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Educators Worried About What Md. Budget Deficit Means For Schools

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Maryland educators are trying to gauge what the state's budget deficit might mean for school funding.

Political reporter Pat Warren looks at some of the speculations.

It's all speculation at this point because the new administration isn't in office yet but it doesn't take a math teacher to see the numbers don't add up.

It has been an uphill battle in Baltimore to get a plan to build new schools and renovate others off the ground. Now school construction statewide is a concern in the face of a looming budget deficit that Governor-elect Larry Hogan is trying to cut down to size---and debate is brewing over whether school funding in general can continue at the current rate.

"We've got this huge shortfall and 81% of all the money we spend is mandated," Hogan said.

The state faces a budget crisis of hundreds of millions of dollars. There is a projection that it will come up $300 million short this year and $900 million short in the next two years.

"This is going to be a subject of serious discussion," said Delegate John Bohanan.

The Maryland State Education Association brought lawmakers into the conversation Monday in a Building the Future forum, who emphasized the importance of maintaining funding levels.

"We have to find a way to make the sacrifices to keep that commitment up," said Senator Richard Madaleno.

Governor-elect Hogan is waiting for recommendations from his budget experts.

Hogan is expecting a list of budget-cutting recommendations on Monday. He has said he will not raise taxes to make up the deficit.

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