Voting YES or FOR to Question 1 will keep a promise made to voters that casino revenue would increase school funding instead of being used for other purposes. While casino revenues have been going into the Education Trust Fund—which can only be used for funding public education—nearly the same amount of existing funding has been shifted from education to other parts of the state budget. The result? The new revenue from casinos hasn’t added to existing funding; it has simply maintained the existing levels. Passing Question 1 will stop the budget gimmicks and ensure that casino revenues actually go to increasing school funding over current levels.
With Maryland schools underfunded by $2.9 billion annually, voting YES or FOR to Question 1 will take a significant step to closing that gap. We know that funding is sorely needed by our students, who only get one chance at a strong K-12 education. They deserve equitable and adequate school funding that delivers lasting opportunity in every single Maryland community. Voting YES or FOR to Question 1 is the first step to closing the funding shortfall and making this vision a reality.
Remember, school is closed on Election Day, Tuesday, November 6. We hope everyone takes the time to vote!