News from Annapolis   August 27, 2009

The ABC's of Financial Literacy
 Delegate Krebs Joins Teachers for Curriculum Training

Dear Friends,

     I joined with Carroll County high school teachers Friday in learning the new financial literacy curriculum they will use in classrooms this fall. statehouse
     As a member of the Task Force to Study How To Improve Financial Literacy in the State, I have long appreciated Carroll County high schools' efforts to ensure that students know the difference between an "annual percentage rate" and a "credit rating" by the time they graduate. Carroll County Schools worked closely with The Maryland Coalition for Financial Literacy in developing the curriculum, which familiarizes students with concepts like banking, credit, identity theft, and fraud. The Coalition is a group of business leaders, financial institutions, community organizations, public officials and school leaders. 

      In some parts of Maryland, financial literacy has never made it into the classroom. Thus, the need for the state Task Force. We are not limiting our scope to schools, but also are looking to improve financial literacy of adults, including college students, recipients of social services and entitlements, and prisoners who are ready for release.
     I applaud Carroll County Public Schools, under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Charles Ecker, for being in the forefront providing financial literacy education to our students. Carroll County is one of the first school districts in Maryland to require a class in financial literacy in order to graduate.

Delegate Krebs Tells Congress "No" to Federal Takeover of Healthcare
Joins Nationwide Effort by State Legislators to Preserve Patient Choice

     I have signed onto an official letter to Congressional leaders calling for protection of our right to choose our own quality, affordable, private health coverage. The letter, signed by 167 legislators from 41 states, opposes the federal public plan under consideration in Congress because it is anti-competitive.
     The American Legislative Exchange Council letter was sent to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
     We need to make some reforms, but they must be market-based, and tort reform must be a key element. Also, we must ensure our freedom to choose the health insurance and the doctor of our choice.

Delegate Krebs' Update on state-owned Henryton Center:

   The 80-year-old Henryton complex is a potential death trap for my constituents because of its collapsing floors, walls and ceilings. Teenagers often hang out and vandalize Henryton because of its lack of security and tales that it is "haunted." This frequent trespassing and a string of arsons raise crucial safety issues for the firefighters and police who must respond.
 
   State Mulls Plans for Abandoned Henryton Hospital Complex  from the Carroll County Times

House GOP Caucus Responds to Governor's Proposed Budget Reductions

state seal   "This is one more example of attempting to address the budget problem through piecemeal solutions and fund shuffling" said Minority Leader Anthony O'Donnell. "Had the administration and the majority leadership in the legislature actually faced the situation head on, and made real, significant cutbacks in spending, Maryland would be in a much better position. Instead, the Governor is continuing to kick the can down the road while refusing to address the fundamental problem." . . .

   "Comptroller Franchot commented at the start of the meeting that basic financial literacy ought to be a fundamental part of the curriculum in Maryland's high schools," said Minority Whip Christopher Shank. "Managing a finite amount of resources, saying no to obligations you can't afford - these are key skills that every responsible citizen should develop. Perhaps we should start the training with the administration and the General Assembly leadership."