State of Maryland Archives: on Education


Alec Ross: One Economy: Internet & content to low-income schools

After college, Alec moved to Baltimore to teach in the City's public schools--6th grade at Booker T. Washington Middle School. Alec saw firsthand the inequities in our school system and implemented programs connecting his students to opportunities in higher education and conflict resolution. It's also where he met his wife, Felicity, who taught in the classroom across the hall--and continues to teach in Baltimore City public schools today.

Recognizing the inequities that made it nearly impossible for low-income families to get ahead, Alec co-founded a non-profit start-up called One Economy, which helped deliver high-speed Internet access, educational content and education to low-income communities. One Economy started in a basement and grew into a global organization serving millions of low-income families.

Source: 2018 Maryland gubernatorial campaign website AlecRoss.com May 2, 2017

Anthony Brown: Increase investments in our state's schools

In 1998, Anthony was first elected to the Maryland House of Delegates to represent Prince George's County. Recognized by his colleagues for his leadership, Anthony rose quickly, serving as Vice Chair of the powerful House Judiciary Committee and, later, as Majority Whip.

Anthony made an even larger impact on Maryland during his eight years as Lt. Governor. He fought to increase investments in our state's schools so that every child could receive a world-class education and he spearheaded efforts to plan for and coordinate the arrival of 60,000 BRAC-related jobs to Maryland, including at Joint Base Andrews and Fort Meade.

Source: 2016 Maryland House campaign website AnthonyBrown.com Nov 8, 2016

Arvin Vohra: Stop the one-size-fits-none education programs

When we defund the Department of Education, we put a stop to One-Size-Fits-None programs like Common Core and No Child Left Behind, and we replace those blunders with parental choice programs that can actually work. You, the one person who cares the most about your child's education, will find much better programs than any third party could. Now we have a populace educated by parents who care, instead of by politicians who want to get reelected and make political decisions.
Source: 2018 Maryland Senate campaign website VoteVohra.com Dec 12, 2017

Arvin Vohra: Vouchers are just food stamps for education

Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Vouchers for school choice"?

A: Strongly oppose. This is just replacing one type of welfare (government schools) with another type of welfare (vouchers). Vouchers are just food stamps for education. It is the parent's responsibility to provide education, not If it's not your kid, it's not your responsibility. If you can't afford to pay for education, and can't be bothered to learn to homeschool, don't have kids.

Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Maryland Senate candidate Mar 30, 2018

Ashwani Jain: Public dollars should be used to improve public schools

I am opposed to school choice/vouchers because I believe public dollars should be used to improve public schools (especially in low-income and minority neighborhoods which are traditionally underfunded). By dedicating taxpayer dollars to public schools, I also believe there will be greater accountability and transparency when it comes to how the funds are used and the quality of education provided.

Maryland needs Universal Pre-K across the state. Most children grow up in households where both parents work outside of the home, making outside care a necessity. Unfortunately, the cost of pre-k and childcare are too expensive. By providing universal pre-k, we can reduce the financial burdens faced by our residents and ensure our children are prepared for their future thus reducing the opportunity gap by some of our low-income and minority families.

Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race May 14, 2021

Ashwani Jain: Ease student loan debt for those who teach public school

I believe that if you pursue a career in teaching, your student loan debt should be forgiven. I support student loan debt forgiveness--of between $5K-$10K--for those who teach in MD public school systems for 6 years. This would not only bring educator student debt more in line with the state average for post-secondary degrees but will also encourage educators to stay in the profession past the attrition peak and become the high-quality, experienced educators we need.
Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race May 14, 2021

Ashwani Jain: For comprehensive Sex Ed in public schools

We must ensure we have comprehensive Sex Ed in Public Schools--that teaches about everything from abstinence to contraceptives, to LGBTQ inclusion, sexual orientation, gender identity and reproductive rights.
Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race May 14, 2021

Ben Jealous: Raise school spending with gambling revenue & legalized pot

Before Gov. Hogan took office, public schools were ranked first in the country for 5 years running. Now, under his leadership, we've slipped to sixth. As governor, I will reverse this trend by making sure we raise teacher pay by 29%, fund full-day universal Pre-K by legalizing and taxing marijuana for adult use, and force Annapolis to finally keep its promise to use all of the casino and lottery revenue to increase education spending, not replace money they've shifted to other priorities.
Source: 2018 Maryland Gubernatorial campaign website, BenJealous.com Jun 26, 2018

Ben Jealous: Criticized proposals vouchers proposals

Education: Increase funding for K-12 education?

Hogan: No. Create more efficiency with current revenue streams, allow choice programs like vouchers.

Jealous: Yes. "Raise teacher pay by 29%, fund full-day universal Pre-K." Fund this by taxing legal marijuana.

Education: Provide vouchers to parents to send their children to private schools with public money?

Hogan: Yes. Increased scholarship funding for low-income students attending non-public school of their choice.

Jealous: No. Criticized proposed vouchers proposals. Would instead increase funding for public schools.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Maryland Governor race Nov 1, 2018

Ben Jealous: Make community college free; make 4-year college debt-free

Education: Address college costs?

Hogan: Expanded scholarship program to help cover community college tuition. Has limited tuition increases to 2%.

Jealous: Make community college free & 4-year public institutions debt-free for Marylanders. Establish refinancing program for existing loans.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Maryland Governor race Nov 1, 2018

Benjamin Cardin: $3M for Baltimore STEM education grants

Q: Do you believe the federal government should place more emphasis on increasing the number of young Americans who pursue careers in science, technology, engineering or mathematics, or not?

Cardin selected, "Yes."

Cardin adds, "I have met with numerous young students who develop an interest in science and technology once they learn about the career opportunities available to them. For this reason, I am a strong supporter of increased funding for the National Science Foundation. Additionally, last fall, I was pleased to join Sen. Mikulski in announcing a $3 million U.S. Department of Education grant to Baltimore City Public Schools to use innovative methods, such as robotics instruction and career mentors, to strengthen the mathematics skills of middle school students and get more students involved in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects. I will continue to support funding for these types of grant programs."

Source: Your Candidates Your Health: 2012 Maryland Senate debates

Chris Chaffee: Teach children 10 Commandments, not gender identification

Teach children the Ten Commandments not transgender and gender identification.
Source: Twitter posting on 2022 Maryland Senate race Jun 22, 2022

Chris Van Hollen: For universal pre-K, invest in public schools

Chris Van Hollen has always understood that there's nothing more essential for our future success than providing a quality education for every child and building ladders for career success. For Chris, that's the foundation for expanding economic opportunities, and it's why he's been a champion for universal pre-k, led the fight to increase our investment in public schools, and pushed to expand apprenticeships, and reduce the costs of both community and four-year colleges.
Source: 2022 Maryland Senate campaign website VanHollen.org Jul 20, 2022

Dan Bongino: Schools must inspire next generation of engineers & doctors

Q: Do you believe the federal government should place more emphasis on increasing the number of young Americans who pursue careers in science, technology, engineering or mathematics, or not?

Bongino selected, "Yes."

Bongino added, "Inspiring the next generation of engineers, doctors, and scientists begins with our primary schools and teachers. I fully support the implementation of tools such as parent choice vouchers, charter schools, and merit based pay systems for educators. In addition, we must reward good teachers, the bedrock of our educational system, and allow them to work in a system not stifled by bureaucracy and archaic work rules. Our educational goals in math, science, and every other industry should not simply be to 'keep pace with the world,' but to be the BEST in the world."

Source: Your Candidates Your Health: 2012 Maryland Senate debates Jun 15, 2012

Dan Cox: Constitutional education mandate must include school choice

I will examine all executive options available to rescue our failing schools, and present a legislative package to expand school choice and independent charter schools state-wide. The General Assembly must act to provide the Constitutional education mandate for every child equally and that must include school choice.
Source: 2022 Maryland Governor campaign website CoxForFreedom.com Apr 24, 2022

Dan Cox: End Marxist type approach: CRT, gender indoctrination

Cox said if elected, he plans to lower taxes and take education back to what he calls teaching the basics. "We're gonna end, you know, this America hate teaching this divisive Marxist type approach with CRT and gender indoctrination which is really horrific that's going on Pre-K through 3rd. It's wrong," he said.
Source: WJLA on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race May 30, 2022

Ian Schlakman: Opposes vouchers for school choice

Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Vouchers for school choice"?

A: Oppose

Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Maryland Governor candidate Aug 21, 2018

Jamie Raskin: Curb the dogmas and protocols of the new testing mania

Jamie is passionately committed to the educational success of all young people. Jamie is proud of the time he spent volunteering at his kids' schools and proud of the work he has done in Annapolis to fully fund public education, increase desperately needed school construction dollars, enact Farm-to-Schools legislation & improve school nutrition, and curb the dogmas & protocols of the new testing mania which are all too often squeezing out real education and driving teachers out of the profession.
Source: 2016 Maryland House campaign website JamieRaskin.com Nov 8, 2016

Jamie Raskin: Stop hobbling our young people with mountains of debt

Jamie is deeply committed to making higher education affordable and accessible to all young people. "I am fighting for debt-free college education as a national priority," he says. "We need this new generation of creative, culturally aware, and technologically savvy young people to confront the stubborn problems of our day after they graduate. Let's stop saddling and hobbling our young people with mountains of debt that constrain their ability to thrive."
Source: 2016 Maryland House campaign website JamieRaskin.com Nov 8, 2016

John B. King: Expand education access; seek universal preschool

He said he planned to focus on expanding education access beyond the state's sweeping new program known as Kirwan, seeking universal preschool statewide and saying "we have no future" unless Maryland's public school system provides a high-quality education to all students.
Source: Washington Post on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race Apr 20, 2021

John B. King: Inspiring public school teachers saved my life

[Gubernatorial candidacy announcement speech]: "My life is proof of the positive difference that public institutions can make in people's lives," King said in the announcement. "I lost both my parents as a child, my mom when I was 8 and my dad when I was 12. Public schools and inspiring public school teachers saved my life. Even when I struggled as a teenager and got kicked out of high school, it was teachers and a school counselor that gave me a second chance. I am running for governor of Maryland because we can't afford to rely on chance for more Marylanders to have the opportunity to succeed."
Source: MarylandMatters.org blog on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race Apr 20, 2021

Kathy Szeliga: One-size-fits-all approach is failing our children

The federal government's one-size-fits-all approach to education is failing our children and grandchildren. As a former teacher in Baltimore City, one of my top priorities is reforming our education system so that our children are prepared for the current job market. We need plumbers, military personnel, and people in law enforcements just as much as we need doctors, lawyers, and accountants. We owe it to our children to truly prepare them for the future. [Source: www.kathyformaryland.com/issues ]
Source: Vote-MD.org profile for 2016 Maryland Senate race Aug 9, 2016

Larry Hogan: $7M for student scholarships to attend a private school

We can--and we must--do more. Beginning with our unwavering commitment to education: This is our third budget in a row with record funding for education. We invested another $6.4 billion to fully fund the legislative formulas. Every single penny that every single jurisdiction anticipated from the state for education is fully funded at 100%.

We have already accomplished a great deal. But together, we can--and we must--do more. Every single child in Maryland deserves access to a great education, regardless of what neighborhood they happen to grow up in. Sadly, we still have students who are trapped in persistently failing schools. Last year, Democratic leaders in this assembly proposed legislation that provided $5 million, giving a limited number of deserving kids the chance to earn a scholarship to attend a private school. Our budget adds $2 million more to this initiative.

so that we can give even more children that opportunity.

Source: 2017 State of the State address to Maryland Legislature Feb 1, 2017

Larry Hogan: Tuition relief for state colleges: 2% growth cap

We're investing record amounts for higher education with a budget that includes $1.35 billion for the university system; more than $256 million for Maryland's community colleges; and to continue our commitment to make college more affordable, we are providing an additional $17.5 million specifically for tuition relief, so that 14 Maryland universities and colleges can now cap tuition growth at 2%, rather than the 5% they were proposing. And we are asking for your help to tackle the growing problem of college debt by passing the Student Debt Relief Act, which will allow Marylanders to deduct one hundred percent of the interest paid on their student loans from their state income tax return.
Source: 2017 State of the State address to Maryland Legislature Feb 1, 2017

Larry Hogan: More charter school choice; more P-TECH schools

Let's expand choices for Maryland families by passing the Public Charter School Act of 2017. Last year, we brought the P-TECH schools initiative to Maryland, which is giving children a choice, along with real hope and real opportunities. So this year, we plan to double the number of P-TECH schools in Maryland.
Source: 2017 State of the State address to Maryland Legislature Feb 1, 2017

Larry Hogan: Record high funding for public schools: opportunity for all

For the fifth year in row, my budget provides historic, record-high funding for our schools.

We have invested $32 billion in K-12 education. More than half of our entire capital budget goes toward education. This isn't about politics; this is about our kids and their futures--making sure that every single child in Maryland has the same opportunity to get a world-class education regardless of what neighborhood they happen to grow up in.

Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Maryland legislature Jan 30, 2019

Larry Hogan: Expand scholarships for community college tuition

Education: Address college costs?

Hogan: Expanded scholarship program to help cover community college tuition. Has limited tuition increases to 2%.

Jealous: Make community college free & 4-year public institutions debt-free for Marylanders. Establish refinancing program for existing loans.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Maryland Governor race Nov 1, 2018

Larry Hogan: Scholarships for deserving students for non-public schools

Every single child in Maryland deserves a world-class education. That's why we are proposing that every school system receives more funding, regardless of declining enrollment figures. And we are expanding investment for full-day pre-K targeted tutoring, scholarships for deserving students to attend non-public schools, and we are proposing the largest investment in school construction in state history to bring every single one of the state's schools into the 21st century.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Maryland legislature Feb 3, 2021

Margaret Flowers: No tuition from pre-school through graduate school

Education from pre-school through graduate school could be adequately funded so there is no tuition and there are sufficient teachers and support staff.
Source: 2016 Maryland Senate campaign website FlowersForSenate.org Feb 3, 2016

Martin O`Malley: Complete College Maryland: incentives to finish on time

We must continue to make college more affordable for more families. Today, the University of Maryland is a top-5 national value. Access to college is important, but completing college is essential in this knowledge-based economy. That's the goal of Complete College Maryland, which I hope you will support in this year's budget. It's a step--but only a step. To move forward, we must rethink the way we fund higher education so there is a greater incentive for completing college on time.
Source: 2011 Maryland State of the State Address Feb 3, 2011

Martin O`Malley: Encourage more public charter schools

We have some great schools here in Maryland, but the gap between the best and the worst schools is dramatic. I believe that every child in Maryland deserves a world-class education, regardless of what neighborhood they grow up in. We must fix our under-performing schools while also giving parents and children realistic and better alternatives.

So, let's expand families choices. Let's encourage more public charter schools to open and operate in Maryland. This month, our administration will submit legislation to strengthen Maryland's charter school law. This legislation will expand choices for families and make it easier for more public charter schools to operate in Maryland.

Source: State of the State address to 2015 Maryland Legislature Feb 4, 2015

Martin O`Malley: Tax credits for contributions to private & parochial schools

Our administration will also push for the enactment of the "Building Opportunities for All Students and Teachers" legislation, also known as "BOAST." It provides tax credits to those who make voluntary contributions to private or parochial schools, and it will help free up more money and resources for our students in public schools. This legislation has been debated in these chambers for more than a decade. It is the right thing to do.
Source: State of the State address to 2015 Maryland Legislature Feb 4, 2015

Maya Cummings: Public education should be path to success

Give all children, regardless of where they live or their family background, a solid start and an excellent public education so that every Maryland child graduates with the skills needed to succeed. Create quality, affordable, and connected higher education and workforce training options to successfully launch young adults into the world of work.
Source: 2018 Maryland Gubernatorial website MayaForMaryland.com Oct 15, 2017

Michael Steele: Oppose the No Child Left Behind Act

I disagreed with my party on No Child Left Behind. I endorsed No Child Left Behind at the convention in 2004. Since that time, I sat down and I've talked to a thousand teachers in, in my state, and I've listened to them tell me what the problem is.
Source: 2006 Maryland Senate debate on Meet the Press Oct 29, 2006

Parris Glendening: Began the Golden Age of School Construction ($1.6B)

We made education the number one priority of Maryland. This year our schools will receive $2.6 billion in State aid. That is $1 billion more than they received the year I took office. We also began the Golden Age of School Construction, with $1.6 billion in funding to build and modernize over 13,000 classrooms all across Maryland. And higher education is being elevated to its proper status as a top State priority, not just a budgetary afterthought.
Source: 2001 State of the State speech to Maryland legislature Jan 8, 2001

Parris Glendening: Make tuition an anachronism: free college for all

We more than doubled financial aid with new merit scholarships and a major increase in "need based" aid. We strengthened support for our Historically Black Institutions. We also embarked upon a $1.2 billion campus construction program to build new science and technology facilities on campuses across Maryland.

We must be mindful, however, that much of our work together was merely to "catch up" to where Maryland should have been. Higher education bore a disproportionate burden of budget cuts in the recession of the early 1990s. We are just now fully recovering. Having brought stability to our colleges and universities, we must look towards the future with a determination to go beyond the status quo with dramatic, bold steps.

I want the word ‘tuition' to be seen as an anachronism. All children will move into college just as they now move from junior high to high school. Maryland's institutions of higher education will be among the best in the country.and they will be free.

Source: 2001 State of the State speech to Maryland legislature Jan 8, 2001

Peter Franchot: Supports financial literacy & college capital projects

As comptroller, Peter has advocated for many years to make financial literacy courses a requirement for high school graduation. Peter believes that before young Marylanders earn a Maryland high school diploma and pursue their endeavors, high school graduates should be equipped with the knowledge and training in financial education to make meaningful decisions about their financial health. He's worked to expand financial literacy opportunities to young Marylanders.

Peter has been a consistent supporter of advancing our public higher education system. As a member of the Board of Public Works, he has voted to approve more than $1 billion in capital projects that allows our public universities and community colleges to provide the world-class education that our students deserve and need to compete in a global economy.

Source: 2022 Maryland gubernatorial campaign website franchot.com Feb 18, 2021

Peter Franchot: Healthy classrooms yes; standardized testing no

Peter has demanded answers and action on the absence of climate-controlled, healthy classrooms in Baltimore City and County. Thanks to his advocacy, Baltimore County and Baltimore City accelerated their installation of air-conditioning units and heating units in public schools. Peter will continue to hold education officials accountable and ensure that taxpayer dollars are being spent to provide our children with safe and healthy classrooms that are conducive to their learning and success.

Peter has been a vocal opponent of standardized testing and its outsized role in determining academic achievement and teacher performance. Peter will continue to advocate for Maryland's public schools to eliminate standardized testing as a high school graduation or grade promotion requirement. What's more, ending the stranglehold of standardized testing will give teachers more control in how they educate their students.

Source: 2022 Maryland gubernatorial campaign website franchot.com Feb 18, 2021

Peter Franchot: Fully debt-free paths to a vocational or college degree

Franchot's agenda includes piloting fully debt-free paths to a vocation or college degree. The Franchot administration will integrate union vocational training and apprenticeship programs into Maryland's public high school system. Franchot will pilot student loan debt forgiveness for those students completing a degree program in a globally-competitive field at one of the state's public universities as long as they reside and file taxes in Maryland for at least five years after graduation.
Source: 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial campaign website TK.com Jul 19, 2021

Richard Madaleno: Public schools are the key to our future

A high-quality public education system is the key to our future. The incumbent's education agenda focused on taking money from public schools and giving it to for-profit charter schools, private schools, and religious schools. My commitment to public education will be unwavering. We will achieve universal pre-kindergarten, we will support and improve public K-12, and we will invest in our colleges and universities. You'll see it in my budget and appointments.
Source: 2018 Maryland Gubernatorial website MadalenoForMaryland.com Aug 8, 2017

Richard Madaleno: Free community college tuition

Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Maryland Governor candidate Jun 1, 2018

Robin Ficker: We need to teach kids to love libraries, not raise taxes

I think the achievement gap is very important, and I've got some ideas on how to close the achievement gap that don't include increasing property taxes. I know that children who spend time in the library and read at an early age are going to be successes in life. The problem is that other kids aren't going into the library. We need to teach our kids to love to be in the library, to love to read, and if we do that, that achievement gap is going to be closed.
Source: Bethesda Magazine on 2022 Maryland gubernatorial race Oct 11, 2018

Rushern Baker: For fully funding The Blueprint for Maryland's future

Our number one priority is to fulfill the promise of excellence we've made to each child by fully funding The Blueprint for Maryland's future. As career-long champions of education, we are committed to being caretakers of this plan to ensure the bold funding goals are met and that each initiative is properly executed. The Blueprint's focus on equity, enrichment, innovation, and inclusion means investing in our students and educators today to create an acclaimed education system for tomorrow.
Source: 2022 Maryland Governor campaign website RushernBaker.com Jun 24, 2022

Sam Faddis: Education system needs fixing to meet new job requirements

We have to jump start the economy; we have to fix our educational system" because most good jobs now require "some kind of higher education." In typical Republican fashion, he says government needs to create the conditions to grow, with lower taxes and less regulation. "I'm not asking for government to go away. I'm asking government to take three steps back," Faddis said.
Source: Maryland Reporter on 2018 Maryland Senate race Nov 5, 2015

Shawn Quinn: Vouchers for public and private school choice

Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Vouchers for school choice"?

A: Strongly support. Vouchers should also allow students to choose any public school.

Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Maryland Governor candidate May 13, 2018

Thomas Perez: Put himself through college with Pell grants & taking jobs

Tom embodies the values of hard work, integrity, service, and perseverance. He put himself through college at Brown University using pell grants and earning his tuition money in a number of jobs, including working on the back of a garbage truck. He received a B.A. in international relations and political science, and then went on to receive his Juris Doctor cum laude from Harvard Law School and a Master of Public Policy degree from the Harvard Kennedy School.
Source: 2021 Maryland Governor campaign website TomPerez.com Jul 18, 2021

Thomas Perez: Committed to fully funding our education system

In the 2021 legislative session, the General Assembly overrode Governor Hogan's veto and passed the Blueprint for Maryland's Future Act. However, significant hurdles remain, and Tom is committed to using this momentum to continue to create a stronger, more equitable education system by continuing to expand early childhood education, committing to fully fund our education system, ensuring our low-income school districts do not get left behind, and paying our educators what they deserve.
Source: 2021 Maryland Governor campaign website TomPerez.com Jul 18, 2021

Thomas Perez: Pay teachers equitable and professional salaries

Teacher recruitment and retention have become a major issue in Maryland. High turnover hurts students because it causes understaffing and a lack of experienced teachers, especially in low-income neighborhoods. Maryland public school teachers make comparatively less than public school teachers in neighboring states and certainly less than teachers in top-performing school systems. We must take care of our teachers by paying them equitable and professional salaries.
Source: 2021 Maryland Governor campaign website TomPerez.com Jul 18, 2021

Thomas Perez: Equal access to early childhood education

Access to early childhood education (ECE) and prekindergarten has a significant impact on the life trajectory of children. Maryland currently does not have universal pre-K, but it has been found that jurisdictions that have invested in early childhood education see positive impacts economic development and public safety. Tom believes that equal access to ECE throughout the entire state of Maryland is necessary and the benefits would reach beyond just those seen within the education system.
Source: 2021 Maryland Governor campaign website TomPerez.com Jul 18, 2021

Thomas Perez: Invest in school construction to address overcrowding

6 out of every 10 parents with children 18 or younger in Maryland believe crowded classrooms are a problem in their schools. Inadequate school infrastructure causes difficult learning conditions and poor performance. Funding for school construction in Maryland will alleviate the problem of overcrowding in schools, which will allow more students the opportunity to have a high-quality education.
Source: 2021 Maryland Governor campaign website TomPerez.com Jul 18, 2021

Thomas Perez: We must work to promote diversity among our educators

We must work to promote diversity among our educators. About 50% of Maryland public school students are Black or Latino, yet only 20% of our teachers are Black or Latino. One in every five schools in Maryland does not have a single Black teacher, and almost half don't have Latino teachers. Students of color who have a teacher of their same race tend to do better academically. Diversity in teachers can also help to foster a positive school climate for all students.
Source: 2021 Maryland Governor campaign website TomPerez.com Jul 18, 2021

Thomas Perez: Make community colleges, trade schools tuition-free

Tom supports making community colleges and trade schools tuition-free for all students, including Dreamers. Our state's network of two-year community colleges provides accessible, high-quality education for students of all ages. Community Colleges should be more seamlessly integrated into the state's training and education systems.
Source: 2021 Maryland Governor campaign website TomPerez.com Jul 18, 2021

Tony Campbell: Wants federal government out of education decisions

Over the past 30 years, programs such as Race To The Top, No Child Left Behind and Common Core has stripped the fundamental rights of states to manage public education. Under the Constitution, states have control over providing public education to students. The 9th and 10th Amendments stipulate the national government should stay away from setting curricula and testing standards. As Senator I will push to end Common Core to return authority of education to the people of Maryland!
Source: 2018 Senate campaign website, Campbell4Maryland.com Jun 26, 2018

Wes Moore: Fully fund Blueprint for Education, Child Care

Source: 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial campaign website WesMoore.com Jul 24, 2022

Wes Moore: End the myth that every job requires a college education

To rebuild state government, and to give all Marylanders an opportunity to be a part of it, my administration will be looking at current standards to make sure they meet the requirements for the jobs we must fill. While Maryland is home to some of the world's greatest institutions of higher education - a fact of which we should be very proud - we must end the myth that young people must attend one of them to be successful. That doesn't have to be the path for every student--it wasn't my path.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Maryland legislature Feb 1, 2023

Donald Trump: Parents should be able to fire the principal, elect another

I will fight for parents rights. Can you believe here we are? Because they took the rights away including universal school choice. We want the school principal to be elected by parents. We love the children more than the parents. If any principal is not getting this done, the parents should be able to fire the principal and elect someone new. We will teach our values and promote our history and traditions to our children. We will, in other words, be proud of our country again.
Source: Speech at the 2023 CPAC Conference in Maryland Mar 4, 2023

Mike Pompeo: Our schools teach kids to be ashamed of America

It's about being a democracy once again, the thing that will convince the next generation that our conservative ideas have made America so great. Our schools teach kids to be ashamed of America. They teach the 1619 Project instead of our values. We are at risk. President Xi is counting on us teaching our kids this crap. The teacher's union will lock parents out of our schools and keep gender transitions hidden from parents. This is immoral, evil and dangerous.
Source: Speech at the 2023 CPAC Conference in Maryland Mar 3, 2023

Angela Alsobrooks: Equitable funding for schools rather than property taxes

Angela sees one of the fundamental mistakes made in the country is relying on local jurisdictions funded primarily by property taxes as the primary source of school funding. She strongly opposes this approach as it results in unequal educational opportunities, with the quality of a child's education being determined by their zip code. Angela firmly believes that we should expand Title I funding and that the burden of education should be lifted off of local budgets.
Source: 2024 Maryland Senate campaign website AngelaAlsobrooks.com Feb 16, 2024

Angela Alsobrooks: Improve access to low interest student loans

Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Maryland Senate race Aug 8, 2024

Larry Hogan: Biden student loan forgiveness: bad idea at worst time

Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Maryland Senate race Aug 8, 2024

Robin Ficker: Support vouchers; eliminate Department of Education

Q: EDUCATION: I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.

A: Strongly Agree.

Q: I support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and giving control back to states and communities.

A: Strongly Agree

Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2024 Maryland Senate race Nov 1, 2016

Wes Moore: $5M in grants to expand access to post-secondary education

Governor Wes Moore has announced $5 million in grants to expand access to post-secondary education for first-generation students in Maryland. "As we work to prepare the next generation to join Maryland's workforce, we must ensure that students from every corner of our state are included in that vision," Moore said. He emphasized that success does not require a four-year degree, highlighting the importance of connecting students to community colleges, trade schools, and apprenticeships.
Source: Eye on Annapolis on 2026 Maryland Gubernatorial race Sep 8, 2025

  • The above quotations are from State of Maryland Politicians: Archives.
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2024 Presidential contenders on Education:
  Candidates for President & Vice-President:
V.P.Kamala Harris (D-CA)
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.(I-CA)
Chase Oliver(L-GA)
Dr.Jill Stein(D-MA)
Former Pres.Donald Trump(R-FL)
Sen.J.D.Vance(R-OH)
Gov.Tim Walz(D-MN)
Dr.Cornel West(I-NJ)

2024 presidential primary contenders:
Pres.Joe_Biden(D-DE)
N.D.Gov.Doug Burgum(R)
N.J.Gov.Chris_Christie(R)
Fla.Gov.Ron_DeSantis(R)
S.C.Gov.Nikki_Haley(R)
Ark.Gov.Asa_Hutchinson(R)
Former V.P.Mike Pence(R-IN)
U.S.Rep.Dean_Phillips(D-MN)
Vivek_Ramaswamy(R-OH)
S.C.Sen.Tim_Scott(R)
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Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026