Welcome to our weekly column in which a topic of interest, piece of news, relevant opinion, or general request for feedback is presented. We’ll offer the topic du jour and accompanying question, and you have the opportunity to respond with your thoughts.
Simply fill out the form below. A collection of each week’s responses will appear in the following week’s column.
View last week’s responses on High School Homecomings Being Postponed/Cancelled
Publisher reserves the right to edit responses for clarity and publish online and/or in our print publications.
Please let us know your thoughts!
This week’s Feedback Friday topic is:
$2.5 Billion State Budget Surplus!
This week we learned that Maryland has actually accrued a $2.5 Billion budget surplus, representing about 5% of the State’s $48 Billion budget in 2021. The question now: What to do with the surplus?
State Comptroller Peter Franchot went on record stating, “The state’s surplus is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in programs that lift all Marylanders and help stabilize housing and other critical expenses for our lower- and middle-income families. We must deliver this money quickly to those who need it most and not into the hands of fraudsters.”
He added: “We should put most of the surplus in the state’s Rainy Day Fund and create a proper structure for addressing these urgent needs that our current systems are failing to do effectively.”
Our questions to you:
Do you agree with Comptroller Franchot’s assessment of the surplus opportunity OR do you think the State should use the funds in other ways? If the latter, how/what?
Please share your thoughts by filling out this form.
Last week, we asked you about the High School Homecomings Postponed/Cancelled and you responded! Here is a sampling of reader responses. To read more, click here.
My two teens were sad to hear that the events have been postponed/cancelled. Even with attending classes every day, following protocol, wearing masks, washing their hands, not sharing drinks, etc., etc., they have been looking forward to going back to school, seeing their friends again, joining clubs, and especially attending events. I do not think these events should have been postponed or cancelled.
V. Adams, Gambrills
These events should absolutely NOT be canceled! It is ridiculous what these children are being put through!! Including the use of face masks! How can it be okay to go to a restaurant, the store, a sporting event, a concert, etc. but not ok to go to homecoming? Also how is it okay to go to all the same places unmasked but our children are being masked? And do the school boards think these kids don't already hang out with each other outside of school? My heart breaks for the kids, they have missed so much and they are suffering academically, emotionally, and physically. This has to STOP!
Sarah Faulkner, Trappe
