The results of Election Day demonstrated that a resounding number of Marylanders want to see increased funding for public schools, with Question 1 winning 89% of the vote and earning more votes than any other candidate or measure on the entire ballot. The passage of Question 1 means that Maryland’s Constitution will be amended so that casino revenues will finally go to increasing school funding.
“Educators are thrilled that such an overwhelming number of Marylanders voted for increased funding for our public schools,” said Baltimore County elementary school teacher and Maryland State Education Association President Cheryl Bost. “The $500 million annually that Question 1 will add is the first step to closing the $2.9 billion annual funding gap that negatively impacts students, educators, and schools across the state. Keeping the promise on casino revenues was the easy part. To meet the commitments our students and schools deserve will take the continued support and activism of Marylanders to make sure that the Governor and legislature permanently closes this gap when the General Assembly convenes in January.”
While a number of races are still too close to call, educators once again showed the value of their endorsement. MSEA members knocked on thousands of doors, made thousands more contacts via phone calls and text messages, and handed out more than 430,000 Apple Ballots at the polls during the general election. Educator-endorsed candidates were victorious in 71% of races during the general election.
Some of the notable victories powered by educator activism included: