EDlection2018: Gambling Revenues Will Be Used Exclusively to Support Education in Maryland

EDlection2018: This is one of several dozen races we’ve analyzed for the 2018 midterms that could go on to influence state or federal education policy. Get the latest headlines delivered straight to your inbox; sign up for The 74 Newsletter.

Nearly 90 percent of voters in Maryland approved an amendment to the state’s constitution Tuesday that requires the governor to dedicate casinos revenues and other gambling proceeds to K-12 education funding.

The amount is expected to reach $500 million in coming years and must be used in addition to spending required by the state’s school funding formula. Income from gaming had previously been used to help meet those requirements, as opposed to infusing extra revenue on top of them, according to the Baltimore Sun. It’s unclear how pending recommendations from a state commission for revising the formula will affect how the casino revenue is allocated.

The measure was endorsed by Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, who was elected to a second term Tuesday, and the state teachers union, which has criticized Hogan for underfunding schools.

EDlection2018: This is one of several dozen races we’ve analyzed for the 2018 midterms that could go on to influence state or federal education policy. Get the latest headlines delivered straight to your inbox; sign up for The 74 Newsletter.

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