Politician Soapbox

Politician News

The Message: Lost in Translation

- by Delegate J.B. Jennings (R - 7) -

It is truly remarkable what a difference four years can make. If we could journey back to 2006, Marylanders demanded a change in Annapolis. Despite a 60 percent approval rating of former Governor Ehrlich’s performance during his term, Marylanders elected a new administration with a message that promised to create new jobs and cut taxes for middle-income Marylanders.
Now, four years later and under the Leadership of Governor O’Malley, Maryland received a “change”. Unfortunately, Governor O’Malley has delivered a “change” - unexpected and undesirable to Marylander’s expectations. In only his first term, Governor O’Malley, in an unprecedented decision, raised the corporate income tax, personal income tax, and the sales tax.
According to Governor O’Malley, the purpose for these tax increases, were to resolve a decade long structural state deficit. It was the message contained in Governor O’Malley’s Executive Order that “this structural deficit has been 10 years in the making”. A structural deficit occurs from a negative balance between the sum of the State’s ongoing spending obligations and its ongoing revenues.
Contrary to the Governor’s position, State Comptroller Peter Franchot submitted a letter that stated a structural deficit could not have occurred when the State of Maryland completed the fiscal year on June 30, 2007 with an undesignated balance of $193 million. This balance was the result of actual revenues exceeding the estimates by $75.0 million or 0.06 percent. Moreover, State agencies returned $51.9 million in unspent funds, which represented $17.6 million dollars more than the estimate. Furthermore, the Revenue Stabilization Account, otherwise known as the “Rainy Day” Fund, closed with a balance of $1.4 billion.

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Looking Forward to Spring & Events in the Seventh District

- by Councilman John Olszewski, Sr. (D - 7) -

I think the worst is behind us as far as snowstorms are concerned. We can all look forward to spring. I think you will all agree that this has been a rough winter. Time to take a look at current projects and other points of interest in the Seventh District. My office continues to get calls about the trash pickup.
The regular routes and pickups were thrown out of kilter with the huge amounts of snow. The Bureau of Solid Waste has announced that as of March 1 until further notice, residents who normally put their trash in the alley should return to their regular practice if their alley is free and clear of snow. If you are unsure if a trash truck can get through then continue to put the trash in the front of your house. It will be picked up there. The trash and recycling drop off center in White Marsh will remain open Monday through Saturday for those who want to get rid of their trash in this way.

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Insurance Companes Need to Set-Up

- by Delegate Sonny Minnick (D - 6) -

It’s time for insurance companies to cover the terrible damage caused by water main breaks, and like two dozen Annapolis legislators, I think you’ll agree. That is why I sponsored the bill you will read about in this column.
My constituents know the logistical and financial nightmares that water main breaks can wreak on a community. Last September, when a massive 72-inch water main burst, Dundalk residents watched in horror as the water climbed and climbed until it spilled into yards and homes, destroying property in basements, garages and living rooms alike.
Dundalk residents were even more horrified when insurance workers examined their neighborhoods’ flooded streets and houses and said, in so many words, that none of it was covered by home insurance.
I want to right that wrong with House Bill 1088 (Homeowner’s Insurance – Offer of Coverage for Loss Caused by Discharge of Water), which would require all insurance companies in Maryland to cover losses caused by water main breaks like the one from last September.

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Senator Klausmeier Sponsors Small Business Bill

Senator Kathy Klausmeier is a sponsor of Senate Bill 54 Business and Economic Development – Maryland Economic Adjustment Fund (MEAF). If passed into law, this act would extend benefits offered under current MEAF protocols to include small businesses that had previously been ineligible for economic assistance. The act would also reduce bureaucratic red-tape, allowing for a swifter dissemination of benefits to the expanded pool of eligible small businesses. In addition, the act would allow for small business beneficiaries to use MEAF funds in a wider variety of ways than ever before.
Among other purposes, MEAF is a critical source of assistance and support for Maryland small businesses, serving as a major lender to businesses who frequently cannot qualify for loans from commercial lenders. Senator Klausmeier, who was a member of the Governor’s Task Force for Small Business this past summer, knows the critical role of small business, and supports efforts to ease hardship by providing resources that will support businesses during the global recession.