For Immediate Release: Friday, April 13, 2018
Council President Riemer applauds work of Montgomery County Delegation
Maryland General Assembly’s Montgomery County Delegation makes substantial gains for residents during 2018 legislative session
ROCKVILLE, Md., April 13, 2018—Today Montgomery County Council President Hans Riemer recognized several accomplishments of the Maryland General Assembly’s Montgomery County Delegation and thanked its members for their public service. Council President Riemer’s statement is below.
On behalf of the Council, I want to thank the Montgomery County Delegation for their hard work during the 2018 legislative session of the Maryland General Assembly. Their efforts produced substantial results for Montgomery County and its residents.
Direct state aid to the County will increase by approximately $34 million, with $26 million earmarked for Montgomery County Public Schools. More than $131 million will fund capital investments including community projects such as higher education facilities, health facilities, libraries and 25 other projects that will enhance our quality of life.
Our public schools also will benefit from $54 million in school construction funding, with additional funding to be allocated. Also, revenue totaling $39 million will be spent for new buildings at Montgomery College and to complete construction of a building at the Universities at Shady Grove.
County residents who ride Metro will see reliability and infrastructure improvements because of the historic action taken to create a dedicated funding source from Maryland. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority will receive $167 million from the state annually to restore and enhance this critical transportation network.
County leaders are continuing to recruit Amazon’s second headquarters to Montgomery County. The “Promoting ext-Raordinary Innovation in Maryland’s Economy” or PRIME Act, with its economic incentives and $2 billion allocated for County transportation upgrades, will support these efforts. County leaders expect the company’s HQ2 could bring more than 100,000 good jobs to the area.
We also are grateful that the repayment timing for the County’s financial obligation from the Wynne case was adjusted. This grace period will help the County avoid service reductions in our upcoming budget deliberations. The Montgomery County Delegation also worked diligently to help craft a fiscally sound tax relief plan. As a result, most Maryland residents will face a reduced impact from federal tax changes.
The Council appreciates the service of our Montgomery County Delegation all year long but especially during the 90-day legislative session. We will continue to work with its members on the needs of our residents, as we begin our budget deliberations.
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Release ID: 18-107