O'Malley defends cuts in school aid

Governor says Baltimore chief's contention about effect of reduced funds to city is 'patently false'

local legislators vow to fight back

Del. Jill Carter, a Baltimore Democrat who leads the delegation's education subcommittee, said she was "appalled" and "outraged" at the proposed budget cuts and suggested that aggrieved lawmakers might band together to oppose bills sponsored by the administration if O'Malley does not relent on their demands.

Particularly irksome to the city lawmakers and to Alonso is that affluent Montgomery County got a $27 million increase to its schools in O'Malley's budget, while poorer districts are slated for cuts.

"I want the package for education changed to be equitable and to consider what is adequate for children," Alonso said after his talk with the governor yesterday. "Clearly, any distribution of resources in the state that shortchanges Baltimore City and Prince George's is unacceptable."

O'Malley, a former Baltimore mayor, said he would be willing to discuss changes to the formulas that determine how aid to education is apportioned, but House Speaker Michael E. Busch played down any serious consideration of that by the legislature this session. "I doubt there will be any revisiting of the formula," said Busch, an Anne Arundel Democrat. "I think the formulas are overall well thought-out."

Baltimore Sun reporter Sara Neufeld contributed to this article.