Today, Governor O'Malley announced a public-private partnership with Ports America that will bring 5,700 new jobs to the state of Maryland.
This public-private partnership is about three things: jobs, jobs, and more jobs," said Governor O'Malley. "These challenging economic times call for new ways of doing business."
3,000 of the jobs will be in construction - both improving the highway and the port - and the other 2,700 jobs will handle the increased container business. Because of the nature of the jobs, this project will net more jobs per $1 million spent than the jobs that are created by economic stimulus funds.
In addition to new jobs, the partnership will net Maryland $1.3 billion over the next fifty years.
The agreement leases control of the Port of Baltimore to Ports America for fifty years. As part of the agreement, the company will build a new fifty-foot berth and make other improvements to the port.
As the Panama Canal is being expanded, more large ships will be porting on the East Coast of the United States. With the capacity to handle larger ships, Baltimore will become one of the primary destinations for the increased traffic - bringing even more revenue to the state.
Yesterday, Governor O'Malley sent an email to his supporters in Maryland explaining his plan to close a hole in the state budget:
Yesterday, I announced our administration's plan for closing a $363 million hole in our state budget.
These decisions are the result of our making some very difficult choices. But yesterday's actions are a necessary part of our ongoing work to keep Maryland fiscally responsible and prepare us to recover from the global economic recession as quickly as possible.
Despite the many cuts we've had to make — and with a state general fund that is smaller today than it was four years ago — we have still managed to protect our core priorities: public education, public safety and job creation. And our tough fiscal policy has allowed Maryland to maintain its Triple A Bond rating — making us one of only seven states to still hold that distinction.
To learn more about yesterday's budget cuts, click here:
None of this is easy, but I hope all of us can take heart that the sacrifices we make today will ensure we're better off tomorrow. Our state will come out of the recession stronger and more quickly than other states because of the steps we've taken together to be fiscally responsible.
Thanks so much for everything you're doing to see Maryland through these tough times, as well as for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Gov. Martin O'Malley
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On the eve of the one-year anniversary of the Partnership to End Hunger in Maryland, Governor Martin O'Malley renewed his commitment to the project by declaring this week- November 16 through 20 - "Maryland Hunger Awareness Week."
Governor O'Malley made the announcement at a lunch with children at Annapolis Child Care on Friday.
"Especially during these tough times, together, we must ensure that no child goes without the basic nourishment needed to thrive. Ending childhood hunger is an issue which transcends politics," the Governor said. "It's an issue that speaks to who we are as a people, to what kind of society we choose to be in the tough times when our shared efforts matter most, to what kind of society we choose to leave for future generations. When a child goes hungry anywhere in Maryland - it impacts us all. It's all connected."
Governor O'Malley launched the Partnership to End Hunger in Maryland last year with nonprofit organization Share our Strength.
Funding and participation in school lunch, summer meals and food supplement programs has increased substantially since the public-private partnership was founded.
Governor O'Malley will participate in two events today to honor America's veterans.
In the morning, Governor O'Malley will join the Maryland National Guard Family Readiness Program and the Military Child Education Coalition in Timonium to kick off a training session for educators aimed at helping them identify problems with children whose parents or siblings are deployed members of the National Guard or Reserves.
The Governor, First Lady Katie O'Malley, Dr. Nancy Gasmick, and Brigadier General Adkins will then team up with Blue Star Families to participate in Operation Appreciation at Dumbarton Middle School in Towson, where they will showcase letters written by eighth graders to service members' parents, spouses, children, and to veterans.
Tomorrow - Tuesday November 3 - is Election Day for 11 Maryland municipalities, including Aberdeen, Annapolis, Chestertown, College Park, Denton, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Greenbelt, Rockville, and Takoma Park.
If you live in one of those communities, don't forget to vote!
Two of the most important races culminating tomorrow are for mayor of Annapolis, where Governor O'Malley has endorsed Josh Cohen, and Frederick, where he has endorsed Jason Judd for mayor.
"...We need to elect Democrat Josh Cohen as mayor next Tuesday, November 3rd.
Born and raised in Annapolis, Josh is currently a member of the Anne Arundel County Council and has an exemplary record on the issues you and I care about most. He's leading the way on important land use issues, protecting funding for our schools and cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay"
"Jason's got the vision, ability, and background to see Frederick through these tough economic times - and make sure the city's always moving forward... Throughout his career, he's worked on behalf of ordinary families on issues like fair taxes, affordable health care, and accountability to consumers for our biggest banks....
He's also got the long-term vision that'll help Frederick make the right decisions in these tough times.
I hope you'll join me in supporting Jason's campaign. He's the leader Frederick needs now."
If you don't know where you should vote, visit the Maryland Elections Center website for their polling place locator.
Governing magazine has named Gov. O'Malley its 2009 governor of the year.
The magazine singled out Gov. O'Malley for "bringing no-nonsense, statistics-based performance measurement to his state, producing a better-informed, better-managed government."
Governing pointed out that as states throughout the country are struggling through difficult economic circumstances - Gov. O'Malley is helping to prove that "strong, smart leadership is possible in the most difficult of circumstances."
Governor O'Malley was praised for his use of programs like StateStat and BayStat, which ensure that taxpayers' dollars are put to the best use.
Will you show your support for Governor O'Malley by making a donation now? He needs our support so that he can continue to put his unique vision to work for Maryland in the years to come.
Governor O'Malley and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger spoke to reporters outside the White House Friday about the impact the federal stimulus funding has had on the state of Maryland. The Governors had just left a meeting with Vice President Biden. Watch the video of their remarks below:
The effects of the nation's economic hardship are hitting Maryland hard. We're fighting every day to protect Maryland’s families during these tough economic times. We’re also working every day to make sure that government and its programs work for people.
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Congrats to the Maryland Terps and the Morgan State Bears for making it into the tournament. Bring on March Madness!
10 hours, 4 minutes ago from GovernorOMalley
Great win Morgan State Bears! Next stop - March Madness
1 day, 9 hours, 38 minutes ago from GovernorOMalley
In Silver Spring visiting with Riderwood residents.
1 day, 11 hours, 24 minutes ago from GovernorOMalley
Ribbon cutting at the Germantown Boys and Girls Club.
1 day, 15 hours, 8 minutes ago from GovernorOMalley
The effects of the nation's economic hardship are hitting Maryland hard. We're fighting every day to protect Maryland’s families during these tough economic times. We’re also working every day to make sure that government and its programs work for people.
