The
$13 billion proposed operating budget introduced by the
Governor this week includes little good news for Carroll
County or for taxpayers statewide. It relies on more
federal bailout money, continued state worker furloughs
and raids on special funds that were collected for other
purposes. His budget
leaves a $1.5 billion deficit next year, which grows to
more than $2 billion the year after.
Counties will continue to suffer the 95 percent cuts in
highway user revenues that they got this year, meaning
less money for snow removal, pothole repair and other
road maintenance projects. Counties are all footing the
bill for Baltimore City, which gets just a 29 percent
cut in highway user revenues.
While the Governor's budget forces state workers to
take up to 10 days off without pay and eliminates
positions, his salary is set to increase nearly 7
percent over the next four years, to $160,000. The
Lieutenant Governor, Comptroller, Treasurer and Attorney
General will see their salaries rise to $133,333 over
the next four years. The raises are recommended by a
commission appointed by majority party leaders, but,
unfortunately, will never be voted on by the General
Assembly because of procedural games. While the rest of
us in state government and private business watch our
paychecks dwindle, we should be able to look to the top
for an example-not for excess.
I supported the Legislature's decision to reject
proposed salary increases for Delegates and Senators.
These are hard times, the worst since the Great
Depression, and Maryland unemployment is at a 30-year
high. In addition we are the 5th highest taxed state in
the nation. Please be assured that I have consistently
voted against every tax increase since I was elected.
Maryland does not have a revenue problem. It has a
spending problem.
During the 90 days of the 2010 General Assembly
Session, I will continue to be a strong voice for
economic policies that strengthen our state's economic
climate. I will vote against tax increases and advocate
for freedom and personal responsibility. Thank you for
the privilege of allowing me to serve you.
For more information on this week's legislative issues,
you may want to read the
Legislative Wrap-Up, prepared by the state
Department of Legislative Services every Friday.