On May 7, 2020, Gov. Larry Hogan vetoed The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future which would have implemented an overhaul of Maryland’s public education system and significantly increased education funding over the next decade. Council President Sidney Katz, Councilmember Craig Rice, who is chair of the Council’s Education and Culture Committee, Montgomery County Board of Education President Shebra Evans and Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendent Jack Smith made the following statement:
“While we understand the fiscal challenges being presented by the global pandemic, we are extremely disappointed that Gov. Hogan vetoed The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. As enacted by the Maryland General Assembly in March, this historic education plan would have provided the funding necessary to create a world-class system of public education in Maryland. The legislation was clearly aligned with Montgomery County’s long-standing goal of ensuring that all Montgomery County Public Schools’ students have the resources and opportunities necessary to achieve excellence.
“At this time of historic uncertainty, education is the one constant for many children and their families. The veto of the Kirwan Commission legislation keeps us from getting started with new measures at a time when they are needed the most. The legislation included the expansion of pre-kindergarten, increased teacher compensation, determined college and career pathways and differentiated funding to meet the needs of all students including those in high poverty schools. The supports and resources the legislation provided remain critical in closing the digital and education gaps that stand in the way of all students achieving at the highest possible level.”