February 15th, 2020 by WCBC Radio
Reacting to a strong backlash from the community- the Allegany County Commissioners have requested the Western Maryland Delegation to reconsider a proposal to halt funding for the local Opportunity Scholarship program.
Allegany County receives a 3.75% share of the revenue accrued each month from electronic gaming at Rocky Gap Casino Resort. The largest beneficiaries of the funding have been local fire and emergency medical service companies and the Allegany County Opportunity Scholarship Fund- however a vote by the Local Development Council would see more money going to fire and EMS companies while closing out the opportunity scholarships for prospective Allegany College of Maryland and Frostburg State University students.
A letter sent by the commissioners to the delegation asked that 5.25% go to local grants and an additional 0.25% go directly to an account established by the county to be disbursed to Allegany College of Maryland and Frostburg State University for the continuation of this scholarship. A member of the Local Development Council, asking to remain anonymous, told WCBC News that the vote to redirect funding was unanimous.
The members of the Council are: Jason M. Bennett, Council Chair; Senator George C. Edwards; Delegate Jason C. Buckel; Delegate Michael W. McKay; Allegany County Sheriff Craig A. Robertson; Allegany County Health Officer Jenelle Mayer; Skylar B. Dice, Rocky Gap Casino Resort General Manager; Bob Mallow, Mallow Auction Service; Cory McCagh, 1812 Brewery; Autumn Eirich; Steve Hout; Jenny Krampf; Brian Miller; Dottie Ruby and Sam Wilson
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February 15, 2020 at 1:58 pm, mac said:
Local Development Council, what exactly is this bunch and who gives them the right to decide when a recipient of monies from gambling revenues no longer qualify for their share? The program is established and shouldn’t be changed on a whim.
February 15, 2020 at 11:11 pm, Anthony Walker said:
Who does the western MD delegation represent? Trying to reduce needy student scholarships to local schools and opposing the minimum wage increase for our area. They certainly aren’t working for the good of the local residents.