State of the State 2010
Earlier today, Governor O'Malley delivered the 2010 State of the State Address to the Maryland General Assembly.
The O'Malley Blog
Category » Annapolis
First look at our 2011 budget
Later today, I'll formally introduce our administration's fiscal year 2011 budget – but I wanted to share some important details about it with you before I do.
As with previous budgets, we kept two fundamental goals in mind when formulating this year's proposal.
First, we knew we had to maintain our commitment to fiscal responsibility, which has put Maryland in a position to emerge from the recession faster than most other states. By restoring fiscal responsibility, we are creating an environment to generate jobs and foster economic growth in our state. Our unemployment rate remains 25% lower than the national average, and we beat out all but two other states in job growth last year.
Balanced books have put us on the path back to economic recovery, and I'm proposing $1 billion in additional cuts today that are a tough – but critical – part of continuing to grow Maryland's economy.
Second, it's crucial that we continue to protect our core priorities amid these necessary cuts.
Despite the challenges our state has faced during this recession, we've managed to make important progress in job creation, public education, public safety, and environmental protection.
We can and must continue that progress. It's important for the quality of life of all Marylanders today, and for ensuring our state's prosperity in the years to come.
Our budget proposal will:
- Continue to invest in our public schools, which Education Week recently ranked the best in the nation for the second year running.
- Dedicate $20 million to the Job Creation and Recovery Tax Credit, encouraging businesses to hire Marylanders this year.
- Support more than 20,000 construction jobs over the next fiscal year through capital budget funding.
- Build on the progress we have made rebuilding our communities with the Sustainable Communities Tax Credit and support an additional 15,000 Maryland jobs.
- Double our investment in the 2010 Bay Trust Fund over fiscal year 2010 to continue restoring our Bay.
- Continue funding health care coverage for low-income children and adults. Since Lt. Gov. Brown and I took office, our administration has expanded health care coverage to include 200,000 more Marylanders.
To read more about our budget proposal, click here:
Thanks for the support
Two weeks ago, Governor O'Malley challenged his supporters to raise $500,000 to help the campaign take on the Republicans in 2010. Marylanders responded in force — beating that goal with more than 48 hours to spare.
"I'm simply overwhelmed by the support that has poured in from supporters across our great state these last two weeks," Governor O'Malley said. "...We can't afford to slacken the pace of the progress we made in the last few years."
Because of a Maryland law that prevents state officials from fundraising during the Legislative Session, the drive to raise $500,000 was meant to make sure the Governor's campaign would be in a strong position to compete with the Republicans when the Session ends in April.
We actually eclipsed the mark on Friday morning with a donation from a supporter in Chevy Chase. That supporter will receive a campaign sign that Governor O'Malley autographed for him this weekend.
Because of the generous support of our donors, Governor O'Malley will be in a much stronger position once the Legislative Session is over. Thank you!
Help us take on Ehrlich and the GOP
Robert Ehrlich claims he hasn't decided whether he'll run for governor this year. But, if he does run, he's made it clear to the Baltimore Sun that he expects to raise $10-12 million - even in a poor economy.
Governor O'Malley is asking supporters to help him raise $500,000 by January 10 to ensure that he can keep up with the Republican fundraising machine. The Governor wrote:
"Since their big wins in New Jersey and Virginia, the right wing is itching for Republicans to regain power &mdsash; and they're willing to do whatever they can to make it happen... With your help, Lt. Governor Brown and I will have the resources on hand next spring to come out swinging against the Republicans &mdsash; and continue the progress we've made for Maryland's families over the last three years."
As it is, the GOP has a significant advantage over Governor O'Malley and Lt. Governor Brown: Maryland law prevents any donations to a sitting governor's campaign during the legislative session - which runs until mid-April.
During those three months, Ehrlich and the Republicans will be able to raise money from right-wingers across the country, while Governor O'Malley is fighting to create jobs and protect Maryland's schools.
We can't afford to give Robert Ehrlich and the GOP a three-month head start. Please make a donation today.
A question about a certain radio talk show host
Watch this clip from our town hall meeting as Governor O'Malley responds to Steve in Annapolis, who submitted this question: "A certain radio talk show host keeps claiming he scrimped and saved and left the state in great fiscal shape with a $1 billion surplus, and he blames you for the present budget gap. What's up with that?"
Election day
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.
The governor had this to say about Josh Cohen:
"...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"
And he praised Jason Judd:
"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.
Gov. O’Malley endorses Josh Cohen for mayor of Annapolis
The next year will determine whether we'll be able to build on the progress we've made to improve our schools, protect our environment, and strengthen our economy -- or move backwards. Here's the first step to ensuring continued progress here in Annapolis: 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.
I'll be working hard over the next two weeks to make sure Josh is elected, and I hope you can join me.
Volunteer now to help Josh's campaign by knocking on doors, making phone calls or contacting your friends who live in Annapolis:
http://www.martinomalley.com/VolunteerForCohen
Every hour you can contribute will make a difference, but if you can't donate your time, consider making a financial contribution to support Josh's campaign here:
http://www.martinomalley.com/SupportCohen
I'm confident Josh is the right choice to be the next mayor of Annapolis. I hope you'll join me in supporting his campaign to keep Annapolis moving forward.
Maryland teachers vote for early endorsement of Governor O’Malley
Governor Martin O'Malley received an overwhelming endorsement from the Maryland State Education Association earlier today. In their statement, MSEA said:
Citing his commitment to keeping Maryland's schools first in the nation with record funding, the 71,000-member Maryland State Education Association (formerly the Maryland State Teachers Association) today voted overwhelmingly to endorse Martin O'Malley for re-election as governor at its annual meeting. MSEA's Endorsement Council, comprised of state association leaders, local association presidents and other leaders of its 40 local affiliates, had unanimously recommended early endorsement to the more than 700 delegates from across the state.
"Over the past three years, we have been very fortunate to have a governor who has made a huge investment in Maryland's public school children, despite the tough economic climate," said MSEA President Clara Floyd. "He has listened carefully to educators' views on what we need to create great public schools for every child in our state, and he has shown tremendous leadership in backing his words with actions."
O'Malley's accomplishments so far in the area of education include: historic funding of school construction and renovation totaling over $1 billion; investment of over $5.5 billion in preK-12 education, including funding the Geographic Cost of Education Index (GCEI) for the first time; and implementation of the TELL Maryland survey, an instrument for teachers and other educators to express their views about the opportunities and challenges in their schools.
This past year alone, Maryland's public schools were ranked number one in the country for the first time by Education Week, Newsweek, and the College Board. "The governor, with his unflagging commitment to Maryland's schoolchildren, certainly played a major role in this accomplishment," added Floyd. "He is helping us get closer to our goal of teaching all students 21st century skills for a 21st century global economy."
What matters to you?
Wednesday we asked Marylanders like you to fill out the Annual Maryland Issues Survey - and the response has been overwhelming.
Hundreds of concerned citizens have told us which issues matter most to them in these difficult times.
Gov. O'Malley and Lt. Gov. Brown want your help to preserve the progress Maryland has made in the last couple years.
If you haven't already completed yours yet, please do so today so we can continue moving Maryland forward!
We work for you. Help us do it better.
In the coming months, Maryland is set to make some major decisions – and Governor O’Malley and Lt. Governor Brown want your input.
Do you have strong opinions on the future of the Maryland? What should our priorities as a state be? How can the government do better by you?
Please take a moment to take the Annual Maryland Issues Survey and help us make Maryland the best state in the nation.
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.
