County News / State Budget and Fiscal Issues / Taxes and Revenues
State Awards $9 Million in Tax Credits to Revitalize Historic Buildings

Governor Larry Hogan today announced that the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT), a division of the Maryland Department of Planning (Planning), has awarded eight projects more than $9 million in tax credits in order to encourage private sector investment in the rehabilitation and re-use of historic buildings and promote investment in local economies. The private sector will invest more than $180 million in the eight projects, which are expected to create more than 600 jobs, according…

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November 25, 2019
Kirwan Commission Wraps, Passes Formulas and Timetables
Education / State Budget and Fiscal Issues
Kirwan Commission Wraps, Passes Formulas and Timetables

The Kirwan Commission completed its work on November 21, taking its final vote on funding formulas and phase-ins, and will now send its full recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly for consideration as legislation in 2020. Commissioner, and Montgomery County Council Member, Craig Rice, engages in discussion during the final meeting of the three-year school funding commission. The Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education, regularly convening for day-long sessions since 2016, completed its…

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November 22, 2019
“Funding Our Future” Effort Puts A Finer Point on Kirwan Costs, Means
Education / State Budget and Fiscal Issues / Taxes and Revenues
“Funding Our Future” Effort Puts A Finer Point on Kirwan Costs, Means

Stakeholder groups supporting the Kirwan education plan have developed a coalition to support tax reforms to help support its substantial costs, including a slate of revenue proposals in a report, "Funding our Future" The policy debate over school funding, and the goals and costs of the Kirwan Commission plan, has been gaining steam for months leading up to its expected peak during the 2020 legislative session. Now, a coalition supporting the effort is offering specifics…

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November 19, 2019
Kirwan-Curious? The Sun Tackles The Questions You’re Afraid To Ask
Education / State Budget and Fiscal Issues
Kirwan-Curious? The Sun Tackles The Questions You’re Afraid To Ask

Sun reporter Pamela Wood offers a "Kirwan 101" Summary of the major policies and politics of the Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education. So... you've been trying to keep up with Kirwan and the school funding debate, but you have a day job and can't dial in for 6 hours of meetings every two weeks for over three years. So, you've been left a bit behind... trying to sort out...just what is this really…

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November 14, 2019
Kirwan Commission 11/12: Fazed by Phase-In; Triggered by Teacher Testing
Education / State Budget and Fiscal Issues
Kirwan Commission 11/12: Fazed by Phase-In; Triggered by Teacher Testing

The Kirwan Commission's latest meeting saw a deep reaction to the formula funding workgroup's proposals to "phase in" the Commission's series of recommendations, and also focused on MSDE pending regulations for teacher certification. The Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education held its latest meeting on November 12, advancing their discussions toward a year-end final report. Phase-In of Recommendations The most compelling discussion of the day came as the full Commission heard from representatives of…

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November 13, 2019
State Casino Revenue Down 8.9% in October
County News / Education / State Budget and Fiscal Issues / Taxes and Revenues
State Casino Revenue Down 8.9% in October

Gross gaming revenue (GGR) fell 8.9% percent in October to $143,895,409 from $157,960,668 in October 2018, state lottery and gaming officials announced last week. In terms of year-over-year data, it’s the second month in a row that Maryland casinos brought in less revenue. Casino revenue in September was down 1.1% compared with September 2018. Contributions to the State of Maryland from October 2019 casino gaming revenue totaled $59,267,140, including $44,456,366 for the Education Trust Fund.…

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November 11, 2019
Legislative Leaders Tout 2020 “Built To Learn Act” For School Construction
Education / School Construction and Capital Budgets / State Budget and Fiscal Issues
Legislative Leaders Tout 2020 “Built To Learn Act” For School Construction

Legislative leaders announced plans to emphasize a major school construction plan in 2020 legislation - including some $2.2 Billion in project funding above the current plans. Look for House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 1 next year to be a major effort to leverage casino revenues to support a fast-tracked school construction effort, targeting a lengthy list of ready-to-go projects. Legislative leaders laid out the framework for this priority at a press conference today, held…

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November 6, 2019
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