By KIERSTEN HACKER, CHRISTINA WALKER AND ELA JALIL
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — In 2021, Maryland’s Democratic-controlled legislature approved the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, committing to investing significant funds into the state’s public schools. This initiative aims to provide universal pre-K, enhance teaching quality, and ensure students are well-prepared for higher education or the workforce.
Despite the ambitious goals outlined in the Blueprint, the legislature did not establish a concrete long-term financial strategy to support this extensive 10-year educational reform effort. As a result, the Blueprint’s financial sustainability is increasingly in question, resembling more of a plan leading to financial deficits.
A detailed investigation by the Local News Network at the University of Maryland revealed that the Blueprint is depleting hundreds of millions of dollars annually from the state’s fund balance, projected to exhaust the entire balance by 2027. Furthermore, a report from the state Department of Legislative Services released in January forecasted a substantial structural deficit by fiscal year 2025, escalating nearly sixfold by fiscal year 2029 to a staggering \(2.93 billion. Coincidentally, the estimated cost of implementing the Blueprint in 2029 exceeds \)4 billion.
Despite these concerning financial projections, neither Governor Wes Moore nor the Democratic legislators have presented viable solutions to address the impending financial challenges posed by the Blueprint. Senate President Bill Ferguson emphasized the necessity of future discussions regarding the long-term financial implications but indicated that such deliberations have not yet taken place.
Opposing perspectives have emerged, with Republicans viewing the Blueprint as a financially unsustainable burden that would necessitate significant tax increases. House Minority Leader Jason Buckel highlighted the impracticality of funding the Blueprint without imposing substantial new taxes.
The origins of the Blueprint trace back to a commission initiated by former Republican Governor Larry Hogan, aimed at evaluating Maryland’s education system. However, Hogan distanced himself from the Blueprint due to apprehensions about its financial implications. Subsequently, the General Assembly overrode Hogan’s veto in 2021, ensuring the Blueprint’s continuation.
The current Governor, Wes Moore, remains a staunch advocate for the Blueprint, emphasizing the importance of a high-quality education system in Maryland. The Blueprint’s objectives, including universal opportunities for all students, are gradually materializing across the state’s 24 public school districts.
While the Blueprint underscores the necessity of increased education funding to achieve its goals, concerns persist regarding the funding sources. Cheryl Bost, president of the Maryland State Education Association, emphasized the long-overdue need for enhanced investment in public education, despite acknowledging the financial challenges associated with the Blueprint.
As Maryland grapples with the escalating costs of implementing the Blueprint, various stakeholders have proposed divergent solutions. While some advocate for tax hikes to bridge the financial gap, others suggest revising the Blueprint to make it more financially feasible. The impending fiscal challenges underscore the need for proactive discussions and strategic planning to ensure the Blueprint’s sustainability without compromising its core objectives.