Del. Jennings: Maryland’s Taxes Are Among The Highest In The Nation

Dear Editor, 

It is truly remarkable what a difference two (2) years can make.  If we could journey back to ‘2006’, Marylanders were in a state of disgust over the imminent increases in energy costs.  Demanding change in Annapolis, the State elected a new Administration that promised to thwart energy hikes and cut taxes on both personal income and property for middle-income Marylanders. Surprisingly enough, Marylanders elected this new Administration despite a 60% approval rating of former Governor Ehrlich’s performance during his term.  

Now, two (2) 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 raised all three (3) of its major tax rates.    Continue reading Del. Jennings: Maryland’s Taxes Are Among The Highest In The Nation

Del. Jennings: Few Victories During Expensive, Disappointing General Assembly Session in Annapolis

Dear Editor, 

      The Maryland General Assembly’s 425th Legislative Session has come to a close in the Annapolis.  With the State still feeling the “sting” from Special Session, the Democratic Majority’s agenda and non bi-partisanship was not hindered during this General Session. Instead,  it was solidified by the legislation they introduced and the policies they implemented.   

      During Special Session, the General Assembly approved the largest tax increase ($1.4 billion) in State history (with the most tax categories ever raised in a single legislative session) to resolve the State’s budget shortfalls – these shortfalls were the result of  the Administration’s budget for the ‘2008’ fiscal year.  At no time was there any serious attempt to control spending, in fact, the Special Session created $128 million in net new spending.  With our nation’s troubling economy and the tax increases implemented this past November, the General Session was a critical time for our State Government to finally initiate fiscal responsibility.   Despite these grim realities, the General Assembly approved the Governor’s budget package for the ‘2009’ fiscal year (Senate Bill 90).    Continue reading Del. Jennings: Few Victories During Expensive, Disappointing General Assembly Session in Annapolis

Del. McDonough: Illegals Gain Power

Maryland continues to become the worst state in the nation in terms of protecting its citizens against the invasion of illegal aliens. It is accurate to characterize Maryland as the Number One “Sanctuary State” in America. The Governor and General Assembly leaders support the legislative agenda of CASA of Maryland and other pro-illegal proponents. Once again, i n the 2008 session of the Maryland General Assembly, all of the legislation proposed by lawmakers in opposition to illegal aliens was defeated. Moreover, none of these much needed proposals were allowed to emerge from committee for a full floor vote.

I introduced the Citizens Right Act which many consider to be the centerpiece of any anti-illegals agenda. This initiative would have, for the first time, permitted ordinary citizens to file a complaint against elected officials based on the premise that the official is violating the Federal Immigration Act. The complaint could eventually result in the official being removed from public office.

Another important bill was the Voter Verification and Fairness Act which would require affidavits confirming that an individual is an eligible voter. The bill would prevent illegal aliens from voting, especially the ones that are exploiting the motor-voter law associated with acquiring drivers’ licenses. Continue reading Del. McDonough: Illegals Gain Power

Del. McComas: 2008 General Assembly In Review

As the 2008 General Assembly comes to a close, I’d like to review some of the highlights of the legislation important to us in Harford County.

The Harford County Delegation succeeded in passing all but two bills – the election of the school board and the slot machines for our veterans’ organizations. These bills did not pass for political reasons and no other reason. The Annapolis oligarchy allows a select few to kill a bill, give no reason, and pay no price. If one member of a delegation chooses to force the will of one to subvert the will of the majority, then the voters need to intercede in the next election. Some folks will do almost anything to maintain power and control, even to the point of thwarting the will of their constituents and their representatives.

The school board bill appeared to be on the fast track when Senators Barry Glassman (R) and Andrew Harris (R) gained unanimous approval for it in Senate Education, Health & Environmental Affairs Committee and the full Senate. As approved by the Senate, the bill—SB 306—would authorize six members of the school board to be elected and three to be appointed by the Governor. With the Senate’s unanimous approval, the delegation was hopeful SB 306 would move quickly in the House after being referred to the House Ways and Means Committee, but Chairwoman Sheila Hixson refused to take any action on either SB 306 or the cross filed bill, HB 799.
Continue reading Del. McComas: 2008 General Assembly In Review

Del. McDonough: “Putting People First” Takes a Different Type of Elected Official

Although most people believe that politicians are all the same, my experience has been that this assumption is far from the truth.  I believe that many elected officials have different approaches to the way they represent the people.  During my three terms in public office, I have always had one guiding principle that was based on the belief that the people elected me to do a job.  They are the bosses and their interests are the only priority that I have.  My legislative agenda reflects that commitment.

My crime victim legislation agenda included Jessica’s Law Part II - Truth in Sentencing.  This bill was created to eliminate good time credits and early release for certain types of criminals. Two other public safety measures — the Witness Protection Act and a victim protection act — would also eliminate good time early release credits for any offender who intimidates or attempts to harm a witness in any way.  These proposals would mandate capital punishment for a perpetrator who murders a witness.  All three of these bills place public safety and crime victims first. Continue reading Del. McDonough: “Putting People First” Takes a Different Type of Elected Official

Del. Stifler: Support Repeal of the Computer Services Tax Tomorrow in Annapolis

Greetings from Annapolis,

I would like to extend an invitation to everyone concerned with and affected by the computer services tax to attend the Public Hearing tomorrow, Wednesday 12th, supporting HB 187, 196, 253, and 326. The Public Hearing will take place at 1:00 pm in the Ways and Means Committee room. If you are able to attend please respond to donna.stifler@house.state.md.us by providing your name, affiliation, and phone number so that my aide can sign you up tomorrow morning. Please arrive at the committee room 131 before 1:00 pm. Only people who have signed up to testify may testify so it is important to email your information well in advanced. If you would like to submit written testimony please email it no later than tomorrow morning. Written testimony should be addressed to the Honorable Sheila E. Hixson.

Also there will be a large rally at noon tomorrow on Lawyer’s Mall, supporting a repeal of the computer tax. If you or your colleagues are able, please come down to Annapolis and have your voices heard!

Thank you,

Delegate Stifler

Del. Jennings: In-State Tuition for Illegal Immigration and the Harm It Creates to Maryland

Dear Editor,

Last Tuesday, I was sitting at my desk in the House Ways and Means committee hearing room watching and listening. The hearing room was crowded with people spanning from special interests organizations, to lawmakers, to citizens, statewide, all present for a single purpose - House Bill 1236.

As many already know, but for those who do not, House Bill 1236, entitled Higher Education - Tuition Charges - Maryland High School Students would establish that illegal aliens shall be exempt from paying nonresident tuition at public institutions of higher education in the State of Maryland. The bill would take effect July 1, 2008, and require the governing board of each public institution of higher education to adopt policies to implement this bill.

Although the language specifically contained within the bill defines “specific individuals” as “individuals, other than a student within the meaning of Title 8, § 1101 (A) (15) of the United States Code”, it does not clearly articulate who these “specific individuals” are. In the most, simplest terms; the most basic definition, they are “illegal aliens”.
Continue reading Del. Jennings: In-State Tuition for Illegal Immigration and the Harm It Creates to Maryland

Ekey: Elected School Board Needed To Take Away Superintendant Haas’ “Rubber-Stamp”

March 2, 2008

The Honorable Sheila Hixson
and Members of the House Ways and Means Committee

The State House
Annapolis, Maryland

Dear Delegate Hixson and Members of the Ways and Means Committee:

I am writing in support of HB 779 which would provide for an elected Board of Education in Harford County. I retired from the Harford County Public School system in December 2006 after more than 33 years as a teacher and administrator. I have served as the principal of Bel Air High School, the principal of C. Milton Wright High School, and as the Director of Secondary Education. I am the immediate past president of the Maryland Association of Secondary School Principals. I continue to pay close attention to the operation of the public schools in Harford County and to public education in Maryland.

For the past two decades I have observed and worked with the various people who have been appointed to the Board of Education of Harford County. They have been almost unfailingly dedicated, sincere, hard-working individuals. They have given much time and energy to their responsibilities as Board members.
Continue reading Ekey: Elected School Board Needed To Take Away Superintendant Haas’ “Rubber-Stamp”

Support of an Elected School Board: A Letter to Mary-Dulany James

Dear Delegate James,

I am writing to express my disappointment in your sponsorship of HB 806. HB 806 would create an oligarchy to control Harford County’s voice in the appointment of our school board members. I believe that this bill is directly in opposition to what is best for good government, positive education decision-making, and the people of Harford County.

The greatest accomplishment this bill could achieve is the creation of additional bureaucracy. Your bill would give the power to special interest groups, chosen by a means unknown to the public, to choose dues-paying members of their clubs to sit on a government-created “commission.” The commission would then make, using the criteria it creates, a list of the individuals the collection of special-interest representatives believes should serve on the school board.

Continue reading Support of an Elected School Board: A Letter to Mary-Dulany James