Counties Fight Maryland Gov. O'Malley on Budget

WASHINGTON - The predictions from counties across Maryland were dire.

There will be fewer teachers in county schools, and as a result, the classrooms will be more crowded. County services that are already limping along on tight budgets will be crippled because of a plan to shift the cost of teacher pensions from the state to the counties.

That's the scenario that was outlined by activists from Prince George's to Frederick counties in the "StopTheShift" campaign orchestrated by officials in at least 11 counties.

At a Montgomery County Council briefing, Council President Roger Berliner said Governor Martin O'Malley's plan would shift $300 million dollars from the state budget to the counties over a period of five years.

"We cannot afford $300 million dollars in additional costs," he said
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