Both Maryland’s new Governor and the voters of Maryland have great expectations of this year’s general assembly. Will the Hogan administration and the heavily Democratic legislature be able to get along and work for those things that all Marylanders wish to accomplish? Can divided government work in the “Old Line State”?
These questions are on the minds of Maryland voters who obviously voted for change, fiscal restraint and reduced regulations during the 2014 gubernatorial campaign. These voters still have great expectations as the General Assembly is now gearing up for serious debates and votes on many important issues. The may be well over three thousand bills introduced in the 2015 General Assembly.
Larry Hogan, the new Republican Governor, has made it clear for the initial campaign day to inauguration day, that taxes must be cut, state expenses brought under control, and an improved business atmosphere developed. Considering the legacy of the O’Malley administration, these large tasks to undertake. From the Eastern Shore, through Baltimore City, central Maryland and western Maryland, there are vital issues to be decided by this year’s legislature.
The Eastern Shore is seriously concerned about the chicken manure issue. Many Marylanders are not happy with the “rain Tax” Baltimore City has concerns about continued funding for education and transportation. In western Maryland, the fracking issue has economic implications for that part of the state. Most all of the major issues in Annapolis have an economic impact and an already fiscally challenged state. As on the national level, Republicans will have their work cut out for them work cut out for them in finding ways to instill fiscal discipline and at the same time create new, adequately paying jobs.
It appears increasingly obvious that the issue of terrorism and the attacks on Islamic terrorists are certainly on citizen’s minds and may, shortly, replace and economics as the foremost concern of Americans. We have seen this recently with the hacking of TV station WBOC, in Salisbury. Islamic terrorists messages were left. It appears the computer systems of Maryland state agencies have also been compromised. Many components of private individual’s personal data, belonging to Maryland citizens are involved here. Perhaps the legislature, this year, will have to look at technology and cyberspace issues. Not a pleasant thought, but certainly pertinent. It appears that no area of the nation is exempt from the terrorism menace.
It appears that the initial recommendations made by Governor Hogan, in his initial budget, would make several structural changes, with lasting implications. This austerity budget addresses several of the primary campaign promises made by Governor Hogan, in his bid for the state’s highest office.
Of particular interest to the Eastern Shore is the $11 million reduction in the budget of the Maryland Agriculture and Resource Corporation. This agency assists farmers get financing to enter and remain in the agricultural business. This cut, acting as a cap for financing this entity would remain in effect until 2024. Using the concept of capping spending is a mechanism utilized by the new Governor throughout the presentation of next year’s budget that begins July 1st.
The constitution of the state of Maryland requires a balanced budget. Hogan’s approach to the budget is a different one than that of his predecessor. The type of budget Hogan is presenting with its capping recommendations and long range effects will certainly receive close examination by the General Assembly. Advocacy groups and lobbyists will again abound in Annapolis.
Great expectations, by the Governor, and the citizens of Maryland. Let the legislative games begin.
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