MSEA Statement on House Committee’s Rejection of Deep School Funding Cuts
Today, the House Appropriations Committee voted to reject the deep cuts to school funding outlined in the Excellence in Maryland Public Schools Act. These cuts would have resulted in a two-year freeze to Maryland’s successful expansion of community schools as well as cuts to expected funding levels that would have negatively impacted students in poverty and multilingual learners in particular.
Howard County social studies teacher and Maryland State Education Association President Paul Lemle released the following statement:
“Educators applaud and appreciate the strong leadership of the House Appropriations Committee, led by Chair Barnes, to ensure that our students receive the support that they deserve. We are hopeful that in the coming days the Ways and Means Committee under Chair Atterbeary’s leadership will take the same positive step forward.
“By restoring funding that our schools expected and need, the General Assembly can protect students in poverty, multilingual learners, and the state’s successful expansion of community schools. We urge the full House and the Senate to reject the deep cuts to our schools proposed in the Excellence in Maryland Public Schools Act.
“We also urge both chambers to pass fair tax reform this session. Sustainable and equitable funding for our public schools and services will help our economy grow and can happen if the wealthiest individuals and corporations in Maryland pay their fair share.”