Maryland’s $4 million education bill heads to Gov. Hogan’s desk

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – On Tuesday night, lawmakers gave the final approval of the $4 million Kirwan Commission Plan which means the fate of it now rests in the Governor’s hands.

The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future is a 10-year strategic plan to improve the state’s education system. It would help fund the Kirwan Commission’s recommendations to invest back in Maryland’s schools. Improvements include making Pre-K affordable, increasing teacher salaries and creating a rigorous accountability system. However, some local lawmakers don’t agree with the timing of this vote.

“The stories I’m getting from locals with this pandemic from coronavirus, it’s heart wrenching. And here we are in session recklessly spending billions of dollars and money we don’t have,” says Delegatae Wayne Hartman, a Republican who represents Maryland’s District 38C.

Governor Larry Hogan has previously voiced opposition to this bill saying it’s too expensive. So it’s not clear if he plans to sign it, veto it or allow it to become law without his signature. If he does veto, lawmakers could override that during a special session in May.