Gov. Wes Moore Signs Education Funding Reform Bill in Maryland

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — On May 6, 2025, Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed into law a revised version of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, a significant education reform law aimed at improving the state’s school system. The bill includes initiatives to recruit and train new teachers amid a statewide teacher shortage.

The new legislation introduces a grant program that offers up to $2,000 to out-of-state licensed teachers willing to move to Maryland. It also includes plans for a nationwide teacher recruitment campaign. ‘If someone is raising their hand to teach our children, it should be rewarded with opportunity and not be burdened by debt,’ Governor Moore said during the bill signing.

Initially, Governor Moore proposed cutting approximately $1.6 billion from the education funding over four years to address a predicted budget shortfall. However, lawmakers restored most of the proposed cuts before the end of the 90-day legislative session. The final version of the bill also delays plans to offer teachers more collaborative planning time and lowers increases in per-student funding for the upcoming two years.

The revised Blueprint takes effect on July 1, 2025. It aims to tackle historical issues in education funding and is a response to ongoing concerns about educational outcomes in underserved communities.

Senate President Bill Ferguson commented on the changes, stating, ‘The Blueprint is one of the most important investments that we are making. Our education is our competitive advantage, so ensuring that it is moving toward world class is absolutely an essential goal for Maryland’s economic development.’

Additionally, other legislation signed into law by Governor Moore this week focuses on improving school safety, supporting veterans, and providing resources to enhance educational opportunities.

This legislative package reflects Maryland’s commitment to enhancing educational resources and addressing the critical teacher shortage while navigating complex budget challenges.