Montgomery County, Maryland (DC News Now) — Montgomery County Executive Mark Elrich will deliver his State of the County address Thursday night, emphasizing the health of the county's finances and how the county plans to address issues important to people, such as education and affordable housing. I looked back.
Elrich said the county is on track to exceed its goal of 10% reserves over the next year.
“We are anticipating $957 million in reserves, more than 24% of the budget by the end of fiscal year. This is evidence of our prudent financial strategy. It's not like we're going to end up using it,” said Mark Elrich with the Montgomery County Executive Office.
Elrich said the county's strong financial position allows it to continue investing in several areas, including education, public safety and affordable housing.
He spoke about the county's record investment in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and how it can be invested without raising taxes. He also noted that much of the budget goes toward paying teachers.
“We are increasing funding for Montgomery County Public Schools. Our children and educators need the resources to succeed, and that's exactly what we're going to provide.” Elrich he said.
Elrich said he proposed a way to fully fund MCPS.
“I recommend it with confidence. [the] The budget includes a significant increase in funding for MCPS. If approved, this budget would be the third largest increase ever allocated to MCPS, totaling $107 billion. “This is the largest tax increase ever that doesn't require a tax increase,” Elrich said. “There are ways to raise money without increasing class sizes, without cutting programs, without raising taxes, and even avoiding defunding.”
On the issue of affordable housing, Elrich said he would like to create new programs to preserve existing affordable units, create new affordable units, and protect tenants from being turned away. , said it is expanding its partnerships with nonprofit organizations.
In his speech, the county executive spoke about the connection between affordable housing and children's education.
“If your income is low and you have to move every time the rent goes up, you're going to change schools, you're going to change teachers, you're going to change communities. Adults may be able to get by because their communities are bigger than their schools. But [for] The kids, it’s really challenging to have a whole new set of students next to you,” Erlich said.
Mr. Erlich emphasized the importance of stability for children, which is often reflected in their school work.
“I've seen this as a teacher. Children who come to school hungry in the morning are not learning. They sit in their chairs and cry, but they don't want to tell anyone. ,” Erlich said. “This is what really happens in Montgomery County. When your parents are moving every year, and you're moving more than every year because you can't afford the rent, it destabilizes your whole life. ”
On public safety issues, Elrich spoke about steps being taken to recruit more officers and how he plans to tackle youth crime with programs instead of giving young people criminal records. .