Blueprint for Maryland's Future

During the 2016 legislative session, the Maryland General Assembly unanimously passed House Bill 999,{{cite web |title=Legislation - HB0999 |url=https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0999?ys=2016rs |publisher=Maryland General Assembly |access-date=January 18, 2023}} establishing the Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education (also known as the "Kirwan Commission"){{cite news |last1=Wood |first1=Pamela |title=Key questions about the Kirwan Commission and the debate over funding Maryland's public schools |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-kirwan-explainer-20191114-bpqsqv75qrgwjar2e6xahscxve-story.html |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=February 17, 2020}} to study whether state formulas in education are equitable and provide students with enough resources for preparing for college. The commission was seen as a successor to the Maryland Commission on Education Finance, Equity, and Excellence (also known as the "Thornton Commission", named after its chairman Alvin Thornton), whose final report led to the 2002 Bridge to Excellence in Public Schools Act that increased public school funding by more than 100 percent in the decade following its implementation.{{cite news |last1=Anfenson-Comeau |first1=Jamie |title=State commission to take 'fresh look' at education funding |url=https://www.somdnews.com/recorder/news/local/state-commission-to-take-fresh-look-at-education-funding/article_080c8559-c088-56e4-9a01-147c0487ff6d.html |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=Southern Maryland News |date=August 12, 2016}}{{cite news |title=Former USM chancellor to chair state education panel |url=https://thedailyrecord.com/2016/08/09/former-usm-chancellor-to-chair-state-education-panel/ |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=The Daily Record |agency=Associated Press |date=August 9, 2016}}{{cite news |last1=Dresser |first1=Michael |title=Hogan, General Assembly leaders name Kirwan to head education commission |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bal-hogan-assembly-leaders-name-kirwan-to-to-head-education-commission-20160809-story.html |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=August 9, 2016}} At the time of the commission's creation, Maryland students were performing at or below the median among the 50 states in reading and math, faced large achievement gaps based on race and income, and suffered a severe teacher shortage and retention problems.{{cite news |last1=Reed |first1=Lillian |title=Blueprint for Maryland's Future: Inside the state's massive plan to reform public education |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/education/bs-md-blueprint-education-plan-what-to-know-20230117-wtsbcquydrevxjtkawxi6ydthq-story.html |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=January 17, 2023}}

File:Governor at Chancellor Kirwan Retirement Event - 17004769607.jpg

In August 2016, Governor Larry Hogan appointed University System of Maryland chancellor emeritus William Kirwan to chair the commission,{{cite news |last1=Wiggins |first1=Ovetta |title=Kirwan to lead Maryland education panel studying funding |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/kirwan-to-lead-maryland-education-panel-studying-funding/2016/08/09/df86fe8a-5e47-11e6-8e45-477372e89d78_story.html |access-date=January 18, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=August 9, 2016}} which consisted of 26 members including Kirwan.{{cite web |title=Commission on Innovation & Excellence in Education |url=https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/26excom/defunct/html/13edinnov.html |website=Maryland Manual On-Line |publisher=Maryland State Archives |access-date=January 23, 2023 |date=March 14, 2022}} The commission was tasked with making recommendations in five major policy areas, including early childhood education, increasing teacher pay, implementing rigorous school curricula, providing additional resources to struggling schools, and creating accountability for underperformance.{{cite news |last1=Witte |first1=Brian |title=William Kirwan tells Maryland lawmakers about commission's proposals to improve schools |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/education/bs-md-kirwan-school-proposals-annapolis-0125-story.html |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=January 24, 2019}} The commission studied the practices of top-performing school systems in nations including Finland, Singapore, Canada, and China, as well as the U.S. states of Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

In January 2019, the commission released an interim report, which included several proposals for boosting Maryland schools, including universal preschool for low-income 3- and 4- year olds, hiring and retaining teachers, increasing education standards, and establishing an accountability system to oversee the implementation of the commission's recommendations.

The commission released its final 243-page report on November 21, 2019. The report included $4 billion in education reform proposals, with the state contributing $2.8 billion and counties and Baltimore City about $1.2 billion, and sought full implementation of its recommendations by fiscal year 2030.{{cite news |last1=Broadwater |first1=Luke |last2=Wood |first2=Pamela |title=Group recommends $4B in funding for Maryland's public schools; Baltimore would need to double spending |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-kirwan-decisions-20191015-fzz4ja6bpnbsjdanhtajyowkfq-story.html |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=October 15, 2019}} 19 of the commission's 22 members voted in favor of the proposal, with only state senator Mary Beth Carozza and Queen Anne's County commissioner Jack Wilson voting against it, citing concerns about funding.{{cite news |last1=Ford |first1=William J. |title=Education Plan Heads to Md. Lawmakers |url=https://www.washingtoninformer.com/education-plan-heads-to-md-lawmakers/ |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=The Washington Informer |date=November 26, 2019}} According to Maryland Matters, the plan's recommendations included:{{cite news |last1=Gaines |first1=Danielle E. |title=Breaking Down the Blueprint Bill |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/02/18/breaking-down-the-blueprint-bill/ |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=February 18, 2020}}

• $529 million toward expanding universal preschool to low-income four- and three-year olds
• $168 million toward increasing teacher advancement opportunities and salaries to $60,000 or more
• $26 million toward helping students reach "college and career readiness" by the end of 10th grade
• $692 million in "concentration of poverty" grants
• $182 million for special education funding
• $57 million toward supporting students learning English
• $3.9 million toward establishing an Accountability and Implementation Board to support the Blueprint's implementation

The Blueprint for Maryland's Future bill was first introduced during the 2019 legislative session as House Bill 1413 (Senate Bill 1030) by Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates Michael E. Busch.{{cite news |last1=Youngmann |first1=Charlie |title=Maryland legislative leaders announce plans for education funding |url=https://cnsmaryland.org/2019/03/05/maryland-legislative-leaders-announce-plans-for-education-funding/ |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=Capital News Service |date=March 5, 2019}} The bill included $725 million in education funding through fiscal year 2022, which would pay for school-based health centers, free school lunches for schools in impoverished areas, raises for teachers, and grants for improving teacher standards.{{cite news |last1=Broadwater |first1=Luke |title=Maryland school funding legislation calls for $1 billion over two years to start meeting Kirwan goals |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-kirwan-bill-20190304-story.html |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=March 4, 2019}} The bill passed the Maryland General Assembly on April 3, 2019, and became law without Governor Larry Hogan's signature.{{cite news |last1=Wiggins |first1=Ovetta |title=Maryland advances landmark education bill that boosts funding for public schools |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/maryland-advances-landmark-education-bill-that-boosts-funding-for-public-schools/2019/04/02/6918f40e-5577-11e9-8ef3-fbd41a2ce4d5_story.html |access-date=January 18, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=April 3, 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Gaines |first1=Danielle E. |title=Hogan Expresses Concern While Releasing Education Funding, Allowing Kirwan Bill to Take Effect |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2019/05/15/hogan-expresses-concern-while-releasing-education-funding-allowing-kirwan-bill-to-take-effect/ |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=May 15, 2019}}

Passing the Blueprint for Maryland's Future became a major issue during the 2020 legislative session following the release of the commission's final report in November 2019.{{cite news |last1=Anderson |first1=David |title=Harford delegate Andrew Cassilly named Gov. Larry Hogan's senior adviser |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/harford/aegis/cng-ag-andrew-cassilly-hogan-senior-adviser-20191202-hgrj4vzgffhsbfqp2dfkvybc6m-story.html |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=December 2, 2019}} The Blueprint bill was introduced during the 2020 legislative session by Maryland Senate president Bill Ferguson and Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates Adrienne A. Jones.{{cite web |title=Legislation - HB1300 |url=https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1300?ys=2020rs |publisher=Maryland General Assembly |access-date=January 18, 2023}} While in the Maryland Senate, multiple amendments were made to the bill, including a "checkpoint" to test the success of the reforms by 2026,{{cite news |last1=Gaines |first1=Danielle E. |title=Senate Panels Approve Education Reform Bill With A Potential Off-Ramp After Five Years |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/03/12/senate-panels-approve-education-reform-bill-with-a-potential-off-ramp-after-five-years/ |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 12, 2020}} as well as another that would limit the amount of extra spending on the Blueprint if the state's revenues drop by 7.5 percent per year.{{cite news |last1=Gaskill |first1=Hannah |title=Senate Puts Potential Brakes on Education Plan as Show Goes on in Annapolis |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/03/15/senate-puts-potential-brakes-on-education-plan-as-show-goes-on-in-annapolis/ |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 15, 2020}} The bill passed the Maryland House of Delegates by a 96–41 vote on March 7,{{cite news |last1=Gaines |first1=Danielle E. |title=House Passes Education Reform Bill Three Years in the Making |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/03/07/house-passes-education-reform-bill-three-years-in-the-making/ |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 7, 2020}} and later passed the Maryland Senate by a vote of 37–9.{{cite news |last1=Gaskill |first1=Hannah |title=Senate Passes Education Blueprint in Midnight Vote |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/03/17/senate-passes-education-blueprint-in-midnight-vote/ |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 17, 2020}} The bill was sent back to the House for final passage, where it passed by a 96–38 vote on March 17.{{cite news |last1=Gaines |first1=Danielle E. |last2=Gaskill |first2=Hannah |title=Sweeping Education Reform Bill Headed to Governor's Desk |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/03/18/sweeping-education-reform-bill-headed-to-governors-desk/ |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 18, 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Broadwater |first1=Luke |last2=Wood |first2=Pamela |title=Maryland lawmakers give final OK to sweeping education bill as early adjournment looms |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-ga-assembly-tuesday-20200317-7lmml76wdrd7xcbvljy2ncsjqm-story.html |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=March 17, 2020}}

In May 2020, Governor Hogan vetoed the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, citing the massive hit on Maryland's economy from the COVID-19 pandemic. This veto also blocked the implementation of the Build to Learn Act, a bill that would have provided $2.2 billion in extra funding for school construction which contained a provision preventing it from going into effect until the Kirwan bill became law.{{cite news |last1=Broadwater |first1=Luke |last2=Wood |first2=Pamela |title=Citing economic hit from coronavirus, Gov. Hogan vetoes legislation to improve Maryland schools, allows Pimlico bill to become law |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-hogan-vetoes-20200507-5feplmr3hfdhpfxwm4a4mufdya-story.html |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=May 7, 2020}} On February 12, 2021, the Maryland General Assembly voted to override Hogan's veto of the Kirwan bill.{{cite news |title=Kirwan education bill becomes law after lawmakers override veto |url=https://www.wbaltv.com/article/kirwan-education-bill-becomes-law-maryland-lawmakers-override-veto/35493202 |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=WBAL-TV |date=February 12, 2021}} Leaders of the Maryland General Assembly also introduced a bill to adjust the implementation timeline of the Blueprint to account for Hogan's veto,{{cite news |last1=Shwe |first1=Elizabeth |title=Maryland Legislative Leaders Seek to Adjust Blueprint Plan After One-Year Delay |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/03/16/maryland-legislative-leaders-seek-to-adjust-blueprint-plan-after-one-year-delay/ |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 16, 2021}} which passed and became law without Governor Hogan's signature.{{cite news |last1=Shwe |first1=Elizabeth |title=Hogan Allows 'Kirwan 2.0' to Become Law Without His Signature |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/04/02/hogan-allows-kirwan-2-0-to-become-law-without-his-signature/ |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=April 2, 2021}}

The final report's release in November 2019 sparked a debate between both Democrats and Republicans in the Maryland General Assembly. In January 2019, the Maryland Center of Economic Policy, a liberal think tank, released a report detailing ways to pay for the Blueprint for Maryland's Future through changes to the state's income tax, corporate tax, and sales tax systems.{{cite news |last1=Gaines |first1=Danielle E. |title=Think Tank Pushes Tax Reform as Answer to Kirwan Funding Woes |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2019/01/19/think-tank-pushes-tax-reform-as-answer-to-kirwan-funding-woes/ |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=January 19, 2019}} The Maryland Department of Budget and Management estimated that paying for the proposals would require a 39 percent in the personal income tax, an 89 percent increase in the sales tax, or a 535 percent increase in the property tax. In January 2020, the leaders of the Maryland General Assembly said they would not raise income, property, or sales tax rates to pay for the Blueprint's recommendations.{{cite news |last1=Cox |first1=Erin |title=Leading Maryland Democrats: No rate hikes to income, property or sales taxes in 2020 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/leading-maryland-democrats-no-income-property-or-sales-tax-hikes-in-2020/2020/01/03/cb4152d2-2daa-11ea-bcd4-24597950008f_story.html |access-date=January 19, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=January 3, 2020}}

Democratic lawmakers evaluated a series of proposals aimed at raising funds to pay for the Kirwan reforms, including cuts to tax credits,{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=House Speaker Seeks Review of Tax Credits for Possible Revenue |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2019/08/16/house-speaker-seeks-review-of-tax-credits-for-possible-revenue/ |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=August 16, 2019}} a carbon tax,{{cite news |last1=Shwe |first1=Elizabeth |title=Lawmakers Consider Carbon Fees For Polluters That Will Help Pay for Kirwan Bill |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/02/19/lawmakers-consider-carbon-fees-for-polluters-that-will-help-pay-for-kirwan-bill/ |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=February 19, 2021}} and closing corporate tax loopholes.{{cite news |last1=Gaines |first1=Danielle E. |title=Senator Crusading to Close Corporate Loophole Woos Business on Kirwan Plan |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/02/14/senator-crusading-to-close-corporate-loophole-woos-business-on-kirwan-plan/ |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=February 14, 2020}} In January 2020, progressive members of the Maryland House of Delegates proposed a package of bills to pay for the Blueprint, including eliminating subsidy programs, combined reporting for multi-state corporations, and restructuring the state's income tax brackets.{{cite news |last1=Gaines |first1=Danielle E. |title=Progressives Push Tax Reform Proposals to Fund Kirwan Plan |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/01/16/progressives-push-tax-reform-proposals-to-fund-kirwan-plan/ |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=January 16, 2020}} In March 2020, Maryland House Democrats introduced a bill that would apply the state's 6% sales tax to digital services, including video streaming services, cable and satellite plans, and online news subscriptions.{{cite news |last1=Gaskill |first1=Hannah |title=House Members Talk Digital Taxes During Revenue Package Floor Debate |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/03/12/house-lawmakers-talk-digital-taxes-during-revenue-package-floor-debate/ |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 12, 2020}} Hogan vetoed the digital sales tax bill after it passed the Maryland General Assembly on May 7, 2020, citing the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite news |title=Maryland Governor Vetoes Digital Sales Tax Bill |url=https://news.bloombergtax.com/daily-tax-report/maryland-governor-vetoes-digital-sales-tax-bill |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=Bloomberg Tax |date=May 7, 2020}} The Maryland General Assembly voted to override the veto on February 12, 2021.{{cite news |last1=Wood |first1=Pamela |title=Maryland lawmakers override Hogan vetoes on education, advertising bills |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-ga-final-overrides-20210212-vu43rkxmevhilgs2pd6pbivxve-story.html |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=February 12, 2021}}

As of March 2023, the Blueprint is fully funded only until 2026 and will run into deficit in 2027. David Romans, coordinator of fiscal and policy analysis for the Department of Legislative Services, said in March 2023 that "ongoing revenues in the Blueprint fund are nowhere near enough to pay for the costs, which continue to grow each year through 2034".{{cite news |last1=Gaines |first1=Danielle E. |title=As lawmakers prepare 2024 budget, structural deficit emerges from $478 million dip in revenue |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2023/03/09/as-lawmakers-prepare-2024-budget-structural-deficit-emerges-from-478-million-dip-in-revenue/ |access-date=March 9, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 9, 2023}}

Support for the Blueprint for Maryland's Future consisted of a coalition of Democratic state legislators, educators, and labor unions.{{cite news |last1=Ryan |first1=Meg |last2=Witte |first2=Brian |title=Teachers, supporters march for funding in Maryland's capital |url=https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/maryland/2019/03/13/teachers-supporters-march-funding-marylands-capital/3095048002/ |access-date=January 22, 2023 |work=DelmarvaNow |date=March 13, 2019}} The opposition to the Blueprint consisted of Maryland Republican politicians.{{cite news |last1=Gaines |first1=Danielle E. |title=House Republicans Press for Vetoes of Blueprint, Tax Bills |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/05/04/house-republicans-press-for-vetoes-of-blueprint-tax-bills/ |access-date=January 23, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=May 4, 2020}}

Arguments supporting the Blueprint included rewriting state funding formulas, improving education outcomes for students, increasing support for teachers, and leveling educational inequities.{{cite news |last1=McMinn |first1=Teresa |title=Legislature overrides Hogan veto on Kirwan education plan |url=https://www.times-news.com/news/local_news/legislature-overrides-hogan-veto-on-kirwan-education-plan/article_0832fbce-6d8c-11eb-8806-afadb26d2fc8.html |access-date=January 23, 2023 |work=Cumberland Times-News |date=February 13, 2021}} Arguments in opposition to the Blueprint included how the reforms were funded.{{cite news |last1=Panuska |first1=Mallory |title=State reps in Ocean City still opposed to Kirwan amid revisions |url=https://www.oceancitytoday.com/news/state-reps-still-opposed-to-kirwan-amid-revisions/article_e0918d9c-9310-11eb-9ab8-dbd8e383b240.html |access-date=January 22, 2023 |work=Ocean City Today |date=April 1, 2021}} Republican members of the Maryland House of Delegates bitterly fought the proposals, arguing that they would cost taxpayers $32 billion over 10 years without a clear way to pay for them.{{cite news |last1=Broadwater |first1=Luke |last2=Wood |first2=Pamela |title=In a hurry, Maryland legislature passes bills to improve schools, help racetracks, add benefits for those hurt by coronavirus |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-ga-legislative-wrap-20200318-qr6t6asfdndxzc4nxg2suedzyy-story.html |access-date=January 23, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=March 18, 2020}} Republican criticism continued through the 2021 legislative session, during which Republican leaders including Michael Hough and Bryan Simonaire called the bill's passage fiscally irresponsible. Simonaire called on Democratic lawmakers to scrap the bill in January 2021, saying that its recommendations had become outdated because of the changes made to learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. State senator Paul G. Pinsky, who led efforts to pass the Blueprint bill in 2020, acknowledged these criticisms in passing the Kirwan 2.0 bill, saying that the focus of the bill was "getting students up a grade level... who got crushed during the last 14 months."{{cite news |last1=Shwe |first1=Elizabeth |title=Senate Committee Advances 'Kirwan 2.0' With Amendments |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/03/23/senate-committee-advances-kirwan-2-0-with-amendments/ |access-date=January 23, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 23, 2021}}{{cite news |first=Tim |last=Tooten |title=Kirwan 2.0 bill intended to help struggling students during pandemic |url=https://www.wbal.com/article/507100/2/kirwan-20-bill-intended-to-help-struggling-students-during-pandemic |access-date=January 23, 2023 |work=WBAL-TV |date=March 31, 2021}}

Governor Hogan repeatedly said that he would veto any proposed tax increase to pay for the Kirwan reforms,{{cite news |title=Gov. Larry Hogan says he is opposed to large tax increases to fund Kirwan education plan |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-hogan-education-0817-20190817-g5d56mrf5fe3nhu34rcyfjoo5q-story.html |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |agency=Associated Press |date=August 17, 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Gaines |first1=Danielle E. |last2=Kurtz |first2=Josh |title=Hogan, Legislature in Open Warfare Over Crime, Taxes and Communication |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/02/20/hogan-legislature-in-open-warfare-over-crime-taxes-and-communication/ |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=February 20, 2020}} referring to the workgroup as the "Kirwan Tax Hike Commission" in public statements, even though the panel's role was not to change state tax rates.{{cite news |last1=Gaines |first1=Danielle E. |title=Marylanders support more education funding but know little of Kirwan Commission |url=https://wtop.com/maryland/2019/09/marylanders-support-more-education-funding-but-know-little-of-kirwan-commission/ |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=WTOP News |date=September 23, 2019}} Kirwan called Hogan's criticism of the Blueprint "unfair" and urged him to back the plan.{{cite news |last1=Wood |first1=Pamela |title=Maryland education commission calls Gov. Hogan's criticism unfair, urges him to back plan to revamp schools |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-kirwan-preview-20190822-lkzml242jze5naa7zcuuuuwx7m-story.html |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=August 22, 2019}} Hogan received further criticism for his subsequent veto of the bill, with members of the Maryland Parent-Teachers Association urging members of the Maryland General Assembly to override his veto during the 2021 legislative session.{{cite news |last1=Ford |first1=William J. |title=Future For Md. Schools Uncertain |url=https://www.washingtoninformer.com/future-for-md-schools-uncertain/ |access-date=January 23, 2023 |work=The Washington Informer |date=May 11, 2020}} In May 2020, the Maryland House Minority Caucus sent a letter to Hogan urging him to veto the Blueprint bill and tax bills to fund it, citing the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the state.

In January 2020, Prince George's County executive Angela Alsobrooks and Baltimore mayor Jack Young were supportive of the Kirwan Commission's proposed reforms, but expressed concern with the costs associated with implementing the recommendations and asked lawmakers to alter the funding formulas in the bill.{{cite news |last1=Broadwater |first1=Luke |last2=Wood |first2=Pamela |title=Baltimore and Prince George's leaders express concern over Kirwan costs as legislature begins its work in Annapolis |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-young-alsobrooks-kirwan-20200108-vgnb35m6vnen7dnl4oa75d6gzi-story.html |access-date=January 23, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=January 8, 2020}} Alsobrooks said that she would not raise taxes on Prince George's County residents to pay for the reforms, and told reporters that funding the Blueprint reforms would require the county to defund its police department.{{cite news |last1=Chason |first1=Rachel |title=Alsobrooks urges changes in Kirwan funding formulas, says Prince George's can't afford to pay |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/alsobrooks-urges-changes-in-kirwan-funding-formulas-says-prince-georges-cant-afford-to-pay/2020/01/10/bba6e382-332c-11ea-9313-6cba89b1b9fb_story.html |access-date=January 23, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=January 10, 2020}} In response to Alsobrooks and Young's concerns, the bill was amended to limit the bill's financial burden on poorer areas of the state, cutting the costs for Baltimore City and Prince George's County by over 50 percent.{{cite news |last1=Broadwater |first1=Luke |last2=Wood |first2=Pamela |title=Maryland House of Delegates approves historic, expensive plan to improve public schools |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-ga-kirwan-vote-20200306-cic247gnpbg2vpvvvwcpmzwxz4-story.html |access-date=January 23, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=March 6, 2020}}

;Notable supporters

{{columns-list|colwidth=22em|

• U.S. Senator Ben Cardin{{cite news |last1=Velloso |first1=Carolina |title=Maryland lawmakers back sweeping education overhaul plan |url=https://thedailyrecord.com/2019/02/28/maryland-kirwan-education/ |access-date=January 23, 2023 |work=The Daily Record |date=February 28, 2019}}
• U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen
• U.S. Representative Elijah Cummings
• U.S. Representative Steny Hoyer
• Thomas V. Miller Jr., President of the Maryland Senate
• Paul G. Pinsky, state senator{{cite news |last1=Ford |first1=William J. |title=Md. Senate Committees Review Comprehensive Education Plan |url=https://www.washingtoninformer.com/md-senate-committees-review-comprehensive-education-plan/ |access-date=January 23, 2023 |work=The Washington Informer |date=March 11, 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Broadwater |first1=Luke |title=Pinsky led sweeping education improvements through Maryland Senate. Then, he rushed to his dying wife's side. |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-ga-pinsky-cancer-20200317-zcwzuqkp4rfk7fh7bithrhjcdi-story.html |access-date=January 23, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=March 17, 2020}}
• Eric Luedtke, Majority Leader of the Maryland House of Delegates
• Maggie McIntosh, state delegate{{cite news |last1=Gaines |first1=Danielle E. |title=Lawmakers Promise Funding – Now and in the Future – At 'March for Our Schools' |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2019/03/12/lawmakers-promise-funding-now-and-in-the-future-at-march-for-our-schools/ |access-date=January 23, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 12, 2019}}
• Angela Alsobrooks, Prince George's County executive
• Marc Elrich, Montgomery County executive
• Johnny Olszewski, Baltimore County executive{{cite news |last1=Baye |first1=Rachel |title=State Lawmakers Begin Work on Kirwan School Reforms |url=https://www.wypr.org/wypr-news/2020-02-18/state-lawmakers-begin-work-on-kirwan-school-reforms |access-date=January 23, 2023 |work=WYPR |date=February 18, 2020}}
• Steuart Pittman, Anne Arundel County executive
• Catherine Pugh, mayor of Baltimore
• Jack Young, mayor of Baltimore
• Wes Moore, author and CEO of the Robin Hood Foundation
• American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland{{cite web |title=Priority Issue: The Blueprint for Maryland's Future |url=https://www.mabe.org/adequacy-funding/ |publisher=Maryland Association of Boards of Education |access-date=January 23, 2023}}
• Maryland Association of Boards of Education
• Maryland Association of Counties
• Maryland Parent-Teachers Association
• Maryland State Education Association

}}

;Notable opponents

{{columns-list|colwidth=22em|

• Governor Larry Hogan
• Comptroller Peter Franchot{{cite news |last1=Lazarick |first1=Len |title=Franchot backs education reform, but not mandated Blueprint |url=https://marylandreporter.com/2021/07/24/franchot-backs-education-reform-but-not-mandated-blueprint/ |access-date=January 23, 2023 |work=MarylandReporter.com |date=July 24, 2021}}
• Bryan Simonaire, Minority Leader of the Maryland Senate{{cite news |last1=Sears |first1=Bryan P. |title=Will this be the year of Kirwan 2.0? |url=https://thedailyrecord.com/2021/01/01/will-this-be-the-year-of-kirwan-2-1/ |access-date=January 22, 2023 |work=The Daily Record |date=January 1, 2021}}
• Mary Beth Carozza, state senator{{cite news |last1=Holland |first1=Liz |title=School funding leads General Assembly issues |url=https://baytobaynews.com/stories/school-funding-leads-general-assembly-issues,30784 |access-date=January 23, 2023 |work=Bay to Bay News |date=January 9, 2020}}
• Stephen S. Hershey Jr., state senator{{cite news |last1=Collins |first1=David |title=Education blueprint based on Kirwan panel recommendations |url=https://www.wbaltv.com/article/kirwan-education-legislation/26659839 |access-date=January 22, 2023 |work=WBAL-TV |date=March 5, 2019}}
• Michael Hough, state senator{{cite news |last1=Leckrone |first1=Bennett |title=Senate's New GOP Leaders Pledge Cooperation But Vow to 'Fight Back' When Necessary |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/01/12/maryland-senates-new-minority-leaders-are-a-rightward-shift/ |access-date=January 22, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=January 12, 2021}}
• Nic Kipke, Minority Leader of the Maryland House of Delegates
• Dan Cox, state delegate
• Nino Mangione, state delegate
• Haven Shoemaker, state delegate
• Kathy Szeliga, state delegate

}}

{{multiple image

| align = right

| total_width = 230

| image_style = border:none;

| image1 = Day One Executive Orders and Unreleased Budget Action (cropped).jpg

| alt1 = Wes Moore

| image2 = Dan Cox.jpg

| alt2 = Dan Cox

| footer = Gubernatorial nominees Wes Moore (left) and Dan Cox (right) had opposing views on the implementation of the Blueprint.

}}

{{see also|2022 Maryland gubernatorial election}}

Support for the Blueprint continued to be a relevant topic in the 2022 Maryland gubernatorial election, as the next governor's willingness to support or block the Blueprint plan would have a significant impact on Maryland schools.

Most of the Democratic candidates for governor, including John King Jr., Wes Moore, and Tom Perez, made promises during their campaigns to support and provide funding for the Blueprint if they were elected governor.{{cite news |title=Maryland elections: Here's where the gubernatorial candidates stand |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/07/12/maryland-election-governor-questions/ |access-date=January 23, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=July 12, 2022}} Comptroller Peter Franchot also said during his campaign that he would support the Blueprint as governor, but added that he had some skepticism toward the stability of Blueprint funding sources for the full decade. Franchot's opponents had accused him of flip-flopping on his support for the Blueprint, citing his opposition toward the proposal during legislative debates.{{cite news |last1=DePuyt |first1=Bruce |title=Democrats Spar Over Education Funding and Ethics in First Television Debate |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/06/06/democrats-spar-over-education-funding-and-ethics-in-first-television-debate/ |access-date=January 19, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=June 6, 2022}}

The Republican candidates in the race were less committal to supporting the Blueprint, with Kelly M. Schulz emphasizing support for school choice and charter schools during her campaign, and Dan Cox saying he would "remove critical race theory from public schools" if elected governor.{{cite news |last1=Reed |first1=Lillian |title=Pandemic fallout, cultural divides and shootings among educational issues animating Maryland gubernatorial candidates |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/education/bs-md-governors-race-education-20220607-20220608-jadifyh5rbc4romc5hl2rf3fvy-story.html |access-date=January 19, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=June 9, 2022}} Cox was a vocal critic of the Blueprint's implementation, voting against the reforms during the 2021 legislative session.{{cite news |last1=Munro |first1=Dana |title=GOP governor candidate Dan Cox promises to cut taxes, reduce crime, give parents a voice in education at Linthicum meeting |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/politics/ac-cn-dan-cox-comes-to-anne-arundel-20221007-aaov3xcwhrakbmnrdhe35l5pp4-story.html |access-date=January 19, 2023 |work=Capital Gazette |date=October 7, 2022}}

In April 2022, the Maryland State Education Association endorsed Moore's campaign, citing his support for the Blueprint reform effort.{{cite news |last1=Gaines |first1=Danielle E. |title=Wes Moore Nabs Coveted State Teachers' Union Endorsement |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/04/02/wes-moore-nabs-coveted-state-teachers-union-endorsement/ |access-date=January 19, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=April 2, 2022}} During his campaign, he promised to "work closely with local governments to make sure they are on board with their commitments to the Blueprint"{{cite news |last1=Wood |first1=Pamela |title=Undecided on which candidate you like for governor? Maybe we can help. |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/state-government/undecided-on-which-candidate-you-like-for-governor-maybe-we-can-help-45OO4KMRNRCR5FVJBVONHBJMZA/ |access-date=January 19, 2023 |work=Baltimore Banner |date=July 5, 2022}} and supported instituting universal preschool and increasing funding for school construction, teacher wages, and after-school programs.{{cite news |last1=Munro |first1=Dana |title=Democratic gubernatorial candidate Wes Moore lays out vision for Anne Arundel, Maryland at Bates Center in Annapolis |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/ac-cn-wes-moore-at-bates-center-20220914-d7yhmaxu7jfb5gkw2debzuyvvq-story.html |access-date=January 19, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=September 14, 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Reed |first1=Lillian |title=Maryland gubernatorial candidates Dan Cox, Wes Moore court parents, teachers, voters with education a key part of both their platforms |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-governors-race-education-20220916-7bn7iiwj6ze5tlp2sx3qzz5ywe-story.html |access-date=January 19, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=September 21, 2022}}

Moore and Cox won the nomination of their parties following the primary election on July 19, 2022. Both nominees ran on opposing education platforms in the general election, with Moore emphasizing his support for the Blueprint and Cox highlighting his support for letting parents restrict school curriculum.{{cite news |last1=Cox |first1=Erin |last2=Wiggins |first2=Ovetta |title=Wes Moore vs. Dan Cox: A fight for Md. governor that will echo downballot |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/07/23/maryland-governor-moore-cox/ |access-date=January 23, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=July 23, 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Lehrer-Small |first1=Asher |title=MD is Not VA: Education Issues Playing Out Differently in Governor's Race |url=https://www.the74million.org/article/md-is-not-va-education-issues-playing-out-differently-in-governors-race/ |access-date=January 23, 2023 |work=The 74 |date=October 26, 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Friedman |first1=Marijke |title=Here's where Md.'s gubernatorial candidates stand on education policy |url=https://dbknews.com/2022/10/31/maryland-gubernatorial-candidates-2022-education-policies/ |access-date=January 23, 2023 |work=The Diamondback |date=October 31, 2022}} Moore defeated Cox in the general election on November 8.{{cite news |last1=Kim |first1=Sarah Y. |last2=Tansill-Suddath |first2=Callan |title=Maryland Votes To Legalize Marijuana and Elects Wes Moore 63rd Governor |url=https://dcist.com/story/22/11/08/wes-moore-elected-63rd-governor-of-maryland/ |access-date=January 23, 2023 |work=DCist |date=November 8, 2022 |archive-date=January 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124041933/https://dcist.com/story/22/11/08/wes-moore-elected-63rd-governor-of-maryland/ |url-status=live }}

The Accountability and Implementation Board (AIB), which was established through 2020 Blueprint bill, began accepting applicants to ensure the implementation of the Kirwan Commission's reforms on July 9, 2021.{{cite news |last1=Shwe |first1=Elizabeth |title=Blueprint Accountability Board Nominating Committee Accepts Applications Starting Monday |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/07/09/blueprint-accountability-board-nominating-committee-accepts-applications-starting-monday/ |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=July 9, 2021}} Governor Hogan nominated seven members to the AIB on October 1,{{cite news |last1=Shwe |first1=Elizabeth |title=Hogan Makes Deadline for Naming Members to Education Reform Oversight Panel |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/10/01/hogan-makes-deadline-for-naming-members-to-education-reform-oversight-panel/ |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=October 1, 2021}} which met for the first time on November 16.{{cite news |last1=Shwe |first1=Elizabeth |title=Blueprint Accountability Board Met For the First Time, But Lacks Funding to Start Work |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/11/16/blueprint-accountability-board-met-for-the-first-time-but-lacks-funding-to-start-work/ |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=November 16, 2021}}

The AIB has struggled to meet the deadlines as proposed in the Blueprint law due to a lack of funding and staffing.{{cite news |last1=Reed |first1=Lillian |title=Maryland's $3.8 billion 'Blueprint' plan for educational reform hits early funding, timeline snags |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/education/bs-pr-md-blueprint-aib-20220215-20220217-qiychupsyfezbhxigovt6pcf6i-story.html |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=February 17, 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Shwe |first1=Elizabeth |title=Without Full Staff, Blueprint Accountability Board Faces Deadline for Education Reform Implementation |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/02/02/without-full-staff-blueprint-accountability-board-faces-deadline-for-education-reform-implementation/ |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=February 2, 2022}} In February 2022, the AIB approved a new timeline that pushed back select key dates for the Blueprint's implementation.{{cite news |last1=Shwe |first1=Elizabeth |title=Blueprint Accountability Board Proposes Changes to Education Reform Timeline |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/02/15/blueprint-accountability-board-proposes-changes-to-education-reform-timeline/ |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=February 15, 2022}} Following this, the Maryland General Assembly voted in March 2022 to pass a bill to again delay the implementation of the Blueprint, aligning with the dates proposed in their timeline.{{cite news |last1=Shwe |first1=Elizabeth |title=Bill Would Push Back Blueprint Deadlines, AG Says Governor Was Required to Fund Adjustment |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/03/09/bill-would-push-back-blueprint-deadlines-ag-says-governor-was-required-to-fund-adjustment/ |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 9, 2022}}

In December 2022, the AIB unanimously voted to adopt the $3.8 billion education plan. School systems had until March 15, 2023, to submit plans for fulfilling the Blueprint's funding requirements for the 2023-2024 school year.{{cite news |last1=Ford |first1=William J. |title=Blueprint board adopts multibillion-dollar education plan, sends it to lawmakers |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/12/02/blueprint-board-adopts-multibillion-dollar-education-plan-sends-it-to-lawmakers/ |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=December 2, 2022}} The AIB approved Blueprint implementation plans for all school districts by January 2025.{{cite news |last1=Ford |first1=William J. |title=Blueprint board approves six more school district plans, three conditionally |url=https://marylandmatters.org/2024/12/19/blueprint-board-approves-six-more-school-district-plans-three-conditionally/ |access-date=December 20, 2024 |work=Maryland Matters |date=December 20, 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Ford |first1=William J. |title=Blueprint board grants full approval to three more school district plans |url=https://marylandmatters.org/briefs/blueprint-board-grants-full-approval-to-three-more-school-district-plans/ |access-date=March 21, 2025 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 21, 2025}}

In January 2023, Governor Wes Moore released his first budget, which proposed reallocating $500 million toward the Blueprint.{{cite news |last1=Gaskill |first1=Hannah |last2=Janesch |first2=Sam |title=Maryland Gov. Wes Moore introduces $63B budget plan, calls for investments in education and transportation |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-moore-budget-20230120-oz7z6ojxvrerjboleymxllo2oa-story.html |access-date=January 20, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=January 20, 2023}} The budget was amended to increase funding for the Blueprint to $900 million in March 2023,{{cite news |last1=Janesch |first1=Sam |title=Maryland lawmakers reach state budget compromise, including on money for private school tuition |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-budget-compromise-20230331-ggsw3deg65fwndx4e6wftyplfi-story.html |access-date=March 31, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=March 31, 2023}} and signed into law by Moore in April 2023.{{cite news |last1=Roper |first1=Mark |title=Governor Moore to sign state's $63 billion budget, and more than 150 bills into law |url=https://www.wmar2news.com/local/governor-moore-to-sign-states-63-billion-budget-and-more-than-150-bills-into-law |access-date=April 24, 2023 |work=WMAR-TV |date=April 24, 2023}}

File:Governor Wes Moore signs the Excellence in Maryland Public Schools Act into law (54503145641).jpg

In December 2024, after state financial officials determined that the state would face a $3 billion deficit during the 2026 fiscal year, Moore proposed scaling back parts of the Blueprint reform package and adjusting state formulas that determine how much funding state and local governments dedicate to education. At the same time, he said that he would keep intact policies to expand pre-kindergarten programs, tutoring, and early literacy programs, and suggested that the state should focus mainly on hiring and retaining teachers.{{cite news |last1=Wood |first1=Pamela |title=Moore suggests rollbacks to Maryland’s public education plan are coming |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/state-government/wes-moore-blueprint-trump-23CLWJT7WNHZPELTXS7U7XCZRA/ |access-date=December 12, 2024 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=December 12, 2024 |language=en}} During the 2025 legislative session, Moore introduced the Excellence in Maryland Public Schools Act, which proposed temporary pauses on plans under the Blueprint to gradually give teachers more "collaborative time" to work on professional development and planning outside of the classroom, reduce funding for programs to support students learning English, and freeze funding for community schools for two years.{{cite news |last1=Wood |first1=Pamela |title=Moore to ask lawmakers to revamp Blueprint education program |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/state-government/wes-moore-blueprint-education-changes-ZZZDO7X34RC3NESIFCBRBHEWXU/ |access-date=January 21, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=January 21, 2025 |language=en}}

Moore's proposals were opposed by Democratic lawmakers in the Maryland House of Delegates,{{cite news |last1=Brown |first1=Danielle J. |last2=Kurtz |first2=Josh |last3=Sears |first3=Bryan P. |last4=Ford |first4=William J. |title=Moore delivers State of the State address that lays out 'tough choices' for lawmakers |url=https://marylandmatters.org/2025/02/06/moore-delivers-state-of-the-state-address-that-lays-out-tough-choices-for-lawmakers/ |access-date=March 6, 2025 |work=Maryland Matters |date=February 6, 2025}} members of the Maryland State Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers Maryland,{{cite news |last1=Ford |first1=William J. |title=Teachers' union lobbies lawmakers to fully fund Blueprint, among legislative priorities |url=https://marylandmatters.org/2025/01/28/teachers-union-lobbies-lawmakers-to-fully-fund-blueprint-among-legislative-priorities/ |access-date=March 6, 2025 |work=Maryland Matters |date=January 28, 2025}} and education advocates.{{cite news |last1=Ford |first1=William J. |title=Rally message for governor, lawmakers: ‘Fully fund the Blueprint’ education reform plan |url=https://marylandmatters.org/2025/02/11/rally-message-for-governor-lawmakers-fully-fund-the-blueprint-education-reform-plan/ |access-date=March 6, 2025 |work=Maryland Matters |date=February 11, 2025}} The Accountability and Implementation Board unanimously voted to recommend revisiting the "collaborative time" implementation timeline{{cite news |last1=Ford |first1=William J. |title=Amid teacher shortage, Blueprint board recommends revising ‘collaborative time’ timeline |url=https://marylandmatters.org/2025/01/10/amid-teacher-shortage-blueprint-board-recommends-revising-collaborative-time-timeline/ |access-date=March 6, 2025 |work=Maryland Matters |date=January 11, 2025}} and Maryland state superintendent Carey Wright testified in support of Moore's bill, but Moore himself did not testify in support of his bill.{{cite news |last1=Ford |first1=William J. |title=Moore’s bill to rein in Blueprint school reform plan draws fire at hearing |url=https://marylandmatters.org/2025/02/19/moores-bill-to-rein-in-blueprint-school-reform-plan-draws-fire-at-hearing/ |access-date=March 6, 2025 |work=Maryland Matters |date=February 20, 2025}} In March 2025, House lawmakers voted along party lines to reinstate many of Moore's proposed cuts to the Blueprint,{{cite news |title=House committee rejects Blueprint cuts, in first step toward showdown with Senate |url=https://marylandmatters.org/2025/03/01/house-committee-rejects-blueprint-cuts-in-first-step-toward-showdown-with-senate/ |access-date=March 6, 2025 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 1, 2025}}{{cite news |last1=Ford |first1=William J. |title=Second House committee rejects governor's education cuts toward Blueprint plan |url=https://marylandmatters.org/2025/03/03/second-house-committee-rejects-governors-education-cuts-toward-blueprint-plan/ |access-date=March 6, 2025 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 4, 2025}} while Democratic lawmakers in the Maryland Senate added extra funding for student mental health programs and set a four-year pause on the collaborative time program.{{cite news |last1=Wood |first1=Pamela |title=Maryland Senate seeks middle ground on education plan changes |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/state-government/maryland-senate-blueprint-education-changes-4O2XPOUMKFDMRAVZV5KLVXEPDU/ |access-date=April 7, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=March 21, 2025 |language=en}} Both the House and Senate versions passed their respective chambers, setting up a conference committee for further negotiations on the Blueprint reform bill; in April 2025, lawmakers agreed to a bill that would maintain funding for community schools, but implemented a three-year delay to policy requirements for collaborative time and an automatic freeze in annual funding increases if state revenue drops by roughly $1 billion.{{cite news |last1=Hogan |first1=Jack |title=MD lawmakers yet to finalize big items as session enters final hours |url=https://thedailyrecord.com/2025/04/07/lawmakers-yet-to-finalize-big-ticket-items-as-session-enters-final-hours/ |access-date=April 7, 2025 |work=Daily Record |date=April 7, 2025}}{{cite news |last1=O'Neill |first1=Madeleine |last2=Wintrode |first2=Brenda |last3=Wood |first3=Pamela |title=General Assembly settles on reforms to education 'blueprint' as session ends |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/state-government/general-assembly-session-end-5H73IQ7GLJDU7C3HNUGIMK53TY/ |access-date=April 7, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=April 7, 2025 |language=en}} Moore signed the Excellence in Maryland Public Schools Act into law in May 2025.{{cite news |last1=Ford |first1=William J. |title='Blueprint' bill that avoids some of the most severe education cuts is signed into law |url=https://marylandmatters.org/2025/05/07/blueprint-bill-that-avoids-some-of-the-most-severe-education-cuts-is-signed-into-law/ |access-date=May 7, 2025 |work=Maryland Matters |date=May 7, 2025}}

{{reflist}}

• {{cite web |title=Blueprint for Maryland's Future |url=https://blueprint.marylandpublicschools.org/ |publisher=Maryland State Department of Education |access-date=January 22, 2023}}

Category:Education in Maryland

Category:Maryland law

Category:2020 in American law

Category:2020 in Maryland

Category:Wes Moore