Legislators
to Tackle Budget Deficit, Jobs, Crime, Other Issues
Dear
Friends,
The 427th Session of
the General Assembly of Maryland convened at
noon today, marking the official
beginning of
the 2010 Session, the final Session of the
four-year term. The 2010 Session is scheduled to
conclude in 90 calendar days on Monday, April
12.
Michael E. Busch was
re-elected for an 8th year as Speaker of the
House, and Senator Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr.
was re-elected for his 24th year as President of
the Senate. Miller is the longest-serving Senate
President in the history of the body and the
longest-serving Senate President in the United
States.
This Session, we will tackle
many important issues, and over 2,000 bills
will be introduced or "dropped in the
hoppers." Among key initiatives is the
budget, with its $2 billion gap for the
coming year. Higher taxes are not the
answer. Majority party leaders have a
spending problem, not a revenue problem.
We also will work toward
creating a friendlier environment for
the creation of jobs. Other issues
before us are expanding
acceptable evidence in death
penalty cases and tightening up sex offender
laws.
As we
strive for fiscal responsibility, not all
legislators appear to be on board.
For example, one bill calls for
$40,000 to be spent on a Montgomery County Tai Chi
court. (According to the Mayo Clinic, Tai Chi
promotes "serenity through gentle movements.")
Another bill wants taxpayers to go $250,000
into debt so the Columbia Association can improve
Symphony Woods Park. The Columbia Association is a
private company in Howard County funded by
homeowners.
Is this the best use of our money in these
economic times? These projects should be funded
by those who will benefit, rather than by
Maryland taxpayers. If we spend on causes like
these and fail to make the necessary cuts, we
will only be left with a bigger tax burden in
2011. For this reason, I will work for the most
prudent use of our money.
As we enter another year, I am
committed to representing the needs of our
community as I work for fiscal responsibility,
less government and traditional family values.
My aide, Linda Schmuck, and I
look forward to hearing from you throughout the
Session. Due to the volume of emails and letters
received during this busy time, we may respond
more briefly or with more delay than during the
interim. However, I do read and consider
everything that comes in. Please do not hesitate
to contact us with your concerns.