Statement on Governor’s Efforts to Fight New School Funding

As reported in The Washington Post today, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan is engaging in fund-raising efforts to fight a plan that would provide an estimated $3.8 billion in new resources for Maryland Schools.

In response, Maryland Center on Economic Policy Executive Director Benjamin Orr issued the following statement:

“Great schools are something that Marylanders strongly value, but it’s a value we’re not living up to in the same way we used to. That’s why it is disappointing to see Governor Hogan go to such lengths to fight a plan that would help our schools set all children up for success.

In order for our local school systems to be able to do things like expand pre-K, provide additional supports for struggling learners, increase teacher pay, and prepare students for today’s workforce, it will require additional resources. Despite the governor’s fearmongering on this issue, we can accomplish the bold vision of the Kirwan Commission if we take a few steps to clean up our tax code, like closing the loopholes placed there by large corporations and other powerful special interest groups.

It’s unfortunate that Governor Hogan would rather raise money from special interests than work to create a more effective and equitable tax system that would support thriving communities across the state.”

Additional background: In January, MDCEP released a report, “Building Our Future,” which outlines tax reforms that would make Maryland’s tax system more equitable and raise the resources needed to fund the vision of the Maryland Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education (Kirwan Commission).

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Media Contact

Kali Schumitz, Director of Communications and Partner Engagement
410-412-9105, ext. 701
kschumitz@mdeconomy.org

About Maryland Center on Economic Policy

The Maryland Center on Economic Policy advances innovative policy ideas to foster broad prosperity and help our state be the standard-bearer for responsible public policy. We engage in research, analysis, strategic communications, public education, and grassroots alliances promoting robust debate and greater public awareness of the policy choices Maryland residents face together.