[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6653400,"mediaKeyId","2479935-fc45f5674cc95705c3d24ec670653b57","parentId",2479935,"title","State school construction office faces funding questions as mandated reports remain overdue","audioSeconds",694,"startMs",650000,"endMs",1344000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2479935-fc45f5674cc95705c3d24ec670653b57&start=650&end=1344","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2479935-fc45f5674cc95705c3d24ec670653b57/thumbnail_650000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6653400/Maryland/State-school-construction-office-faces-funding-questions-as-mandated-reports-remain-overdue","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6653400-82587ebc947fbef15fb03045ad7d71a8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771225644&Signature=bcotgpzyYgn8a2n~5~6VpKBx-p6k5NztQf~0H0oi2UMAF50jfekRyhs1Eifsw6q5DmMjB6zB6RwzjnnqF1lFSklGmkZ4u-Bb-le8djp5KMRCMoJvhVrUXtsxk7xb2~OIvWfKu7wQ3rqcXvf81YlqimBi5qoggM5ynX2mIoaWDnE3h-7NI9E3Z~J1C9UT03iYcwN0PGVc3O9vSVjMQyJ8g-~zqCmU12os49X10qhRFHEtXnMfz~5FBOYBIYdTI47QgGpZA9FCIr-xjlCtnZ12B-CYqMyhDKLz2EuJ6p5CVbLlC9lfN37maAscEUCL9PIpB~G7rZqtX8ZGvD-sU13crQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Maryland General Assembly - EBA","date","2025-03-03T20:54:24.423Z","article","The Education, Business and Administration Subcommittee heard on-the-record budget testimony from the Interagency Commission on School Construction and from the Department of Legislative Services analyst about the commission's fiscal 2026 operating allowance and overdue statutorily required reports.

Laura Hyde, the committee's budget analyst, said the 2026 budget for the Interagency Commission on School Construction (IAC) — also referred to as IEC in the analysis — rises by about $900,000, or 5.3 percent, to $18.2 million, and that $10 million of the total is earmarked within the operating budget for a public school safety grant program. Hyde told the subcommittee the analyst's report lists multiple mandated reports that the commission had not submitted on schedule, including requirements added in \"Chapter 32 of 2022,\" and recommended adding budget bill language to restrict funds until overdue reports are filed.

IAC Chair Ed Casemeyer and Executive Director Alex Donahue responded that the agency has been expanding its work and would provide the missing reports soon. Donahue described an expanded mission driven by recent laws and said the commission now manages far larger grant volumes and more frequent facilities assessments than in the past decade. \"It's very good to see you,\" Donahue told the subcommittee, adding the agency has collected much of the data needed for strategic planning and expects to finish several outstanding reports within weeks. Deputy Director Cassandra Viscara provided timelines for specific reports and said the commission expects to submit the remaining items by April 30.

Why it matters: The IAC administers most of the state's school construction grant dollars and produces statutorily required reports that the legislature and local school systems use to plan capital investments. Hyde told the committee that delays affect the department's ability to monitor program progress and fiscal compliance; the analyst recommendation to withhold funds is aimed at ensuring statutory reporting obligations are met.

Key budget and program details from the testimony and analysis:
- Fiscal 2026 operating allowance (analysis figure): $18,200,000; increase of about $900,000 (5.3%).
- Of that total, $10,000,000 is budgeted for the public school safety grant program; personnel costs were shown at about $6.7 million, contractual services about $1.1 million, and routine operating expenses roughly $400,000.
- Personnel: the analysis lists 44 regular positions in 2026 with three vacancies identified by title: capital projects manager, facilities assessor, and special projects manager.
- Reporting compliance: the first report under the Chapter 32 (2022) requirements was due Oct. 1, 2023. According to the analyst, the IAC acknowledged it agreed to submit a separate updated report annually on Oct. 1 but had not yet submitted the separate document; DLS listed six mandated reports not submitted across calendar years 2023–2025.
- A cloud-based library system (Chapter 14 of 2018 requirement) is partially in use and expected to be fully functional by the end of calendar 2025, the analyst said.

Agency response and timetable: Casemeyer, Donahue and Viscara described operational changes the commission has implemented after several laws expanded its responsibilities, including higher volumes of capital grants and statutory facility assessments. Donahue told the committee the commission \"has collected most of the data required\" for future strategic planning and that outstanding reports would be provided, with specific items expected by April 30. Viscara said the alternative energy systems and solar technologies reports are being collated with the Department of General Services and the Maryland State Department of Education and should be submitted soon.

No formal vote or budget action was taken at the hearing. The analyst's written recommendation to add budget bill language restricting funds pending the submission of overdue reports remains part of the record and would require committee action to be enacted.

The subcommittee asked no follow-up questions after the agency's timetable; staff said the committee would consider DLS language and agency responses as it moves to its budget recommendations.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","EBA Committee Session, 3/3/2025 #1","oneSentenceSummary","The Education, Business and Administration Subcommittee heard on-the-record budget testimony from the Interagency Commission on School Construction and from the Department of Legislative Services analyst about the commission's fiscal 2026 operating allowance and overdue statutorily required reports.","taxTitle","Education, Business and Administration Subcommittee, Budget and Taxation Committee, SENATE, SENATE, Committees, Legislative, Maryland","taxId",78813,"location","Maryland","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6653387,"Commerce budget debate centers on Sunny Day Fund, tourism and arts support amid calls to trim spending",486,5624000,6110000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2479935-fc45f5674cc95705c3d24ec670653b57&start=5624&end=6110","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2479935-fc45f5674cc95705c3d24ec670653b57/thumbnail_5624000.jpg","/articles/6653387/Maryland/Commerce-budget-debate-centers-on-Sunny-Day-Fund-tourism-and-arts-support-amid-calls-to-trim-spending","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6653387-26896b059847115e48436408151d2487/orig.mp4?Expires=1771225644&Signature=MJHHfzwOk91hiqvQTYuIfWWhMIULWA51604LneVmj3PHIJAVQRFet85iv3wMhwiLp36DUiI-M2Onnu6vB-T8xBFOxMnI3XhfNneh8E34f1hQuEiVpRwEZ2QtxgPgkum0PIG9Co9N6e0BytrXJFXWhsW73LJmr1oT~W0COzvayi6-AbzPSCmlgmVVl5uQJuF03WGQdHfxwqW21bFI4oMhXUhL7qTC-CVjfBCesOxdbbtRzcGB8gA8Ndp-wUNreTtxE0GsSespJN~RxiQzEGNLif~ca0sQVTIdfMu-55eBOK6JiCZsUXEzHe6UAwrgWnP4bX5PYlnTG6WhueP6xzpvAw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Education, Business and Administration Subcommittee heard the Department of Commerce's fiscal 2026 operating allowance, proposed program changes in the administration's \"Decade Act,\" and public testimony from tourism and arts stakeholders urging full funding.

Elizabeth Bridal, the committee analyst, said the fiscal 2026 Commerce allowance increases by $33.6 million (12 percent) to $310 million and highlighted major proposed additions such as a $25 million appropriation to a dedicated-purpose account for an economic development opportunities program commonly called the \"Sunny Day Fund.\" DLS recommended reducing several proposed grants and appropriations to address the state's fiscal constraints: reduce the Sunny Day Fund appropriation to $10 million (contingent on enabling legislation), scale back the Build Our Future grant to $7 million (from $10 million), reduce the Manufacturing 4 grant program to its mandated $1 million level (the allowance proposed $6 million), and lower other discretionary grants named in the analysis.

Acting Commerce Secretary Harry Coker defended the administration's investments as strategic for attracting high-growth industry and workforce investment. \"Sustained economic growth is how Maryland will win this decade,\" Coker told the subcommittee, and he highlighted targeted investments including $27.5 million for a quantum initiative at the University of Maryland and $25 million proposed to capitalize the Sunny Day Fund so the state can act quickly on attraction opportunities.

Tourism and arts advocates from around the state urged the committee to reject cuts to the Maryland Office of Tourism's budget and to preserve the Maryland State Arts Council funding formula. Witnesses told the committee tourism generated $20.5 billion in visitor spending in 2023 and supported about 190,000 jobs; several destination marketing organizations said Maryland was being outspent by neighboring states and warned that cutting state marketing would reduce visitation and tax revenue. Arts advocates said the Maryland State Arts Council distributes grants equitably across the state and asked the subcommittee not to repeal the 1994 Arts Stabilization Act funding formula.

DLS and Commerce also discussed several programmatic and statutory issues: alterations to the film production tax credit cap, the proposed transfer or reconfiguration of the RISE zone program, and enactment details for proposed new economic tools. DLS asked Commerce to provide additional detail on program implementation and on the department's strategy for ensuring fund commitments matched actual obligations.

Why it matters: The Commerce budget includes economic development incentives, industry training grants, tourism promotion and support for arts organizations — all of which stakeholders say drive jobs and tax revenue. DLS recommended several reductions and technical changes aimed at containing the state's budget gap; Commerce argued some investments produce long-term returns and should be preserved.

The committee recorded the analyst recommendations and Commerce's written responses for its budget report. No final appropriation decisions were made at the hearing.","Analysts recommended trimming multiple Commerce grant lines and a proposed capitalized \"Sunny Day Fund;\" commerce leaders and tourism and arts advocates urged full funding to preserve marketing, workforce and industry attraction efforts.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6653392,"Parents, school officials urge preservation of Boost scholarship and nonpublic school health and safety funding",446,3677000,4123000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2479935-fc45f5674cc95705c3d24ec670653b57&start=3677&end=4123","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2479935-fc45f5674cc95705c3d24ec670653b57/thumbnail_3677000.jpg","/articles/6653392/Maryland/Parents-school-officials-urge-preservation-of-Boost-scholarship-and-nonpublic-school-health-and-safety-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6653392-e3f5cb25cbdb39377d907a229218fbd2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771225644&Signature=WEln8jxEpV~LlHghN3XWIlsw0GN8Sw1O76~IK1bTUGmFwky9qzkYzUuh1VCrmpV3Dtm1AILrqSirQL82-yTR3YAtVUlF8VmAyiiuSOHdXauuHNgaHY9bxRC~Nb-aQKNxRXcNJXpKjVof7gWGTLulk0-bJ-c9uQdEpGBJ04bucLqSpA4PtF33OULdg-aSK7giG1S5n6Ay-TaIOm00zY9LLJOWo7bdZcQGAgLpL6uNOsa6ZurA2tz7wdb2m31vuDzMoqRxT78msh6E1XgkMOVb6BLny5GJtKcXn0MPm9JmaAeFGK8G2izNNDD~ma1qbYozDw4A~uhGRFV51fb7zlygxw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Education, Business and Administration Subcommittee received testimony from Department of Legislative Services analysts, Maryland State Department of Education officials, school administrators and parents about two education programs: the Boost scholarship program and the nonpublic school health and security (NSHS) grant program.

Laura Hyde, the analyst, presented DLS findings and recommendations. Hyde said the NSHS program expended about $2.0 million in fiscal 2024, with a remaining balance returned to the cigarette restitution fund and DLS recommended deleting a $2.5 million special fund allowance for the program in fiscal 2026 given the state's fiscal outlook. On the Boost Scholarship, Hyde said the fiscal 2025 appropriation was $9.0 million with $8.5 million awarded and a remaining balance of about $700,000; DLS recommended restoring prior budget language to require reporting on special education awards and other program details.

Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) officials summarized the department's view of program operations. Chris Sator, deputy superintendent for finance and operations, said MSDE supports the governor's budget and told the committee that the NSHS awards had been obligated despite earlier impressions to the contrary. On Boost, MSDE outlined the program's outreach and administration and said the 2025–26 application period would open in March 2025. Sator said MSDE concurs with DLS's recommendation to require a follow-up report about Boost program outcomes and special education awards.

Parents, school leaders and advocacy groups urged the committee not to cut funding. Rob (superintendent, Maryland School for the Blind) said MSB serves more than 1,400 students with specialized services and warned of risks if per-pupil funding is reduced in future years. Several parents whose children receive Boost scholarships gave emotional testimony describing financial hardship and the difference the scholarships made for family stability and students' school placement; one parent said, \"Without Boost, my sons would not have been able to attend St. Andrew's Apostle School.\" The Baltimore Jewish Council and Jewish education advocates asked the committee to preserve full funding for Boost and the NSHS program.

Substantive clarifications and figures from testimony and DLS analysis:
- Boost: FY25 appropriation $9,000,000; $8,500,000 awarded; remaining balance approximately $700,000. DLS recommended restoration of prior budget language for reporting and review of special education awards and declines. Hyde reported that in school year 2023–24 Boost students scored about two percentage points lower on standardized tests than non‑Boost students, and DLS requested MSDE commentary on outcomes.
- NSHS (Nonpublic School Health and Security program): DLS recommended deleting a $2.5 million special fund allowance in FY26 citing fiscal constraints. MSDE and stakeholder witnesses said funds had been obligated and requested full funding to support school nursing and security needs.
- Maryland School for the Blind: DLS said MSB's estimated enrollment for formula funding in FY26 was 369 students. MSB superintendent said the school serves more than 1,400 students statewide through campus and outreach services and warned potential long‑term impacts if per‑pupil funding is reduced.
- Program operations: MSDE said the Boost application for 2025–26 would open in March 2025. MSDE reported 452 students declined Boost awards in a recent cycle (89 renewals and 363 new applicants who declined) and said reasons vary by family circumstances.

Why it matters: Boost scholarships and the nonpublic school health and security grant provide tuition assistance and health/security supports to students outside the public school system. Reductions would affect families who rely on scholarships and nonpublic schools that use NSHS funds for nurse services and security measures.

The committee did not take a vote; DLS recommendations remain in the written record for the subcommittee to consider in its budget report.","At a state budget hearing, legislative analysts proposed cutting $2.5 million for the nonpublic school health and security program and adjusting per-pupil funding calculations for the Maryland School for the Blind; parents and advocates urged lawmakers to keep funding for Boost scholarships and health/security grants in place.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6653395,"State IT office defends expansion as auditors find project oversight gaps; cybersecurity and AI plans cited",1185,1414000,2599000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2479935-fc45f5674cc95705c3d24ec670653b57&start=1414&end=2599","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2479935-fc45f5674cc95705c3d24ec670653b57/thumbnail_1414000.jpg","/articles/6653395/Maryland/State-IT-office-defends-expansion-as-auditors-find-project-oversight-gaps-cybersecurity-and-AI-plans-cited","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6653395-cb12cb48affa5471b3e5eba47a1509ac/orig.mp4?Expires=1771225644&Signature=nlhav6H7C4Hh9wpqsT6JZxAsgWBsAX7Y3oXCqS6eClbogi1GhIQud1nU0uRgTBhldiTOycWuDJ~i00MFmwdIjIrSf-PdZJBt4mJEfTR8SHjShy3zpTve~PeVVB0cJTkGzsMnxEwnwHYdFSqvp-d8Bxw1ZWxqMOUwMTIkzxfj~4K59gXP-zKYASiM0SQ5nD4HIGAtBI4TRl1LGYsks0u2WzvsIc-DIF6TClM1oN5TCCvedSRndMyYNyxoRYZr4trTQSN1GRUKdgXaFRx2n6MzXRdZNFiRWal5nFf3O5fXcXRjj9oQOd0GR2l3cfHd7cLjqQrGR3aqhbBX5UdsjaTuyw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Department of Information Technology officials and the department analyst appeared before the Education, Business and Administration Subcommittee to discuss the governor's fiscal 2026 budget and oversight of major IT projects, cybersecurity work and AI governance.

Yashoda Bridal, the committee's budget analyst for the department, said the fiscal 2026 allowance for the department rises by $65.9 million, or 20.3 percent, and that $67.6 million of the change is attributable to increased funding for the Information Technology Investment Fund (ITIF), the state's major IT development account. Bridal told the panel the analysis showed a decrease in some major IT project performance indicators in fiscal 2024 and that DLS requested the department brief the committee on causes and corrective actions.

Acting Secretary Melissa Leaman and Deputy Secretary and Chief Digital Experience Officer Marcy Jacobs described work to modernize procurement, consolidate platforms and build in-house technical capacity. \"We are taking DUIT from a commodity IT provider to a visionary leader,\" Melissa Leaman said, highlighting the state's first AI roadmap and the expansion of Maryland Digital Service. Jacobs summarized a shift in approach: \"The product approach is less costly, less risky, and faster to deliver value,\" she said, describing a move away from single, large \"project\" procurements toward ongoing product teams and iterative delivery.

Analysts and officials also discussed cybersecurity. The department's Office of Security Management has launched a bug-bounty program and a local jurisdiction cyber partnership; the department told the committee the fiscal 2026 allowance includes $60.3 million in general funds for the security program. Bridal noted the 2024 fiscal compliance audit released March 29, 2024 disclosed 16 findings, including repeat findings and cybersecurity issues (some details redacted in the public audit). The audit found deficiencies in oversight of major IT projects that contributed to higher estimated costs and delays for audited projects.

Staffing, expenditures and governance questions were raised. Bridal said the allowance adds 19 regular positions and four contractual FTEs and that as of Dec. 31, 2024 there were 39 vacancies (19 of them new positions); DLS recommended deleting two regular positions vacant more than a year. Officials described recruiting efforts and said many new roles are conversions of contractor work to in-house positions.

On AI, Bridal asked for an update on compliance with the state's AI Governance Act and the interim guidelines for responsible generative AI use issued March 9, 2024. Officials said the state has an AI enablement strategy and an AI study roadmap and that the department is preparing metrics to measure the value of AI efforts.

Why it matters: The department oversees the state's major IT investments, cybersecurity posture for executive branch agencies and enterprise data services. DLS told the committee the state must address project oversight and staffing shortfalls to avoid cost increases and schedule delays on major IT projects that are financed through the ITIF.

No formal committee vote occurred. The DLS recommendations and audit findings were entered into the record for follow-up by the committee and for use in budget deliberations.","Department of Information Technology officials told the Education, Business and Administration Subcommittee that they are modernizing systems and expanding cybersecurity and AI governance, while analysts flagged audit findings, vacant positions, and risks in major IT project oversight.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6653382,"Grant to Maryland Israel Development Center draws competing testimony at hearing",344,7938000,8282000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2479935-fc45f5674cc95705c3d24ec670653b57&start=7938&end=8282","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2479935-fc45f5674cc95705c3d24ec670653b57/thumbnail_7938000.jpg","/articles/6653382/Maryland/Grant-to-Maryland-Israel-Development-Center-draws-competing-testimony-at-hearing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6653382-31a0282e40d081970e53478f27f4e4e5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771225644&Signature=XQdIRnR8Mk8KM~n35xVXH~WWkiAXCUMTT9KpCgxFv2tsHyMZg2LFzkPX6fsGH~6Et9H4-SYb1cHp5J0QfUagISW~7eyCXcfCOvzcu04q5zg4fov0bguKzqf9sBvQU9d0JHiOZpZPF5pb9kgXKSDiH4QFG33IRR7XthAnXSDinKGpUf2L3JIMyxgukbhlp--FynYyAaw46X7mSHr8Qu~HLhk1-avmnUS4OpkfRqtRLtYggoyZzZKo231BqCE93ik03d50iQIp4OGNdfsPUEbltZxV0xGIHVaTgj1cTEIQ~YpgX3~XjDCR0AZE8WQyVg6mTeURIAVhDY5vUrb5JBgYSg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Education, Business and Administration Subcommittee heard competing public testimony over an annual Commerce grant to the Maryland Israel Development Center (MIDC).

Supporters, including David Spear, the MIDC's executive director, and Sarah Mirsky Micky of the Baltimore Jewish Council, described MIDC as a 33‑year‑old nonprofit that promotes bilateral trade and has helped bring Israeli companies to Maryland. \"The MIDC does not give funds directly to Israeli companies nor do we charge any fees for our services,\" David Spear said, and he emphasized the organization's focus on life sciences and technology companies that create jobs and investment in Maryland.

Opposition testimony came from several community and advocacy speakers who urged the General Assembly to end the MIDC grant. Susan Karen of Peace Action Montgomery said the grant contributes to what she characterized as \"artificial demand\" for military purchases by creating matchmaking services between Israeli companies and U.S. defense contracts. Nadia Carroll, a constituent speaker, and Bernard Charles Height of Southern Maryland DSA urged reallocating state funds to unmet domestic needs such as mental‑health services and disability supports; they said MIDC has alternative funding channels, including support from Israeli government ministries and federal binational programs.

Why it matters: The MIDC grant is a small line item relative to the state budget but sparked larger arguments about the state's economic and moral priorities. Supporters say the organization produces jobs and investment; critics say Maryland should not subsidize entities with ties to foreign military contractors and that other state priorities should take precedence in a tight fiscal year.

The subcommittee did not act on the matter; both sides' testimony became part of the hearing record for members to consider in budget deliberations.","Supporters described the Maryland Israel Development Center as a successful trade partner that brings jobs and investment; opponents urged the committee to end the annual state grant, citing moral and fiscal objections tied to foreign military contracts and alternative funding sources.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

State school construction office faces funding questions as mandated reports remain overdue

Commerce budget debate centers on Sunny Day Fund, tourism and arts support amid calls to trim spending

Parents, school officials urge preservation of Boost scholarship and nonpublic school health and safety funding

State IT office defends expansion as auditors find project oversight gaps; cybersecurity and AI plans cited

Grant to Maryland Israel Development Center draws competing testimony at hearing