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Hi. I’m Senator Nancy King. I represent District 39 in Montgomery County.
Of all of the bills we will consider this year, the budget bill is the clearest expression
of our priorities as a state. Consistently year-after-year, our budgets demonstrate our
strong commitment our public schools. Public education is a partnership between
state and local government officials, school administrators, teachers, parents and students.
The legislature plays a critical role in that partnership, appropriating over $5 billion
each year to support our schools. That’s over 40% of our state’s general fund budget.
Our investment in our schools is paying dividends for our students.
This year, for the second year in a row, Maryland’s schools were ranked number one in the nation
by Education Week magazine. This past week, also for the second year in a row, Maryland’s
students ranked first in Advanced Placement exam performance.
As you may know, the Governor and the legislature have cut over four-and-a-half billion dollars
from the budget this term – and we must cut another billion this year. In spite of
these cuts, we have protected public schools from serious cuts.
In fact, we resisted serious efforts by Maryland Republicans to slash funding to the school
systems across the state earlier this term. I have no doubt we will have to fight their
efforts to cut public education funding again this year.
As we scour the budget for cuts, Senate Democrats will fight to put public education first.
We will work together to protect state funding that supports our public schools. Our students
have made so much progress – now would be the worst possible time to cut public education.
It’s a tremendous honor to serve in the Maryland Senate and it’s important for you
to remember that we’re here to serve you. Please don’t hesitate to contact your Senator
if you have an idea, a question, or you need assistance.
Thank you.