After the historic Special Session last year, expectations for the 2008 Legislative Session were rather modest. This session will be most remembered for its failure to put the brakes on excessive growth in government spending, to stop illegal immigration, and to protect traditional marriage and for its success in advancing environmental protections, repealing the computer services tax, and enhancing public safety.
The Budget: Despite the loud and frequent claims by elected officials regarding “budget cuts,” the fact of the matter is that the final $31.2 billion 2009 Total Operating Budget contemplates increased spending of $1.38 billion, or 4.6%, over the 2008 baseline budget. This budget is built on the $1.3 billion of new taxes enacted during the Special Session. Maryland is now the 6th most-taxed State in the U.S.
Illegal Immigration: Once again, the Legislature failed to enact common-sense laws that would have required proof of legal presence in the US to access State services (such as welfare and driver’s licenses).
Same-Sex Marriage: The Marriage Protection Act, which would have defined marriage in the State’s Constitution as between a man and woman, died in committee. Alternatively, supporters of same-sex marriage were equally unsuccessful in bringing to a vote their bill to legalize gay marriage in Maryland.
Public Safety: The Legislature approved a watered-down bill to require the taking of DNA samples from violent criminals at the time of arrest.
Environment: New laws were passed to reduce statewide energy consumption by 15% and to increase the amount of energy to be sourced from non-fossil-fuel sources, such as wind and solar, to 20%. It is imperative that we reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and the Middle Eastern autocrats who control world oil markets.
Overall, it was a relatively quiet Session of the General Assembly. I stood by my commitment to be a consistent voice for limited government and maximum personal responsibility; traditional American values of respect for life, marriage and Second Amendment rights; protection for the environment; and stopping illegal immigration. I believe it is a privilege to serve in the Maryland General Assembly and feel honored and humbled every day to be there. Thank you for your support.
With best regards,
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