MSEA Statement on House Vote Rejecting Deep School Funding Cuts
Today, the House voted to reject the deep cuts to school funding outlined in the Excellence in Maryland Public Schools Act. The legislation that now goes to the Senate rejects 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 the leadership and action of the House of Delegates to ensure that our students receive the support they deserve so that they can pursue their dreams.
“The House version of the Excellence in Maryland Public Schools Act restores funding that our schools expected and need and also takes meaningful steps to improve educator shortages. We urge the Senate to similarly reject the deep cuts to our schools proposed in the bill and join the House in protecting students in poverty, multilingual learners, and the state’s successful expansion of community schools.
“We also urge both chambers to pass fair tax reform to generate sustainable and equitable funding for our public schools and services. We can do this together if the wealthiest individuals and corporations in Maryland finally pay their fair share.”