Olszewski Featured on “Brick and Mortar” Education Podcast

The Brick And Mortar Education From the Inside Out podcast featured Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Jr. as its guest in its latest episode, with reflections on education as both opportunity and a guiding part of his career. County Executive Olszewski talked about his own experience as a teacher, and as the first generation in his family to get a college education, as driving influences on his career in public service. He also discussed the…

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Taxes, Fees, Charges: What’s the Difference?

This article is part of MACo’s Policy Deep Dive series, where expert policy analysts explore and explain the top county policy issues of the day. A new article is added each week – read all of MACo’s Policy Deep Dives. Government revenue is critical to funding all public services. In Maryland, county governments receive revenues from two primary sources: own-source revenues, which include locally generated revenues such as property taxes and income taxes, fees, and intergovernmental…

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Frederick Council Considers Tax Credit to Incentivize Daycare Services

The Frederick County Council is considering legislation establishing a property tax credit for individuals who make property improvements to offer daycare services to children and adults. Bill 23-22, sponsored by Council President Brad Young and Council Member Renee Knapp, would establish a property tax credit against the County property tax imposed on the improvement of real property if the improvement is used exclusively as a family childcare home, licensed childcare center, licensed daycare center for…

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State Lawmakers Weigh Spending Cuts, Revenue Enhancements to Address Looming Budget Deficits

With the 2024 legislative session rapidly approaching, lawmakers will face considerable budget challenges that could drive spending cuts, tax increases, or other remedies to resolve significant structural deficits projected through fiscal 2029. At this week's Spending Affordability Committee meeting, the Maryland Department of Legislative Services said fiscal 2024 is projected to end with a fund balance of $528 million, with ongoing revenues exceeding ongoing spending by $125 million. A $413 million structural deficit is anticipated…

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In This Economy? Forecasting and Funding Maryland’s Future at #MACoCon

The MACo Winter Conference general session, “In This Economy? Forecasting and Funding Maryland's Future,” will examine the state of Maryland's economy and how to best prepare for an uncertain future. At the MACo Winter Conference general session, “In This Economy? Forecasting and Funding Maryland’s Future,” leading economist Dr. Daraius Irani will review the trends and expectations for Maryland’s near-term economy and its effects on county governments.  In This Economy? Forecasting and Funding Maryland's Future Leading…

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Harford County Earns Clean Audit, Highest Possible Opinion for Financial Reporting

Independent auditors issued a clean opinion on Harford County's annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. The clean audit opinion of the County's fiscal 2023 annual comprehensive financial report (ACFR), issued by CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, means that the financial statements are accurate and contain no material misstatements. The auditors had no management comments or findings. It also means the ACFR was presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and the…

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MACo Announces 2024 Legislative Priorities

In the 2024 General Assembly Session, MACo will prioritize fiscal transparency, modernizing local revenue structures, new incentives to bolster firefighter and EMS recruitment and retention, and collaborative solutions for addressing Maryland's affordable and workforce housing shortage. This week, the MACo Legislative Committee adopted the Association's Legislative Initiatives for the 2024 Maryland General Assembly Session. MACo's Legislative Committee will take positions on hundreds of bills, but these four issues serve as the Association's priorities for the…

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Capital Debt Affordability Committee Recommends 45% Increase in Bond Authorization for FY 25

The State’s Capital Debt Affordability Committee (CDAC) approved a recommendation to set the State’s bond authorization $500 million above previous recommendations for fiscal year 2025, which would constitute a 45% increase in state borrowing. The Capital Debt Affordability Committee (CDAC) met three times in October to discuss the State’s fiscal health and consider the limit on new state capital debt for the next fiscal year. On October 16, the Committee adopted a set of borrowing…

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MD Gets $1M in Fed Funding to Enhance Diverse and Inclusive Educational Opportunities

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) celebrates the award of $1 million for the Fostering Diverse Schools Demonstration program from the U.S. Department of Education. This two-year grant will support the Pathways to Progress initiative, designed to foster inclusive and diverse educational opportunities across five local education agencies (LEAs): Anne Arundel County Public Schools, Charles County Public Schools, Frederick County Public Schools, Howard County Public School System, and Montgomery County Public Schools. The program aims to address…

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