March 20, 2009
Editorial from the Carroll County Times
A bill proposed by Del. Nancy Stocksdale, R-District 5A, which would alter the way the state calculates per-pupil school funding, is a good idea that would save the state money and at the same time provide incentives for schools to reduce dropout rates.
As it stands, the state uses the number of students in school on Sept. 30 as the basis for per-pupil funding. Stocksdale’s bill would require the state to compile the Sept. 30 and April 15 attendance figures and then use the average. School attendance fluctuates over the course of the school year. Stocksdale says her plan would provide a more accurate accounting of school attendance.
The department of Legislative Services apparently agrees. A fiscal analysis performed by the department indicates the state could save about $181 million in fiscal year 2011.
The bill, unfortunately, likely won’t go far. Stocksdale introduced a similar bill last year. But despite their hand-wringing and cries of budget deficits and wasteful spending, most elected officials aren’t keen on taking money away from their districts, especially if it is in the form of education funding.
But making sure that tax money is being used wisely, and effectively, is something our lawmakers should focus on when they go to Annapolis. And Stocksdale’s bill provides a more accurate formula for determining school funding, something that should be the goal of every elected official as the state continues to wrestle with deficits.
An added bonus, as Stocksdale notes, is that the change would prompt schools to do more to reduce their dropout rates, a major source of the attendance fluctuations between the start and end of the school year.
School funding is a major concern for most systems. But funding should be based on the most accurate numbers possible to ensure that state tax dollars are being used most effectively. Stocksdale’s bill does that, and it is something that deserves a hard look from state lawmakers.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Del. Bates Inducted in Howard County Women's Hall of Fame
DELEGATE GAIL BATES INDUCTED INTO THE HOWARD COUNTY WOMEN’S HALL OF FAME
Bates’ long service to citizens and community cited in prestigious honor
Columbia, MD—Delegate Gail Bates (R-District 9) was inducted today into the Howard County Women’s Hall of Fame. The ceremony recognized women in the County who have made significant contributions to Howard County and its residents. Delegate Bates was among four other outstanding County women honored by the Howard County Commission for Women and County Executive Ken Ulman at the 13th Annual Howard County Women’s Hall of Fame.
“It is truly an honor for me to be recognized for doing what I love to do,” Bates said. “I learned the important lesson of public service from my parents, who always worked to improve their community and the lives of others around them. I saw the joy it gave them and others every day and the tremendous impact they had on people’s lives.”
Bates continued, “I have always approached work as a public service, whether it was when I was a teacher, an aide to former County Executive Ecker, or as a member of the House of Delegates. I am proud to serve Howard County and all Marylanders as I try to make sure we continue to have great neighborhoods, great schools, and safe communities.”
Former County Executive Charles Ecker praised Bates’ work on behalf of Howard County. “Gail was a valuable advisor and worked tirelessly to solve problems and ensure that Howard County residents were being well served. Her work with the Christmas in April program was inspiring. I am proud to support her and glad that Howard County is honoring her in this way.”
Delegate Bates has been a member of the House of Delegates since 2002. She has earned the respect of her colleagues on both sides of the aisle and risen to the ranks of Ranking Member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee.
She helped develop Howard County’s “Christmas in April” Program that has helped low-income, elderly, or disabled individuals in the County make needed improvements to their homes. She has brought together thousands of volunteers and individuals and the business community to advocate on behalf of improving the lives of those in need in Howard County.
She has served in a leadership role within the County on many boards such as the Howard County Tourism Council, Howard County Chamber of Commerce, Howard County Red Cross, the Christian Jail Ministry, and the Howard County Farm Bureau, among others. She is a graduate of the Howard County Leadership class of 1990.
Delegate Bates has lived in Howard County for more than 30 years with her husband David and sons Robert and Dwight. She is a former teacher, certified public accountant, and top aid to former County Executive Charles Ecker.
Bates’ long service to citizens and community cited in prestigious honor
Columbia, MD—Delegate Gail Bates (R-District 9) was inducted today into the Howard County Women’s Hall of Fame. The ceremony recognized women in the County who have made significant contributions to Howard County and its residents. Delegate Bates was among four other outstanding County women honored by the Howard County Commission for Women and County Executive Ken Ulman at the 13th Annual Howard County Women’s Hall of Fame.
“It is truly an honor for me to be recognized for doing what I love to do,” Bates said. “I learned the important lesson of public service from my parents, who always worked to improve their community and the lives of others around them. I saw the joy it gave them and others every day and the tremendous impact they had on people’s lives.”
Bates continued, “I have always approached work as a public service, whether it was when I was a teacher, an aide to former County Executive Ecker, or as a member of the House of Delegates. I am proud to serve Howard County and all Marylanders as I try to make sure we continue to have great neighborhoods, great schools, and safe communities.”
Former County Executive Charles Ecker praised Bates’ work on behalf of Howard County. “Gail was a valuable advisor and worked tirelessly to solve problems and ensure that Howard County residents were being well served. Her work with the Christmas in April program was inspiring. I am proud to support her and glad that Howard County is honoring her in this way.”
Delegate Bates has been a member of the House of Delegates since 2002. She has earned the respect of her colleagues on both sides of the aisle and risen to the ranks of Ranking Member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee.
She helped develop Howard County’s “Christmas in April” Program that has helped low-income, elderly, or disabled individuals in the County make needed improvements to their homes. She has brought together thousands of volunteers and individuals and the business community to advocate on behalf of improving the lives of those in need in Howard County.
She has served in a leadership role within the County on many boards such as the Howard County Tourism Council, Howard County Chamber of Commerce, Howard County Red Cross, the Christian Jail Ministry, and the Howard County Farm Bureau, among others. She is a graduate of the Howard County Leadership class of 1990.
Delegate Bates has lived in Howard County for more than 30 years with her husband David and sons Robert and Dwight. She is a former teacher, certified public accountant, and top aid to former County Executive Charles Ecker.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Ladies in Leadership Meet with Former Governor Ehrlich
Members of the Ladies in Leadership recently met with former Governor Robert Ehrlich in Annapolis. According to those who attended, it was an informal dinner meeting where the women legislators talked with Ehrlich about topics ranging from the budget and the stimulus package to gun control, the death penalty, proof of lawful presence and other important issues pending before the Maryland General Assembly.
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