As we welcome a new year, legislators across the state are preparing to return to Annapolis for the 2020 Legislative Session beginning on January 8th.
Over the past weeks, I have attended a variety of pre-legislative events throughout District 1C and have enjoyed hearing from constituents, business leaders and local officials about the issues that matter most to them and their communities.
The hot topic is the recommendations by the Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education, better known as “The Kirwan Commission,” after the name of its chair. The Kirwan Commission has proposed significant changes to how public education is funded in Maryland and carries a very large price tag for taxpayers and local governments.
I am a strong supporter of public education, and I will be watching this issue closely. At this time, there is no concrete funding or accountability plan, which makes me wary. I believe in a high-quality education for every child in the state, but I do not support writing a blank check at the expense of other priorities such as public safety or public works infrastructure. There is a long way to go before this is a done deal and be assured that I will advocate for our rural communities and fight for taxpayers and our local governments and business communities every step of the way.
I encourage you to stay in touch and share your views on anything that matters to you, your business and your family as we move through the Legislative Session. You may reach my office by phone at 410-841-3321 or 301-858-3321, or by email at Mike.McKay@house.state.md.us. You may also reach out using social media at www.facebook.com/mikemckaymd. If your travels bring you to Annapolis, please stop by my office, room 322 in the Lowe House Office Building.