CORRECTION: A previous version of this story misreported the status of Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks’ budget proposal.
Prince George’s County Council Receives Budget
The Prince George’s County Council recently received a $5.5 billion budget proposal from the county executive (about 1% larger than the previous budget) just ahead of the March 15 deadline.
However, the county remains in a deficit of $171,000,000 and with lower revenues than projected. With the sunsetting of federal COVID funds and the new requirements of the Blueprint for Education, County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and the county council had to make tough choices.
“To cover our projected $171 million budget deficit, we’ve made very difficult decisions to freeze hiring for over 800 positions within the county,” Alsobrooks said following the budget vote. “This year’s budget includes cuts to every county agency except for public safety and [Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS)]. Most departments will see a decrease in dollars year over year.”
Part of Alsobrooks’ plans to increase county revenue include the new FBI headquarters in Greenbelt, the growth of the Blue Line Corridor’s development, and the Cheverly hospital redevelopment project.
The school system will receive an additional $29.3 million in funding compared to last year, while police will receive a $7.6 million increase, enough to hire more than 100 new officers.
County Council Chair Jolene Ivey (D-District 5) and Vice Chair Sydney Harrison (D-District 9) repeatedly emphasized that caution be a major theme during this year’s council session. They also noted that property taxes make up over 70% of the county’s budget, whereas Montgomery County has business taxes as over 70% of their budget.
“It really is a collective effort about how we’re sacrificing to get through these tough times,” said Harrison.
We previously covered the annual state budget; read more here.
Community Approaches to Improve School Safety in PGCPS
With ongoing frustrations aimed at addressing safety for PGCPS students, community initiatives have been created to work toward solutions.
The Ardmore Springdale Association is starting a Community Power Hour in the neighborhoods around Charles H. Flowers High School, where several students have been robbed after school.
The effort is simple: the association is asking neighborhood residents that if they have outdoor chores such as walking dogs or mowing lawns, do them between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., when Flowers is letting out students, in order to help spot and prevent crime. Some students believe this will help, while others worried criminals would still act despite being in broad daylight and with witnesses.
Another community endeavor that recently began is the Safe Passage Project, an effort to recruit volunteers who can assist students at the most dangerous intersections in Prince George’s to get to and from school safely. This effort will begin this spring and continue into the summer.
All volunteers must sign liability waivers and receive training from violence interrupter Jawanna Hardy.
“We must change our focus from ‘What are they doing?’ to ‘What can we do?’ The community infrastructure we place around our schools to enhance the overall educational experience for our students determines their safety and how successful educators can be,” said School Board Member Branndon Jackson (District 6) in a press release.
Jackson, Prince George’s County Council Chair Jolene Ivey (D-District 5), Councilmembers Wala Blegay (D-District 6) and Krystal Oriadha (D-District 9), and District Heights Commissioner Anthony Tilghman, who also serves as a Washington Informer photographer, are all collaborators in the effort to improve community and road safety.
This program has currently been implemented in neighborhoods near six schools. The next training will occur on April 13. Those interested in volunteering can go to www.pgcpassage.com.
Maryland House Approves iGaming Expansion
Legislation that would hold a state ballot referendum on whether to allow casino gaming on phones, computers and other electronic devices in Maryland passed through the Maryland House and moved to the State Senate.
Previous ballot measures to expand gambling in Maryland in 2012 and 2020 both passed, with the 2020 question receiving support from 67% of voters.
Ways and Means Chair Vanessa Atterbeary (D-District 13), who sponsored the bill, introduced it as part of a revenues package to fill the state’s deficit. It is estimated by some legislators that this could generate up to $300 million annually to support primary and secondary education in Maryland.
Sen. Ron Watson (D-District 23) is sponsoring the Senate version of the bill.
Morgan State University’s Center for Data Analytics and Sports Gaming Research (DASGR), established in 2022, held a town hall on the potential impacts of iGaming on March 15. This center focuses on researching the technological side of gaming, gambling and wagering and delves into socio-behavioral, policymaking, social stigmas and intersectionality of gambling and the digital world.
“iGaming, the umbrella term for online gambling, covers a range of activities like casino gambling, poker, and sports betting. It is different from other legalized gambling options in crucial ways, such as easy access anywhere using a smartphone or tablet, speed of placing bets, a broader selection of games and wagers, cutting-edge technology, opportunities for online social engagement, and the potential for self-imposed gambling controls,” said Morgan State’s Director of DASGR Dr. Ali Emdad. “However, research has shown that with iGaming, the risk of problem gambling and gambling addiction increases.”
Emdad emphasized that while iGaming and traditional gambling bet on uncertain outcomes, “both operate under regulatory frameworks that promote honesty, fairness, integrity, and conscientious gambling habits.”
