ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - The president of a teachers union is urging Maryland lawmakers to reject a tax-credit backed by Republican Gov. Larry Hogan for businesses that support students who attend private schools.
Betty Weller, president of the Maryland State Education Association, said Wednesday lawmakers should reject what she described as a "voucher scheme," whether or not Hogan "chooses to shortchange Maryland and its schools."
The $5 million proposal is a point of contention in Maryland's budget debate. Democrats have restored money for education and state employee pay that Hogan initially pulled back to help address a budget deficit. Hogan would still need to approve the restored funds.
Opponents are citing an attorney general opinion that says private schools are not subject to Maryland's broad protections against sexual orientation and disability discrimination.
