on primary and secondary education, public transit, and parks.