* Warning: This is an unofficial, introductory copy of the bill.
The official copy considered by the City Council is the first reader copy.
Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: President Scott
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
title
Request for State Action - Override Veto on House Bill 1300 - Blueprint for Maryland’s Future - Implementation
For the purpose of calling on the Maryland General Assembly to override the Governor’s veto and pass House Bill 1300 - Blueprint for Maryland’s Future - Implementation - that would protect the educational rights and the future of all of Maryland’s students.
body
Recitals
Whereas, Section 1 of Article VIII of the Maryland Constitution requires the General Assembly to establish a "thorough and efficient" system of free public schools;
Whereas, The courts have interpreted this clause to mean that the right to public education is measured by "contemporary" standards in order "to equip a child for his [or her] role as a citizen and as a competitor in the labor market." Hornbeck v. Somerset Cty. Bd. of Educ., 295 Md. 597, 638 (1983);
Whereas, The Kirwan Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education is an initiative that developed funding and policy reforms for Maryland schools;
Whereas, The Commission made recommendations to the Maryland General Assembly for improving education in Maryland to prepare students "to meet the challenges of a changing global economy, to meet the State's workforce needs, to be prepared for post-secondary education and the workforce, and to be successful citizens in the 21st century.";
Whereas, Two years ago, a report to the Kirwan Commission documented that City schools need an additional $358 million annually to ensure an adequate education for Baltimore's students;
Whereas, The State’s own Department of Legislative Services found that elimination of the inflation factor from the funding formula has resulted in the under-funding of City schools by $290 million per year;
Whereas, Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, public and private schools are closed;
Whereas, The devastation of COVID-19 has wreaked further havoc on Baltimore City students’ education, leaving many without the resources to continue their studies remotely;
Whereas, Without the promise of Kirwan's funding, these students will once again be left to pick up the pieces of a broken system;
Whereas, Congress has given Maryland over $2 billion for COVID-19 related expenses;
Whereas, The Council anticipates that Congress will supply more funding to offset revenue losses as a result of COVID-19;
Whereas, House Bill 1300 - Blueprint for Maryland’s Future - Implementation - passed the House of Delegates with a vote of 96-38 and the Senate with a vote of 37-9; the votes were notably both veto-proof majorities; and
Whereas, The Governor vetoed the bill on May 7, 2020.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of Baltimore, That the City Council calls on the Maryland General Assembly to override the Governor’s veto and pass House Bill 1300 - Blueprint for Maryland’s Future - Implementation - that would protect the educational rights and the future of all of Maryland’s students.
And be it further resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Honorable Chairs and Members of the Baltimore City House and Senate Delegations to the Maryland General Assembly and the Mayor’s Legislative Liaison to the City Council.