ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Local lawmakers were in Annapolis, pushing for more money to be used to build new school buildings in our state.
These leaders were testifying on-behalf of the "Built to Learn Act."
Under the plan, $2.2 billion in additional funding would go to school construction over several years.
The act would send about $400-million to Baltimore to help build and renovate school buildings.
So far, Baltimore county has funded $242-million in school construction projects.
However, the county executive is requesting more help from the state.
"The needs are so critical not just in Baltimore County but across the state. That's why where here we're telling the story hopefully, we'll get the job done we're confident it'll happen this year," said County Executive Johnny Olszewski.
Last fall, Olszewski identified funds in his 2020 budget to plan for new buildings for Towson and Dulaney High Schools. Funding has already been designated for Lansdowne High School.
In attendace was Howard County's Executive Dr. Calvin Ball who said, "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 $2.2 billion statewide, if we all come together we can make sure every jurisdiction is taken care of. As much as there’s a need in Howard County there’s a need in each of Maryland’s Counties and Baltimore City.”
The built to learn act is separate from a sweeping plan to spend billions of dollars over the next decade for needs inside the classroom.
