|
Dear Resident,
Today, the County Council voted to approve the FY 2024 Operating Budget and the Amended FY 2023-2028 Capital Improvements Program.
The County Executive submitted a budget to the County Council on March 15th in response to the unprecedented need across our county, and called for additional revenue specifically to support our public school system. On May 18th, the Council voted 7-4 to set a property tax rate of 4.7-cents per $100 of assessed value.
While I voted for the budget, I spoke out during this process about my concerns that this budget does not do enough to keep up with the growing needs of our school system, nor adequately fund our climate change efforts, or fulfill our commitments to our most vulnerable residents. I advocated that we implement zero-based budgeting in the future to make our government more effective and focus our resources on our priorities.
I voted against that tax rate because it will not provide the resources that our school system needs and deserves to support our students and educators. My highest priority in this budget has always been to ensure our students and educators have the resources they need to succeed. That's the only way to retain the high quality of teaching that parents expect from our school system.
 MCPS needs have changed dramatically over the last several decades. Our school population has a higher number of FARMS students, a higher number of ESOL participation, and increased developmental needs.
My mission as a Councilmember is to expand opportunity. As Chair of the Education and Culture Committee, I know the power of educators and mentors who can shape who our children are in the world.
The surest path to greater opportunity is through education. For a generation, people have flocked to our county because of our commitment to education. I am concerned that our commitment to our schools is faltering exactly when we need it to be most steadfast.
Despite the shortcomings in our budget, I want to take a moment to highlight some of the initiatives that are funded for the next fiscal year:
-
School Construction. Thanks to the work of my colleagues – especially Councilmembers Mink and Stewart – we were able to address shortfalls in our CIP and ensure many critical school construction projects move forward. This is how we keep our promises to students and families in Burtonsville and Damascus. This is how we make sure our students and teachers have excellent spaces for learning and wellness at Northwood, Wooton, Crown and more.
-
Rent Relief. There are over 130,000 families in Montgomery County that just manage to pay their rent and even more that are rent-burdened (spending 30% or more on rent). I appreciate the investment this Council has made in rent relief assistance.
-
Guaranteed Income. Wealth and income inequality is one of the challenges of our time. Guaranteed income is a strategy to reduce inequality and relieve pressure for struggling families. I'm thankful for the additional funding for the MoCo Boost Guaranteed Income Pilot that I initiated with Councilmember Albornoz to invest our dollars in a hand-up for working families. Other jurisdictions around the country are looking to Montgomery County because of its leadership on this program.
-
Summer RISE. As the inaugural Director of Summer RISE, I am filled with pride and joy seeing the progress of this program at WorkSource Montgomery now serving 644 students. I'm excited to see this program continue to grow for many years to come.
-
Libraries. Our libraries have been a lifeline for residents during the pandemic and I’m so pleased we are completing the last library revitalization for our 22 existing libraries. In addition, the library system has done excellent work to recruit and retain quality staff to serve our community.
-
Montgomery College. We are lucky to have a top ranked community college that provides pathways for higher education and career development for county residents and Marylanders across the state. I’m excited to support the College’s expansion in East County along with their continued work projects to support student development and success.
Budgets are a moral compass for what we believe is most important. I recognize this has been a very challenging process. I know every member of the Council is committed to serving our residents and making sure everyone can live, learn, work, play, and most importantly thrive in Montgomery County. I support this budget with that belief intact and the desire to continue to do better.
If you have any questions about the budget, or if I can help you in any way, please reach out to my office at 240-777-7811 or e-mail at councilmember.jawando@montgomerycountymd.gov.
Sincerely,
Will Jawando
Budget Links
 Congratulations graduates
I'm so inspired by the more than 250 MCPS students who graduated from our early college program this week. They graduated with their high school diploma from MCPS and their associates degree from Montgomery College! The future is bright! Congratulations, class of #2023!! 🙌🏾🎓
 Council appoints new Planning Board Chair and new commissioner
Congratulations to Artie Harris (D) and Josh Linden (Unaffiliated) on their appointments to the Montgomery County Planning Board. The new members fill seats of outgoing Chair Jeff Zyontz and Planning Board member Roberto Piñero, respectively. You can read more about Artie Harris and Josh Linden on the Planning Board website here.
 National Bike to Work Day
I was honored to join Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles and my colleagues in presenting a proclamation to recognize National Bike to Work Day, celebrated on Friday, May 19. We were joined by Department of Transportation (DOT) Director, Chris Conklin, Vision Zero Coordinator, Wade Holland and Washington Area Bicyclist Association Maryland Organizer, Peter Gray. This year, the event included over 100 Bike to Work Day pit stops throughout in D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia.
 Montgomery College's TRIO Awards Ceremony
I was honored to be a keynote speaker for Montgomery College's 19th Annual TRIO Awards Ceremony. The College's TRIO programs provide services to students from disadvantaged backgrounds including first generation students, low income students, and students living with disabilities. It was a privilege to hear from graduating and transferring students about the impact of TRIO in helping them to overcome obstacles on their academic journeys.
 Recognizing Battery Park
I was excited to award a citation to the Battery Park Citizen's Association and the Centennial Event Planning Committee in recognition of its hard work and dedication. Battery Park held a joyous centennial celebration and the Association has put in many volunteer hours to preserve and share the history of this beautiful community in Bethesda.
 The RideOn Food Drive
The RideOn Food Drive ends on May 27th. Donate a non-perishable food item on any Ride On bus and get a free trip. Help us support food security in our community in partnership with RideOn, Montgomery County Public Libraries and Manna Food Center. Click here for more information: http://ow.ly/MGZ350OlE7Y
|
