NORMAN R. STONE

NORMAN R. STONE, JR. D-6
James Senate Office Building, Room 216
11 Bladen St., Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 841-3587, (301) 858-3587
1-800-492-7122, ext. 3587 (toll free)
e-mail: e-mail: norman.stone@senate.state.md.us
fax: (410) 841-3218, (301) 858-3218

e-mail:

Stone’s Station

The Bioscience Investment Tax Credit
- by Senator Norman Stone (D - 6) -

On June 10, 2010, Battelle, the world’s largest independent research and development organization, released a report issuing a warning that the U.S. is in danger of losing its global leadership in medical innovation and biomedical development.
The report further stated that other nations are stepping up their investments in bioscience and medical innovation as an economic growth strategy through research and development tax credits and other tax incentives which helps these companies through the early development stages.
In 2007, however, Maryland had the foresight to create the Maryland Life Sciences Advisory Board whose task was to develop a comprehensive, long-term plan to maximize Maryland’s unique research and development assets and grow Maryland’s life sciences industry. In 2008, Maryland increased the bioscience investment tax credit which is regarded as one of the state’s most effective business development incentives. As a result, the biotech industry in Maryland is booming. Approximately, 10 percent of the new jobs in Maryland created in the last three months were in the biotech industry.
In addition, Maryland has nearly 500 bioscience companies and 50 research-intense federal institutes and centers and continues to grow.
Initiatives such as the Biotech Tax Credit, the Small Business Loan Guaranty program, and the Hiring Tax Credit has been attributed to the 38,000 jobs that have been created since January - at a rate more than double the national growth rate. Additionally, Maryland’s unemployment rate remains 25 percent below that of the national average.
The Battelle report also focused on the importance of educating our students in order to develop a workforce with the scientific talent needed in an innovation-driven economy.
Focusing on the importance of education is exactly what Maryland has been doing by hiring and retaining the nation’s best educators and focusing on innovative reforms. Our public schools have been rated #1 in the nation two years in a row and we are preparing our students for the jobs of the future which also enhances the State’s economic competitiveness by creating a workforce with 21st century skills.
We should be proud that because of all the hard work and investments that have been made over the years in our biotech industry and our educational system Maryland has been acknowledged as a national leader and the Governor, this year, was presented with the “BIO Governor of the Year Award” and “America’s Greatest Education Governor Award.”

Addressing Illegal Immigration in Our State
- by Senator Norman Stone (D - 6) -

According to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll, a majority of Americans support the new Arizona law that gives police the power to check the residency status of suspected illegal immigrants under certain circumstances. I have also received a significant amount of e-mails from constituents in support of the Arizona law.
First let me state that I am not opposed to people coming to the United States “legally.” In fact, unless we are of Native American descent, all of our ancestors came to America from another country. My grandparents on my mother’s side legally emigrated from Italy and were extremely proud when they became citizens of the United States. Even though the enforcement of immigration laws is primarily a federal responsibility, it has become apparent that states can no longer wait for the federal government.
One major problem this has created in Maryland is that our U.S. citizens and legal immigrants are facing stiff competition from illegal aliens for many of the same jobs; especially construction jobs. It has been reported that an illegal population directly contributes to the ever growing problem of identity theft.
As you may recall, during the 2009 session, I sponsored legislation which passed requiring an individual to prove legal status in this country in order to obtain a valid Maryland driver’s license.
During the 2010 legislation session, I co-sponsored Senate Bill 227 which would have required the Division of Correction to notify the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency of someone who is in our prison system and unlawfully in this country. This proposal would have also expanded the reporting requirements of the Division of Parole and Probation to immigration and customs regarding illegals who have been convicted of a crime but are on parole or probation and being supervised in the community rather than behind bars. Even though this legislation did not pass, I am confident that this bill or others like it will eventually become Maryland law.
It is my belief that enactment of additional laws, such as the ones discussed above, and strict enforcement of existing laws will encourage people from other countries to use the proper channels to enter the U.S. legally and strive to become U.S. citizens, if their goal is to stay here.

Oyster Recovery Key to the Health of the Chesapeake Bay
- by Senator Norman Stone (D - 6) -

The Chesapeake Bay is one of Maryland’s most valuable resources and is the largest estuary in the United States. It provides habitat to more than 3,600 different species of plants and animals and produces nearly 500 million pounds of seafood per year. Maintaining the health of the Bay continues to be a top priority for our State.
Did you know that a large adult oyster can filter up to two gallons of water an hour? That is why hundreds of waterfront property owners are growing millions of young oysters in cages suspended from their private piers.
“Marylanders Grow Oysters” is managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources in conjunction with the Oyster Recovery Partnership, the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science and local organizations. Their goal is to protect young oysters during their vulnerable first year of life so they may be planted on local sanctuaries where the oysters enrich the ecosystem and our oyster population. There is no charge to participants in this program and the personal and ecological rewards are significant. Another important program to help restore our oyster population is “Maryland’s Oyster Restoration and Aquaculture Development Plan.”
As proposed, this plan, based on legislation passed in 2009, is designed to increase Maryland’s oyster sanctuaries allowing oysters to live longer, spawn without harvest pressure and, over time, develop natural resistance to disease. The plan will open additional areas to leasing for oyster aquaculture which will include the opening of over 95,000 acres of natural oyster bars and hundreds of thousands of acres for leasing.
By expanding the oyster population through innovative management and partnerships, the new state plan will provide important economic, employment and environmental benefits.
Since “aquaculture” is now the predominant means of shellfish harvesting around the world and a multimillion dollar commercial industry, this plan also provides alternative economic opportunities for watermen. Not only will this plan bring more oysters to the Bay, it is good for both Maryland’s ecology and economy. Advancing economic production through aquaculture will bring Maryland more in line with virtually all other economically viable oyster-growing regions in the world.
A good example of how these types of initiatives can be beneficial in restoring our natural resources is an April report which stated that the crab population has more than doubled in two years, reaching its highest level since 1997. This monumental increase was attributed to the limits Maryland and Virginia placed on the crab harvest in 2008 which was aimed at protecting more female crabs. When the female crab spawns, it is estimated that she can produce an average of two million eggs and as many as eight million eggs; depending on the size of the female.
Rest assured, I will continue to support measures to improve the quality of the Bay in order that its inhabitants will be able to thrive and our citizens are able to continue to enjoy this valuable body of water, our Chesapeake Bay.

Stopping Animal Cruelty
- by Senator Norman Stone (D - 6) -

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, every 10 seconds an animal is abused or beaten! This is a shocking statistic that I cannot even begin to fathom or understand. I own a little Pekingese-Miniature Pinscher mix named, Gracie, and I would be devastated if someone hurt or killed my dog.
Recently, there have been reports on the news about a puppy being beaten to death, someone taking a machete to a dog’s head and a dog being set on fire. Also, over the years, there has been extensive reporting on underground dog fighting rings. These reports have prompted many constituents to contact my office wanting to know about Maryland laws on animal cruelty.
In 2001, Maryland became the 34th state to enhance animal cruelty from a misdemeanor to a felony with the passage of Senate Bill 356 which I was a cosponsor. Specifically, the bill provides that the felony of aggravated cruelty to animals consist of the intentional mutilation, torture, or cruel killing an animal; using or allowing a dog, bird, fowl, or cock to be used in arranging and/or conducting a dogfight or cockfight and intentionally hurting or killing a police dog. This legislation also increased the maximum penalty of a fine from $1,000 to $5,000 and/or imprisonment from 90 days to three years. Moreover, as a condition of sentencing, the court may order a violator to participate in and pay for psychological counseling.
In 2005, I introduced and passed legislation which increased someone’s liability to a pet owner for injuring or killing their pet from $5,000 to $7,500. In the case of an injury or death of a pet, compensatory damages means the reasonable and necessary cost of veterinary care and the fair market value of the pet - this, of course, can never replace the loss to the owner.
Dog fighting is an insidious underground organized crime that has reached epidemic proportions in American. Although it has been completely outlawed in the United States and in many other countries, unfortunately, the culture of dog fighting has been pushed underground, where it continues to flourish.
According to the Humane Society of the United States, 19 states enacted laws making being a spectator at dogfight a felony. In 2008, I introduced Senate Bill 44 which would have made being a spectator at a dogfight or a cockfight a felony instead of a misdemeanor and would have increased penalties from 90 days imprisonment to 3 years and/or an increased fine from $2,500 to $5000. However, after extensive debate and in order to pass this legislation, a compromise was reached. The law now provides that attending a deliberately conducted dogfight or cockfight would remain a misdemeanor; however, the penalties were increased from a maximum of 90 days to one year imprisonment and the fine from $1,000 to $2,500.
For my efforts over the years on behalf of the rights of animals, it was a great honor to be named “Legislator of the Year for 2008” by the Humane Society of the United States.

Maryland Education is Ranked Near the Top of the Nation
- by Senator Norman Stone (D - 6) -

As many of you have heard me say over the years, “A quality education is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children”
It is exciting to know that Maryland has been ranked by Education Week magazine, the #1 public school system in the nation for the past two years. However, did you know that the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) is ranked the #1 provider of undergraduate education, workforce development, personal development, technology training and personal enrichment in the Baltimore Metropolitan area according to the Maryland Association of Community Colleges. CCBC is also nationally recognized as a leader in innovative learning strategies and educates more than half of all Baltimore County residents attending undergrad colleges. Additionally, the CCBC’s Division of Continuing Education and Economic Development is the preferred training partner for Maryland businesses, serving more than 100 companies annually with customized employee development training.
Twelve years ago, Newsweek began identifying the most challenging high schools in the country. During this period, the most populated states, California, Texas, New York and Florida, always had the most schools on the list. The latest analysis by Newsweek, however, shows that three other state have moved ahead of the much larger states to achieve the highest percentages of high school students taking college-level test. After comparing the number of schools on the America’s Top High Schools list, it was discovered that the highest percentages of students taking college-level tests were in Maryland, followed by Virginia and with Delaware ranking fourth.
Recently, I have attended several events honoring our outstanding teachers starting in elementary school and continuing to the middle, high school and community college level. What a pleasure it is to witness the caliber of exceptional, talented and dedicated teachers we have teaching students in our district and county. The recognition these teachers received are truly deserved!
Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our educators, parents, and students and our continued commitment and investment in Maryland’s school system, we have been recognized as the number one best public school system in America!
This is indeed a well deserved honor and we should all be proud of this achievement!

Maryland's Crime Rate is at a Record Low
- by Senator Norman Stone (D - 6) -

Maryland now has the lowest rate of violent crime in recorded history!
We have to thank our dedicated law enforcement professionals, partnerships that have been formed with our local agencies and across the borders for the lowest violent crime rate since officials began modern crime tracking in 1975. In December it was announced that the Office of Crime Control & Prevention had secured funds through a federal Recovery Grant to assist the DNA crime labs in Maryland in analyzing DNA evidence collected at crime scenes. As you probably are aware, DNA has been described as our modern fingerprint and is a valuable tool that is of great assistance to law enforcement agencies across the country in getting repeat violent offenders off our streets and is a critical crime prevention tool. It was great news to learn that Maryland’s backlog of over 24,000 DNA samples have been cleared and the results have been used to make over 200 arrest. Additionally, Maryland has uploaded over 46,000 DNA samples to the federal government’s combined DNA index system. In a further effort to assist in identifying criminals, ground breaking legislation was passed last session that requires individuals charged with crimes of violence, 1st, 2nd, or 3rd degree burglary or attempting these crimes to provide a DNA sample at the time of arrest. The use of DNA technology is a vital instrument in identifying suspected offenders which often results in solving crimes quickly. As we have all seen on our favorite TV shows, matching DNA will provide compelling and often conclusive evidence against accused persons when they are tried in a court of law.
Additionally, other measures have been put in place to assist law enforcement in their efforts to make our communities safer. They include improving compliance with our parole and probation system; focusing on the most violent offenders, reducing illegal gun trafficking, increasing warrant service and applying the most effective law enforcement technology and information sharing strategies resulting in keeping our neighborhoods safe. Criminals can no longer find sanctuary by simply crossing into neighboring states and DC because of regional partnerships which are shutting down the ability for those on probation to take advantage of the previous lack of communication across state lines. The regional warrant task force has brought together law enforcement agencies from throughout the area to act quickly when the terms of probation are violated.
Over the years, I have introduced and supported legislation that has been tough on crime and believe that one of the most important responsibilities of government is protecting the safety and welfare of our citizens.
I’m very proud of our police department and law enforcement agencies throughout the state and I am sure you will agree that we owe them our strong support and gratitude for the protection they provide to each and every one of us.

Dundalk Youth Services Center
- by Senator Norman Stone (D - 6) -

As I have stated in the past, I rely on constituent input in order to effectively assist families in our district. During session, I receive approximately 3,000 emails a month and I appreciate this valuable form of communication.
When it appeared that the funding for the state Youth Services Bureaus was in jeopardy, which would directly affect the services provided through the Dundalk Youth Services Center (DYSC), not only did I receive emails, I also received many letters, and phone calls from school principals, school counselors, program directors and constituents explaining how these valuable services benefit our schools, students, families and community.
As a result, I met in my Annapolis office with the Executive Director of the DYSC and we discussed the effectiveness of the programs, especially the delinquent prevention program, and how beneficial the many other services provided through the center are to our community. After the meeting, I contacted members of the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee. I was happy to learn that a number of senators on the committee had also been contacted and were concerned about the funding of the state Youth Services Bureaus and the affect it would have on the services provided in their districts. I then contacted the amendment room and requested that an amendment be prepared providing that the allocation of funding among Youth Services Bureaus shall be the same as provided in fiscal 2010. The budget committee adopted the amendment and it passed both the Senate and the House.
I also received additional information provided by a local Edgemere resident who serves on the DYSC Board of Directors, that in FY 2009, the center served approximately 500 community residents, about 60 percent were youth under the age of 16 and that for the past three years, the DYSC has surpassed the goals assigned to them by the Baltimore County Local Management Board and he has personally seen how this center’s work has strengthened families in our district and Baltimore County.
Maryland’s 19 Youth Services Bureaus are voluntary, community based programs for children, youths and families. The advantages of being community based are the Bureaus design and implement programs in response to the community’s needs and are responsive, accessible, flexible, diverse and creative. Some of the services provided by the DYSC include after school programs, community education, job placement assistance, mentoring programs, parent education and support programs, skill development workshops and professional training, testing and evaluation, tutoring and homework assistance, therapeutic outdoor adventures, just to name a few.
The Dundalk Youth Service Center is located at 2660 Yorkway in Dundalk. The telephone number is: 410-288-4356. You may visit the website at: www.dundalkfamilypeace.org or you may wish to send an email at: dysc@comcast.net . The Executive Director of the DYSC, referred to the center as a vibrant beacon for the constituents.

The End of the 2010 Session
- by Senator Norman Stone (D - 6) -

By the time you read this, we will have passed the Fiscal Year 2011 Capital and Operating Budgets, which contain a number of provisions to reduce government spending in this time of economic hardship. I am pleased to report that this year’s budget bring the total reduction in spending to $5.6 billion. Furthermore, this year’s budget represents the first time the Maryland Government has cut spending from a previous calendar in over 39 years. Rest assured, however, that the budget still contains the adequate funds necessary to fulfill our commitment to educate K - 12, Medicaid and other programs that our state has long provided. Additionally, $20 million have been allocated to the Chesapeake Bay Trust Fund I, along with the rest of the Maryland General Assembly have always regarded the Chesapeake as one of Maryland’s greatest assets and I believe that preserving the Bay’s health and beauty is essential in keeping it as a strong economic and tourism center.
In the decling state of today’s economy, a major issue of the highest concern in the availability of jobs for our citizens. In order to address this issue, I have co-sponsored Senate Bill 106, which was signed into law at the end of last month. SB 106 encourages employers to create new positions, provided that the employee has previously been receiving unemployment benefits. I believe that the passage of this bill, together with other incentives, will provide important steps toward economic stability, and could be a significant step in creating and maintaining existing jobs without putting current positions in jeopardy. I am happy to report that Senate Bill 106 was an important bipartisan effort to help combat our current high unemployment.
Another important bill, which has passed and is currently in conference committee, contains some of the most comprehensive and far-reaching sex offender legislation the Maryland General Assembly has dealt to date with Senate Bill 854. This administration bill has been amended to include many of the bills that I and other Senators have proposed regarding sex offenders earlier this year. The importance of this legislation in keeping our families safe has unfortunately bee n brought to light once again by the brutal sexual assault and horrible murder of Sarah Foxwell on the Eastern Shore last year. I whole-heartedly welcome the strong support of this important legislation much of which I have been championing of year, which deals with the very important issues of increased penalties, registration and regulation of sex offenders.
The Delegate John Arnick Electronic Communications Traffic Safety Act of 2010, a bill that I have once again sponsored this session which would require Maryland drivers to be “hands free” when talking on their cell phones while behind the wheel of a car, has passed both the Senate and the House. As many of you would probably agree, Delegate John Arnick was a man ahead of his time in strongly pushing for such legislation during his career. I have willingly taken up his cause and it is great to see that the Maryland General Assembly has honored Delegate Arnick by passing this important legislation is his name. I am optimistic that this law will reduce the risk of distracted driving which in the past had lead to serious accidents, according to numerous reports and scientific studies.
Another bill that has passed the Senate and the House is SB 411, a bill that I have co-sponsored that establishes a “castle doctrine” in the state of Maryland. This bill essentially states that an individual is not civilly or criminally liable for the injury or death of a criminal who enters his or her personal property, provided that this injury or death does is not caused by gross negligence. I firmly bleive tht criminals should not be able to tie up our court system with lawsuits at the expense of their victims, which this bill will not allow.
We have four hemophiliacs in our district, and I was contacted earlier this session by the Hemophilia Foundation of Maryland who requested that I put in legislation that would apply standards of care for the treatment of bleeding disorders to healthcare providers. Unfortunately, the healthcare industry was strongly opposed to this legislation and it was voted unfavorable by the Senate’s Finance Committee. Many times, when new ideas are proposed, they face a great deal of opposition. Therefore, I certainly hope that the Hemophilia Foundation for Maryland will continue to push for this legislation.
Among other important legislation being considered is the Maryland Criminal Prosecution Act of 2010, The House version of Senate Bill 518, a bill which I have sponsored which will facilitate the prosecution of members of criminal gangs in Maryland. State’s Attorney advise that our current law regarding criminal gangs is simply too vague to allow successful prosecution. At the time of this writing, the Senate Bill has passed the Senate and is similar to the House Bill, which passed the House. Additionally, the Maryland General Assembly is considering SB 261, a bill that I have co-sponsored which will address the issue of human trafficking.

Back River Restoration Committee is Making a Difference

- by Senator Norman Stone (D - 6) -

Congratulations to the Back River Restoration Committee (BRRC). In today’s world where there is much negativity, it is refreshing to be associated with such a hard working group of volunteers dedicated to the clean up of Back River. Although there had been prior clean-up activities, this group began their mission about three years ago after our local delegation introduced legislation to designated Back River as a scenic river. Since that time they, along with hundred volunteers, have spent countless hours cleaning the river banks and removing a multitude of junk such as tires, carts, trash, plastic bottles and just about anything you can imagine. I have participated in a few clean-ups and can assure you that these volunteers work hard and have removed truck loads of tires and dumpsters full of trash. The leaders of BRRC have done a terrific job in organizing theses events.
It is truly amazing that this organization that started by a handful of dedicated local residents and has grown to over 800 people who actively participate and attend meetings or assist in other ways. In addition to the members, the organization consists of a Board of Directors (all volunteers) who have worked closely with communities on the river, their associations and Baltimore County agencies such as DEPRM, state agencies, group affiliated with the Chesapeake Bay, the local political leaders and most importantly the volunteers. In an effort to expose the young people in the community, they have encouraged high school students to get involved and at one of the clean-ups many students, including the entire Eastern Tech football team, participated. They have also enlisted the support of a number of local businesses that have donated everything from food to equipment. BRRC has facilitated the acquisition of the equipment you see as you cross I-695 or the Back River bridge.
BRRC was recently awarded a grant from the Chesapeake Bay Trust and will be opening a local office in the near future. Volunteers can register to help with upcoming at 443-414-4384 or savebackriver@gmail.com. The upcoming projects are scheduled on April 10. The cleaning-up will include Deep Creek, Red House Run and Bread and Cheese Creek. I would like to acknowledge John Long and his family who led the efforts on the clean up of Bread and Cheese Creek.
Back River is one of the most beautiful rivers along the Chesapeake Bay and life in the river has been returning at an increasing level. Groups such as BRRC have contributed a major part of this revival and I would like encourage anyone who is able to support this effort to sign up since the health of the river has an effect on the Bay and the entire water shed. A clean river can have a positive effect on our personal health.
It has been aid that it takes a village and BRRC has certainly provided the leadership to gather one.
The delegation and I have enjoyed assisting in the clean-ups and we also wholeheartedly offer our sincere gratitude to everyone involved in this dedicated effort to restore Back River and its tributaries.

We Should Appreicate Our Fire, Rescue and Emergency Service Workers
- by Senator Norman Stone (D - 6) -

Our district has been hit very hard within the past six months. First the water-main break, then by the tragic fire at the Dundalk Fire Station and of course, the blizzard.
The fire station lost two engines, including one just purchased for $600,000, two paramedic units and a brush truck. In an effort to provide some assistance in rebuilding and replacement of equipment at the Dundalk Fire Station, Delegates Minnick, Olszewski, Weir and I have introduced legislation for a bond bill.
We need to count our blessings that no one was injured or killed. As you are probably aware, firefighters and police officers face the risk of suffering injury or death in the course of performing their duties. We will never forget the three brave firefighters James Kimbel, Henry Rayner, Jr. and Walter Bawroski, Sr., who lost their lives when they were trapped inside the Shillers Furniture Store in October 1984.
Firefighters are our community’s first responders. They respond to all sorts of hazards including car accidents, structure fires, natural and man-made disasters and medical emergencies. Being a professional firefighter requires courage, knowledge, cooperation, physical strength, agility, endurance, compassion and adaptability. Other than fighting fires, providing medical care to the ill and injured is a part of a firefighter’s job.
I’m a cosponsor of Senate Bill (SB) 715 - State Government - Commemorative Days - Fire, Rescue and Emergency Service Workers, which would require the Governor to proclaim the first Sunday in June as the day to honor fire, rescue and emergency service workers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of their duties and requires the Governor to order the State flag to be flown at half-staff. Additionally, the legislation would require the Maryland Fire-Rescue Services Memorial Foundation to place memorial plaques on the Maryland Fire-Rescue Services Memorial in the city of Annapolis. The companion bill, House Bill (HB 910), has been introduced in the House of Delegates.
On the issue of safety, a number of states have some form of “Move Over” law on the books, These laws are intended to reduced the number of injuries to police officers, paramedics, ambulance workers and fire fighters who many occasions have been struck and injured or killed by vehicles while they were performing their duty outside their vehicles. SB 324 would require motorists who are approaching an emergency vehicle that is stopped, standing or parked in the street or highway and using any visual signals, unless otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer, to vacate the lane closest to the emergency vehicle if the roadway consists of two or more lanes traveling in the same direction of the emergency vehicle. If there is only one lane, the vehicle is required to slow to a reasonable and prudent speed that ensures the safety of the emergency services personnel.
In closing, I would like to thank the road crews who worked day and night plowing our streets during the heavy snowstorm and the blizzard. This was a monumental task performed under very difficult conditions with “a job well done!”

2/7-The Start of the 2010 Session
- by Senator Norman Stone (D - 6) -

As you are probably aware, the 2010 Maryland Legislative Session convened on Jan. 13. Traditionally, opening day is reserved for a host of ceremonial activities such as the election of the presiding officers of both Houses, the appointment of desk officers, the assignment of committees, consideration of vetoed bills and the introduction of prefiled bills. As in past sessions, members of the State and House will be focusing their attention on a variety of issues of state and local importance.
Once again, I have been appointed Senate CHairman of the Joint on Legislative Ethics and have voted Chairman of the Baltimore County Senate Delegation. In addition, I will continue to serve as a member of the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee, Executive Nominations Committee and Policy Committee. I will be actively involved in legislative policy, judicial, state and local appointments and will act as President Pro Tem Emeritus of the Senate. As in the past, I intend to utilize theses leadership positions on behalf of the residents of our district.
Even though state spending has been reduced by $4.6 billion over the past four years and Maryland is only one of seven other states that has retianed its Triple A bond, balancing the budget with a deficit, which is approaching $2 billion, will be a daunting task.
Once the governor unveils his operating budget, the fiscal committees in the Senate and House will begin their work, and once completed, each fiscal committees recommendation will be considered by the full membership of each house. Since there is usually disagreements between the Senate and House, a conference committee will be appointed to settle the difference and the final budget will be passed. It should be noted that constitutionally the Senate and House can only make cuts, but can not add to the budget.
I have consistently maintained that taxpayers should not bear the sole responsibility of shouldering the expenses of past and future administrations and I certainly do not intend to support any tax increases. Although serious, reports have shown that Maryland’s fiscal problems are far less than many other states.
Because of the economy, the budget will be centered of attention this session. However, other priorities will include the creation of jobs and finding ways to help stimulate the economy. Two incentives that have already been offered are a $3,000 tax break for small businesses who hire an unemployed worker and improving access to credit through a state loan-guaranteed program.
Additionally, with the tragic death of Sarah Foxwell, a multitude of bills will be introduced this year in a continuing effort to keep sexual predators from harming our children. To this end, I have introduced legislation for those offenders determined to be a sexual predators to be civilly confined after serving their criminal sentence, GPS tracking of registered sex offenders and other legislation that I will address in more detail in future articles.
On a more positive notes, for second note in a row, Education Week Magazine has ranked Maryland public schools the “best in the nation”. Education Week’s scoring took into account Pre-K - Grade 12 curriculum. state accountability and standards, teacher effectiveness, school readiness and preparation for college and the workplace. We can all be very proud of this achievement and I will continue to support initiatives to keep our “schools #1.”
As session progresses, I will attempt to keep you inform on numerous issues of importance to all of us.