|
Whether you’re most interested in education, transportation, affordable housing, protecting the most vulnerable, or maintaining our parks, the $5.8 billion Fiscal Year 2020 budget the County Council approved today is where the rubber meets the road. Our focus throughout this process has been to ensure a fiscally responsible vision that reflects the values and priorities of our community. While every budget requires compromises, and this one was no different, we’re pleased the Fiscal Year 2020 budget charts a path forward that will help us maintain and improve upon the tremendous quality of life we’re so fortunate to enjoy here – and will allow more people in our community to access it.
Here are some highlights of our top budget priorities that we successfully secured in the budget. You can also check out my entire statement and video.
This budget doubles down on our investment in education. With leadership from Council President Navarro, Education and Culture Committee Chair Rice, and School System leaders, we fully funded MCPS.
We also:
- Fully funded Montgomery College’s budget so it can continue to be such a positive force in the lives and for the future careers of so many in our County
- Restored funding for Ag in the Classroom, a popular program that teaches MCPS students about the importance of agriculture in our daily lives
- Retained $6.89 million for KID Museum so they can acquire a location for their permanent home
- Secured $250,000 for a Fund for the Future to support coding and maker education programs
While I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together in this budget and progress we’re making on our core priorities, I think it’s also important to recognize the continued discussions we must have on how to achieve true fiscal sustainability. I continue to be concerned about balancing budgets by deferring funding of our obligations, and by using one-time savings to fund ongoing costs.
I’m optimistic that we can work together to tackle these structural challenges, ensure a fiscally sustainable budget process, and grow a thriving private-sector economy to support the high quality of life and high level of public services our residents expect and deserve, and to keep up with our growing needs, as we always have in Montgomery County.
In our ongoing effort to Bring the Council to the Community, our next “Friday with Friedson" will be in Kensington on June 21st. Please see below for details.
It's been another busy month as we continue to be out and about throughout the district.
Friday with Friedson in Poolesville at Watershed Cafe & Montgomery County Sports Hall of Fame Launch at Shirley Povich Field
Participating in Bike to Work Day in Bethesda & Pike District
Serving as chief election judge for the Village of Friendship Heights Council election & Iftar Dinner hosted by the Muslim Community Center
Glen Echo Park Partnership Gala & Moderating a Panel at the 29th Annual Affordable Housing Summit
It is truly an honor and privilege to represent our extraordinary community on the County Council.
As always, we hope you will continue to keep in touch and reach out to us with any issues.
|
