February 9th, 2021 by WCBC Radio

The Maryland House of Delegates on Monday voted overwhelmingly to override Governor Hogan's veto of a controversial plan to fund the state's schools. The final vote was 95-37

Advocates of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future Education Plan argue the coronavirus pandemic exposed and widened existing disparities in education, say it's now more important than ever to implement the reforms.

Debate followed party lines with Democrats supporting the reform measures, while Republicans opposed the price tag of $4 billion annually.

The 10-year phased-in plan includes expanding pre-K and more funds for schools with high concentrations of poverty. It increases teacher pay and creates a path for high school students who don't plan to attend college.

Gov. Larry Hogan expressed his disappointment, saying in a statement: "The last thing Marylanders need is higher taxes. It is unthinkable that our Legislature would even consider doing this while so many Marylanders are struggling.

"Education is my top priority, which is why we have provided historically high funding for seven years in a row and proposed the largest investments in school construction in Maryland history. No governor has ever invested more in our schools. But while we’re working to get our kids back into classrooms and help Marylanders keep more of their hard-earned money, legislators are hellbent on pushing through a multi-billion dollar plan that can’t guarantee better outcomes for our kids.

"An override of this common-sense veto will cost at least $6,200 in tax hikes for every Maryland family. As we continue to battle a global pandemic and the worst economic crisis since the Great Recession, the last thing Marylanders need is higher taxes.

"Let me be very clear: we absolutely will not impose billions in crippling state and local tax increases on Marylanders."