Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has proposed a 2020 fiscal budget that includes more funds dedicated to fighting hate crimes. If approved, a total of $5 million will be allocated toward enhancing security at Maryland facilities that are potential targets for hate crimes, including houses of worship and public schools.
“Hate has no place in our society and we stand united in our conviction that a diverse and inclusive Maryland is a stronger Maryland,” said Hogan. “These investments will allow us to more effectively prevent and address instances of hate and violence across our state and help ensure that Maryland remains a place where people of all backgrounds and beliefs can call home.”
$3 million of the proposed funds will be made available to religious centers in the form of a competitive grant, and $1 million will be dedicated to assisting schools with security measures, training, and technology.
Montgomery County would likely benefit directly from an increase in funding for combating hate crime. According to a state police report in 2017, the most recent year of data on hate crime, Montgomery County ranks second in the number of hate-bias crimes, behind Baltimore County. Events such as the recent spray-painting of a swastika on the side of Richard Montgomery High School in January could potentially be prevented should the funding become a reality.
Article by MoCo Student Staff Writer Elena Moore of Damascus High School
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