February 19, 2020
Media Contact:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, along with County Executives from across Maryland, testified in front of the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee in support of Senate Bill (SB) 1: Built to Learn Act of 2020. SB1 would provide $2.2 billion in funds to build and renovate school across the state, and currently would allocated $132 million to Howard County. The plan will be funded in part by Maryland Stadium Authority bonds and dollars from the state’s casinos. Video of Ball’s testimony can be found here. Ball’s written testimony can be read here.
“We need to make sure we create the best teaching and learning environment for our students and educators, and this isn’t just money – it’s an investment,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “We’re looking at funding $2.2 billion statewide, that would be allocated across every jurisdiction in Maryland. If we strive to provide the best educational opportunity for all our children, we must work to address the infrastructure that will enable and foster an environment conducive for learning, growing and thriving. Children and educators in Howard County, and those throughout Maryland, are counting on this historic investment.”
The corresponding House Bill 1: Built to Learn Act passed the House of Delegates last week in a 128-6 vote and is supported by the Governor.