A digest of Baltimore news from local sources.
From the Washington Post: Hogan Says He Will Propose Tax Cuts, Changes in State Funding Formulas
"Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said Thursday that he will propose $400 million in tax cuts over the next five years and wants to change state budget law to automatically reduce mandated spending increases if revenue levels drop.
"Tax relief would fulfill the central promise Hogan (R) made in his 2014 gubernatorial campaign, when he staged one of the biggest upsets in the country by defeating a Democratic lieutenant governor in a deeply blue state.
"But tax cuts — like budget-reform measures — would require the approval of Maryland’s Democratic-controlled legislature, which is wary of reducing spending on education, health care and other basics.
"Democrats also have little interest in handing a big political victory to Hogan, whose popularity has soared over the past year as he battled cancer, cut tolls and directed hundreds of millions of dollars to road and bridge projects."
From the Baltimore Sun: UMBC, Northrup Grumman to Invest $1.6 Million in South Baltimore School
"Two of Maryland's leading science and technology institutions are joining forces to invest $1.6 million in manpower and resources to enhance learning at a Southwest Baltimore school.
"The University of Maryland Baltimore County and Northrop Grumman will build a state-of-the-art center focused on science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics, a so-called STEAM education grouping, at Lakeland Elementary/Middle School.
"The center will provide 'robust' curriculum-based resources and professional development for teachers, according to the funders. It will also offer adult education services for residents of surrounding communities.
"The center is scheduled for completion in January 2018 and will replace a vacant recreation center at the school. It will have science labs, multipurpose spaces, and a digital video and sound studio. It also will offer parent resource rooms and meeting spaces.
"A host of political, community and business leaders gathered at Lakeland on Thursday to announce the partnership between Northrop, an aerospace and defense company that employs 10,000 at its Maryland location, and UMBC. Both institutions have separately teamed with Lakeland — for example Northrop sponsors its food pantry, and UMBC staff and professors have worked with student programs for three years. Organizers said the joint effort is unique because it will create a pipeline to college and a career."
From the Real News Network: Mayor’s Race 2016: Residents Want a City Run for Them
“The Baltimore mayor's race is wide open for the first time in years. Over 20 candidates have stepped into the ring, with challenges from every district. And without an incumbent mayor running, it's anyone's race, which means whoever's elected mayor of Baltimore could change the destiny of the city. That's why the Real News Network asked candidates' views on specific policies, [key] to improve the lives of the people who live here, meaning tax breaks, policing, crime, and housing.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UXcxPnwEuc
Learn more at the Real News Network