Strong Support for Slots Referendum is Victory for Maryland Public Schools
In an election filled with convincing victories for public education, voters in Maryland overwhelmingly voted to support students in Maryland with a 59% landslide victory for the slots referendum. Every county and Baltimore City backed Question 2 by clear majorities, ending the years-long debate on legalizing slot machines in Maryland.
“We’re elated about this outcome because the people of Maryland have loudly reaffirmed that our children must come first,” says Clara Floyd, president of the Maryland State Teachers Association (MSTA). “All along we have emphasized that our support of this referendum has everything to do with increased funds for public schools, and we are pleased that the public has heard us.”
Last night’s victory was the latest by a coalition of educators and education advocates determined to make sure Maryland's public schools receive the state and local funding needed to be successful--even in the face of a deteriorating economy and bleak budget outlook. Hundreds of MSTA members volunteered their time to help out the Obama campaign in neighboring swing states and to elect a pro-public education candidate in the competitive 1st Congressional District, where endorsed candidate Frank Kratovil leads by a small margin with absentee ballots yet to be counted.
Dennis Van Roekel, president of MSTA's parent affiliate, the National Education Association, spoke of the monumental impact of a new President and larger Congressional majority that support public education. “This is a major victory for students and educators, and NEA’s 3.2 million members and their families should be proud of the role they played in this historic election. It’s a new chapter in American history and an exciting and unprecedented time for educating the next generation of American leaders.”
“Maryland's children now know they can dare to dream the biggest of dreams with the election of President Obama,” adds Floyd. “With the referendum's passage we have a new opportunity to help finance those dreams and to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive in a great public school.”
