O'Malley: No Plans to Shift Teacher Pension Costs

Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) said today that he is still not inclined to shift teacher pension costs to Maryland counties, despite renewed interest in the idea in Annapolis.

Last year, as lawmakers held a special session on the state's finances, O'Malley resisted proposals to transfer all or part of Maryland's more than $600 million in pension costs to the counties. With the state facing new budget shortfall projections, some legislators say it is time to take another look at the idea, particularly given increases in teacher salaries approved by county leaders in recent years.

"I would rather not do that," O'Malley told reporters during a visit to Vansville Elementary School in Prince George's County. "I would hope that we do not do that."

O'Malley, a former mayor of Baltimore, said the outcome of Maryland's upcoming referendum on legalizing slot-machine gambling could factor into the decision on pensions. Under the plan voters are being asked to approve, more than $500 million in annual revenue would eventually be generated for the state budget.

Vansville is the first school in Prince George's to receive an official designation for its environmentally friendly construction. O'Malley visited the school as part of a statewide education tour.

By John Wagner |  September 23, 2008; 3:04 PM ET  | Category:  John Wagner
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Posted by: Baltimoron | September 24, 2008 9:26 AM

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