At the Maryland Association of Counties (MACO) Conference, Governor O’Malley, Senate President Mike Miller and House Speaker Michael Busch are talking with local elected officials about the challenges facing them as they wrestle with the state budget and a projected $1.6 billion shortfall.
O’Malley has promised not to pass along any teacher pension costs this year, adding that the pension system must be changed first. However, the General Assembly could still decide to shift some of the costs. Miller and Busch also warned that the budget will very likely include a reduction in local aid. Local officials are concerned with the impact and that tax payers will suffer. For more information, check out the following articles:
- Baltimore Sun blog posting – O’Malley promises not to shift teacher pensions
- Baltimore Sun article – Local officials to make their case to the state
- Gazette article – Assembly faces puzzling predicament
Legislative Panel of the Maryland Library Association 