4. Do you support or oppose Maryland’s maintenance of effort law that requires local jurisdictions to fund at least the same per pupil allocation in local aid for education as the prior year unless a waiver is granted?
_____ Support
_____ Oppose
Additional Comments:
The state imposed the "maintenance of effort" requirement to allay concerns the local jurisdictions would simply decrease local spending for education in the amount of the state allocation. As I noted in my response to question #1, maintenance is a clear example of the power of the State, which, in this case, has led to difficulties.
The State is empowered to, but not required to, grant waivers when a county pleads hardship. I know that Montgomery County (and possibly others) that were denied by the State. I have not had the opportunity to review the 2012 changes, so some of my thinking may have been addressed. But the primary objection to programs like Thornton is that in exchange for money, local governments surrender more and more of their autonomy.
Friends of Trent Kittleman
3000 Kittleman Lane • West Friendship, Maryland 21794