Maryland budget committee approves $4M cut for Teaching Fellows scholarship program

The Maryland General Assembly's Appropriations Committee convened on March 19, 2025, to discuss several key funding recommendations and adjustments for various educational programs. The session focused on budgetary changes proposed by the Department of Legislative Services (DLS) for the upcoming fiscal years.

The meeting began with a recommendation to reduce $4 million in special funds from the fiscal 2025 appropriation for the Teaching Fellows for Maryland Scholarship Program, which the agency agreed to. The committee moved to adopt this recommendation without opposition.

Next, the DLS proposed a report on the impact of credit completion requirements on financial aid awards, which the agency also agreed to, leading to another unanimous adoption. Following this, a report on post-secondary outcomes for Next Generation Scholars senior students was similarly endorsed.

A more contentious discussion arose regarding the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship Program. DLS recommended a $5 million reduction in general funds for fiscal 2026. However, the agency disagreed and requested a postponement of any reduction for two years. After deliberation, the committee modified the reduction to $3 million, leaving a total of $12 million, which was adopted by a majority vote.

The committee continued with further recommendations, including another $4 million reduction in special funds for the Teaching Fellows for Maryland Scholarship Program for fiscal 2026, which was also adopted.

In additional actions, the DLS recommended an $8 million reduction in general funds for the teaching development and retention program, which passed after a motion and second.

The committee then reviewed the University System of Maryland's budget, where the DLS recommendation to concur with the governor's allowance was adopted. Similar recommendations for institutions such as the University of Maryland, College Park, and Towson were also approved.

Finally, the Maryland Higher Education Commission faced a recommendation to reduce funding for the cylinder formula by $36.7 million and restrict remaining funds for grants to the Mikuwa institution. The agency disagreed with this recommendation, leading the committee to reject it after a vote.

The meeting concluded with all agenda items addressed, reflecting a structured approach to managing educational funding in Maryland. The committee's decisions will shape the financial landscape for various scholarship and educational programs in the coming fiscal years.