Bill Positions

Bill Number: SB 861

Bill Title: Higher Education Funding Model for Maryland Act of 2009

Bill Sponsor(s): Sen. Currie, et al.

Subject: Budget & Taxation

Committee: B&T

Bill Summary: This bill would have set a 10-year plan for state funding goals for public 4-year higher education institutions and need-based financial aid at the 75th percentile of the per student funding by comparable institutions in states with which MD principally competes for employers and set a goal for in-state tuition at or below 50th percentile of such states. The bill would have removed the sunset on the 6% of corporate income taxes dedicated to the Higher Education Investment Fund. The bill made many other changes to funding goals for higher education, scholarships, accountability, capital project, and historically black institutions.

History: Although the bill died without a vote in the Budget & Taxation Committee, the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act included language supportive of the goals of this legislation and extending the Higher Education Investment Fund through FY 2010.

Chamber Position: Support

Position Summary: The availability of a well-educated workforce is an essential component of Maryland's economy. The quality of, and access to, higher education is a vital concern to Maryland's business community due to its impact on job retention and creation. The Chamber supports the continued funding of the higher education investment fund as a means of supporting the needs of higher education in Maryland.

Position Statement: Click here (pdf)

Chamber Staff: Ronald Wineholt

General Assembly: Click here to view the bill on the Maryland General Assembly's website.