Gov. Martin O'Malley's budget chief reportedly is recommending cutting $37.9 million from a schools fund the governor promised to fully fund during his election campaign.
The Baltimore Sun reported Saturday that State Budget Secretary T. Eloise Foster recommended slashing the $75.8 million Geographic Cost of Education Index fund by half in a letter to governor on Wednesday. State officials are looking for ways close a looming budget deficit.
The fund is designed to help offset expenses in districts that face the highest costs.
Former Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. never funded the program, relying on advice from the attorney general's office that it was optional.
Democrats criticized the Republican governor's position and O'Malley promised to fully fund the program, but has so far only funded 60 percent.
