The student speakers at the press conference celebrated the needed increase in teacher retention and development. Several students mentioned the impact having African-American and teachers of color has on them and their peers. Chairman and namesake of the commission William “Brit” Kirwan was in attendance and offered remarks in support of fully funding the commission's recommendations. The event attracted even larger star power as former U.S. Education Secretary John King was in attendance. King noted that he was there not just as an education advocate, but as a parent of Maryland public school children.
The General Assembly is geared up to look at a number of revenue increasing packages to help pay for Kirwan and ensure more money in state coffers for state employees and services. Most of the revenue is expected to come from calling on Maryland millionaires and corporations to pay their fair share of taxes. Another way to increase revenue would be to close loopholes in the tax code that allow for the wealthiest Marylanders to avoid paying some of their taxes.
See a news clip of the event on WBALTV.com.
2020-01-16