April 5th, 2021 by WCBC Radio

As revisions to Maryland's controversial Kirwan education funding plan await approval on Governor Larry Hogan’s desk, local lawmakers are still bucking its overall passage because of concerns about fiscal impacts. The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, or Kirwan plan, is a broad education reform bill set to increase state and county annual education spending by roughly $3.2 billion per year over 10 years. It passed through both chambers last year but Hogan vetoed it because of its potential cost. However, lawmakers later overrode his veto, setting the stage for discussion and a vote on revisions this session. The revisions that passed in the Senate last week pertain to such things as enrollment data and technology funding. Delegate Jason Buckel, an Allegany County Republican, says that while supporters of the plan publicly are saying an improving economy will pay for the massive education reporm package, he believes the cost will lead to a tax hike…