Dear State Senators and Delegates Representing Montgomery County,

We, the undersigned, are residents of Montgomery County concerned about the potential of significant cuts to K-12 public education in our County. We have prided ourselves on the quality of our public schools in this County, and cannot afford to reduce our financial commitment to our children. Over the past five years, state funding for public education has been reduced from $57.5 million to $47.1 million. The County has been forced to attempt to bridge the gap through a twelve cents property tax increase in 2012 yet for 2013-14 there is still projected to be a significant shortfall. The state should be investing more, not less, in our County’s infrastructure and personnel. We are deeply concerned that if additional funding is not secured there is a greater likelihood of school closings, cuts in teacher positions, cuts in health care benefits and classroom instruction. Please adopt a budget that protects our schools by restoring state funding to 2008 levels.

Additionally, to bolster the tax revenue of Montgomery County so that the County is better able to fund MCPS, please support:

(a) HB 1449 which provides that the ABC Board may grant a mixed beverage license, notwithstanding the requirement for a referendum, to properties adjacent to Exits 109 and 128 on Interstate 81 in Montgomery County.

(b) HB 889 which authorizes any county to impose a local cigarette tax at a rate not to exceed $0.05 per pack or the amount levied under state law, whichever is greater.

Finally, we ask that you eliminate the unfunded and underfunded state public education mandates and oppose the addition of any new unfunded and underfunded mandates.

We look forward to hearing from you about these critical budget needs. 

Please ensure that the state budget adequately funds public education in Montgomery County.

Sincerely,

Sponsor

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