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Showing posts with label Md Gen Assembly 2011 428. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Md Gen Assembly 2011 428. Show all posts

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Sen. Joe Getty, District 5 Carroll and Baltimore Counties: The Petition against in-state tuition for illegal immigrants to Stop a Nightmare

County legislators press petition against in-state tuition for illegal immigrants - Local lawmakers vocal in opposition to law

Through the Years 05-05-11

The Petition to Stop a Nightmare

By Sen. Joe Getty, District 5

Reprinted by permission from Sen. Joe Getty, District 5.  This previously appeared in Facebook & was published in the Northern News on May 5, 2011

State Del. Pat McDonough, of Baltimore County, honorary chairman of the ... Joe Getty, District 5, used his Facebook page to urge voters to sign the ...  http://www.explorecarroll.com/news/5429/county-legislators-press-petition-against-in-state-tuition-law/


A petition drive is underway to require a ballot referendum for the recently-passed bill (Senate Bill 167) allowing illegal immigrants to qualify for reduced tuition rates at Maryland’s public universities.

Under the state constitution, citizens may take bills passed by the General Assembly to referendum under a petition process that requires gathering over 55,000 signatures from registered voters throughout the state. If the petition process is successful, the bill does not take effect unless it is approved by voters in the 2012 election.

Over the course of recent elections, petition drives to take bills to referendum are rarely successful. The threshold for certifying the petitions is just too high.

First, the time-frame for gathering signatures is too short. One-third of the signatures must be collected by May 31. The remainder must be turned in to the State Board of Elections by the end of June.

In addition, the technical requirements to certify the signatures are difficult. The names must be registered voters who sign on “approved” petition sheets separated in a county-by-county basis. The printed name and signature of the registered voter must strictly match (full middle name or middle initial, etc.) the name under which they registered to vote.

The strict validation process means that many of the signatures will be rejected. Combined with the high number of signatures required and the short time frame for collecting, organizers of the petition drive face a tough challenge.

If you wish to support this effort, the easiest way is to use the automated form at the website http://mdpetitions.com. After you fill in the information, you need to print out the petition, sign it and mail it to Del. Neil C. Parrott (one of the lead organizers of the petition drive).

The members of the Carroll County legislative delegation are also involved in the distribution and collection of these petitions.

As a member of the State Senate, I voted against Senate Bill 167. Part of my opposition to the bill was based upon my experience in working with local residents when I served in the House of Delegates, 1995 - 2003.

As a delegate, I was surprised at how frequently I heard from parents of students about the difficulty in achieving admission to a state college or university. During the senate floor debate on March 14, I explained my opposition to the bill based upon the rationale that illegal immigrants will take away the limited in-state admission slots.

Our state rations higher education in Maryland. There are only a certain number of spots available at each institution. For many campuses, there is a stiff competition for admission of incoming freshman.

With only a certain number of admission slots available, I would frequently receive a phone call from constituents questioning why their child was rejected from admission to a specific state college or university. The student typically had an outstanding academic record in local public schools. The student also displayed leadership qualities in varsity sports, student government and other organizations.

They may have been the first student from their family attempting to go to college. Moreover, the family had paid taxes their entire life to support the Maryland college and university system. Regardless, with a limited number of incoming slots, sometimes the best local students just don’t make the cut to their top choice in higher education.

This realization is particularly hard to fathom for long-time Maryland residents. When my grandfather from New Windsor served on the board of trustees at College Park, the school was known as the Maryland Agricultural College and catered to “ag students.”

When my father was applying to colleges, all that was needed was a high school diploma and you were accepted to University of Maryland College Park. For my generation of high school graduates, you only needed a “C average” in order to be accepted at College Park and it typically was your “backup” plan if you were not accepted to your first choices.

Thus, it is ironic for today’s students that our families have paid taxes to make Maryland’s university system one of the top-ranked in the nation while at the same time making it harder for their own children and other local students to gain admission.

The in-state tuition bill is known as the “Dream Act” for illegal immigrants based upon a similar bill in the U.S. Congress. As I explained to my senate colleagues during the floor debate, my constituents in Baltimore and Carroll counties have dreams too. 

In this economic recession, many families are struggling financially while still trying to provide a college education for their children. They might desire go to a private school, in-state or out of state, but with the state of the current economy, the University of Maryland system is their best prospect financially.

Providing scarce admission slots to illegal immigrants is just not fair to the families of long-time law-abiding and tax-paying citizens of this state. Although amendments were added to the bill that would supposedly prevent the loss of in-state slots to illegal immigrants, many are skeptical that such slots can be preserved under the university’s budgetary constraints.

A similar bill for in-state tuition for illegal immigrants was passed eight years ago by the Maryland General Assembly. Immediately after the 2003 legislative session, it was vetoed by Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.

As policy director in Ehrlich’s office, I coordinated the writing of the veto message for that bill. In addition to the fact that in-state slots would be taken from legal Maryland residents, we offered several other policy reasons for the governor’s veto.

Foremost, was the conflict that existed with federal law. Granting in-state status to illegal immigrants is a direct violation of the federal Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996.

Ehrlich also raised concerns about the potentially large fiscal cost to the state. The fiscal note to the bill passed this year stated that there is no way to calculate the number of illegal immigrants that might qualify but estimated that the costs could reach more than $3.5 million a year by 2016.

The identical policy issues outlined in the 2003 veto letter exist today. Legal Maryland taxpayers could find their own children excluded from their higher education institution of choice while at the same time being required to foot the bill for tuition reductions (expected to cost millions of dollars) for illegal immigrants.

Whose dream is that?


Sen. Joe Getty, District 5 Carroll and Baltimore Counties: The Petition against in-state tuition for illegal immigrants to Stop a Nightmare
http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2011/05/sen-joe-getty-district-5-carroll-and.html



Sen. Joe Getty, District 5: The Petition against in-state tuition for illegal immigrants to Stop a Nightmare

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Saturday, April 16, 2011

Annapolis Week - Reporter's Roundup


From: OnTheHillMedia | Apr 13, 2011


Len Lazarick (MarylandReporter.com), Kenny Burns (WNAV), John Wagner (Washington Post), and Lou Davis (Maryland Public Television) discuss what was accomplished in the 90 day General Assembly and what could happen in the upcoming special session. Filmed by Fosie Weston of On The Hill Media



Great review of the past session of the Maryland General Assembly: John Wagner Kenny Burns Lou Davis Len Lazarick Annapolis Week - Maryland Reporter's Roundup http://t.co/NYNqold via @youtube



Sunday, March 13, 2011

How black delegates put the kibosh on same-sex marriage in Maryland by Hassan Giordano

How black delegates put the kibosh on same-sex marriage in Maryland by Hassan Giordano
Prince George's and Baltimore County, along with Baltimore City delegates, stand with others in opposition of the Democratic leadership.  http://www.examiner.com/independent-in-baltimore/how-black-delegates-put-the-kibosh-on-same-sex-marriage-maryland
After close to 2½ months of pushing for a measure that seemingly divided most legislators based solely on religious principle and beliefs, it took only 2½ hours of debate, in the Maryland House of Delegates, to see that proponents of the bill did not have the 71-votes needed for passage. SB116, the Civil Rights Protection Act, which breezed through the Senate with little debate and even less opposition from African American senators, met a far different fate in the chambers right across the hall.
Being led by the vocal leadership of Baltimore County Delegate Emmett Burns (D-10) - as Republican Delegate Don Dwyer, the self-proclaimed face of the opposition, sat back relishing in the moment - black lawmakers showed their strength in the legislature, joined by a united GOP front. The bill, which saw earlier oppositional push-back from co-sponsors Jill P. Carter of Baltimore City and Tiffany Alston of PG County, had many in the House debating the merits of the legislation, while questioning the support of gay marriage amongst their African American constituency.
Standing up on the floor to deliver an impassioned, and lengthy, speech denouncing those who attribute same sex marriage as that of the new age civil rights struggle.
Continue reading on Examiner.com: How black delegates put the kibosh on same-sex marriage in Maryland - Baltimore Independent | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/independent-in-baltimore/how-black-delegates-put-the-kibosh-on-same-sex-marriage-maryland#ixzz1GXOTO8BR
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Monday, February 28, 2011

Monday's top stories on MarylandReporter.com

Maryland Reporter logo
Monday, February 28, 20118, 2011

Video: Interview about same-sex marriage with Del. Heather Mizeur

Maryland Reporter sits down with Delegate Heather Mizeur to discuss the progression of the gay marriage bill and what is next for the bill.

O’Malley criticizes Wisconsin Gov. Walker and spars with Texas Gov. Perry

Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) called Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s efforts to eradicate union employees’ bargaining rights a “drama” and a “circus” during a panel discussion hosted by Politico Friday. O’Malley said he learned as mayor of Baltimore: “When you’re facing tough challenges, when you have to overcome things like the imbalances in the pension system, I think it best when you bring people together to do that, and I think when you try to vilify or make one side of the equation the enemy I think you’re asking for trouble.

Blog: Benson tries to make up for missed vote

All 47 senators were present during the debate on same-sex marriage in the Senate Thursday night, but when the vote was called, one senator — Sen. Joanne Benson — was not in the chamber to cast her vote against it. At Friday morning’s legislative session, Benson attempted to rectify that.

Today's roundup of news on state government and politics since Friday

Opponents to same-sex marriage are finally organizing: some predict a successful referendum to repeal it if it should pass the House; advocates are hopeful it will pass; Gov. O’Malley vs. Gov. Christie in a dustup over political philosophy that gets national attention; O’Malley talks cybersecurity at governors’ conference; septic ban bill likely to move forward; hearing on legalizing marijuana this afternoon; Kamenetz seeks to raise licensing fees in Baltimore County; and the first and only African American mayor of Annapolis dies.


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Friday, February 18, 2011

Stop the Gas Tax

Stop the Gas Tax  February 16, 2011 www.stopthegastax.com

Dear Supporter, 

I wanted to give you a sneak peak of the Maryland Republican Party’s new website (www.stopthegastax.com) aimed stopping new Gas Tax increases in their tracks.  The website will officially launch later today but I wanted to give our loyal supporters the first look at the new site.

For years Democrats have raided the Maryland Transportation Fund to pay for increases in government spending and to paper over historic budget deficits – by nearly a quarter billion dollars in the last year alone.  Now, they plan to ram through a variety of potential new taxes on the already record gasoline prices to pass the costs of their fiscal irresponsibility on to you.

Everything from taking your kids to school, commuting to work to running a business is about to get more expensive and we just can’t afford it. Use www.stopthegastax.com to let the politicians in Annapolis know that it’s time to trim their budget before they start taxing us at the gas pump.

Here are a few quick and simple ways you can let Annapolis know you won’t stand for new taxes at the pump:

Contact your state Senator or Delegate.
Sign the Stop the Gas Tax Petition.
Join the Stop the MD Gas Tax on Facebook for the latest news and updates.

Visit www.stopthegastax.com to get started.

Sincerely,

Alex X. Mooney
Chairman, Maryland Republican Party

20110216 Mooney Stop the Gas Tax

Md Gen Assembly 2011 428 Gas Tx


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Monday, February 14, 2011

News from Howard County Delegate Warren Miller and the Maryland House of Delegates


Mast Head
News from the Maryland House of Delegates
Delegate Warren Miller's opinions on Legislation
February 14, 2011
 

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Join Our Mailing List
Dear Constituent,

Happy Valentine's Day! At this point there have been 1153 bills introduced in the Maryland House of Delegates.  That is far more than I expected and our workload will be heavier due to the large number of bills. 

I have included information below regarding the upcoming Howard County Delegation public hearing, you are welcome to come and testify in favor of, or opposition to any bill in the general assembly.

Please do not hesitate to contact my legislative office if I can be of assistance, either via e-mail atwarren.miller@house.state.md.us or phone (410) 841-3582.  I always appreciate knowing the views of my constituents on any pending legislation.

Thank You, 
Warren

Employee Fairness Act

James Carville, Bill Clinton's political adviser back in 1996, likes to tell the story of how he made sure Clinton's campaign for reelection remained focused was by slapping a sign on the wall of his office, for all to see, that said "It's the economy, stupid!" Clearly I'm not a fan of Carville's, and am even a lesser fan of Clinton's, but they at least had that one thought right; that America is at its best when employers are hiring and people are working and government should constructively do everything possible to make that situation a reality.  

In fact, HB 87, the Job Applicant Fairness Act, is another in a long line of Orwellian sounding steps toward employer/employee satisfaction, when in fact it's merely another regulation that will continue to roadblock ending or reducing unemployment.  It's a directive our employers could do without in these trying times.

If passed, this bill would prohibit most employers from using an applicant's or employee's credit report or credit history in determining whether to hire them or not.  In addition, HB 87 allows workers to bring civil actions against their employers if they think their termination was brought about by their poor credit report or other debt.  At first glance, that all sounds well and good for the employee. 

But what about what's good for the employer?  Only people who have never worked in the private sector or operated their own business, like some members in the General Assembly, would think that introducing doubt and uncertainty into the hiring process would get more people jobs, resulting in lower unemployment.  Why would a business hire a worker they don't know?  Why would a business hire a worker they are then unable to terminate without the threat of being sued?  Why would an employer allow someone with an unknown past handle money or sensitive information?

In addition to the lost wages and reduced tax revenue resulting from this recession, last year alone Maryland paid out almost $1 billion in unemployment compensation benefits to people without jobs.  And with new federal legislation requiring unemployment benefits to be paid for 99 weeks or more, you can assume this year's unemployment compensation payout statewide will be even higher than $1 billion. 

You'd expect Maryland's state legislature to make it as easy, and as encouraging, as possible for businesses to bring as many new workers online. But those expectations would be misplaced.

Instead, the consequences of HB 87 and other misguided "feel good" regulations, coupled with Maryland's high business and income tax rates, including a complete lack of employer incentives, as well as high unemployment insurance premiums, is continued joblessness and loss of prosperity.  This bill is a prime example of why Maryland employers are leaving and companies like Northrup Grumman continue to locate in neighboring states like Virginia.

Make your voice heard! 
On Wednesday, February 23rd at 7:00pm, the Howard County Delegation to the Maryland General Assembly will be listening to the views of Howard County Citizens on pending statewide legislation. The hearing will be held at the George Howard County Office Building in Ellicott City.  Please consider participating and letting us know how you feel on important issues.
As always I appreciate the opportunity to represent you and your families in Annapolis!

Sincerely,
Warren
Warren Miller
Friends of Warren Miller

News from Howard County Delegate Warren Miller and the Maryland House of Delegates February 14, 2011
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Friday, February 04, 2011

News from Carroll County Delegate Nancy Stocksdale and the Maryland General Assembly



Dear Carroll County Voter,

The session has been moving slowly so far because we have not had bills to vote on as yet. However, our committees have been meeting and have had briefings on the budgets of many state agencies.

The highlight of today was the State of the State speech by Governor O'Malley. All of the Senators came into the House Chamber to hear the speech, and many elected officials from around the state were in attendance, including Congressman Roscoe Bartlett. 

The governor's budget proposal reduces the expected budget deficit by 400 million dollars, from 1.6 billion to 1.2 billion. The Governor's budget is also 2 billion dollars higher than last year's, increasing from 32 billion to 34 billion.

The governor's budget proposal includes a $750 bonus for state employees and provides them an additional 5 days of paid leave, which will cost the tax payers millions of dollars. Although it is good that the Govenor does not plan to furlough the state employees as he had done many times before, it is possible that furloughs or layoffs would result from the strain on the budget in the coming years.

Although the governor has said that he will not increase taxes, his plan includes increases in hospital and nursing home costs. For example, the Carroll Hospital Center has told me that their assessment for this year is 11.1 million dollars and next year the assessment will be 18 million dollars. This will make our hospital costs increase, which will cost insurance companies more and we will then have to pay higher health insurance rates. This is just one example of where the governor will increase costs to the citizens without "raising taxes".

His plan will increase other fees that will affect small businesses, including an increase in worker's compensation insurance premiums when they are already very high. The governor emphasized job creation as a priority, but I feel that the only way to encourage business growth is through easing excessive regulations and reducing Maryland's oppressive tax burden.

In his State of the State address, the governor stated that we need to support an expansion of wind energy. This is a good goal, but wind energy should not be mutually exclusive to other sources of energy. He did not mention the creaion of a new nuclear power plant at Calvert Cliffs, which would also bring in jobs and clean power in a real and proven way.

  
Thanks,
Nancy Stocksdale


Important Upcoming Events

February 10 - Public hearing for bill to permit deer hunting on 2 Sundays a year. The meeting will be held 7Pm Carroll County Office Building, Room 3.

February 17 - Committee hearing for House Bill 284. The bill would reduce interests rates on a renter's security deposits from 3% to 1%.

 News from Carroll County Delegate Nancy Stocksdale and the Maryland General Assembly
February 3, 2011



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Friday, January 28, 2011

Maryland Senate Salutes Senator J.B. Jennings


MD Senate GOP Header2011
Maryland Senate Salutes Senator J.B. Jennings
Dear Kevin,


On Thursday, the Maryland Senate paid tribute to its members who have served in the military. Senators also conducted a ceremony to remember Maryland's Fallen Heroes from 2010. 

At the end of the ceremony, a warm and lengthy standing ovation was given to Senator J.B. Jennings who currently serves in the Maryland Air National Guard and was recently called up for a training mission.

"As a caucus, we're proud and thankful that Sen. Jennings has chosen to help defend our country," said Senate Republican Leader Nancy Jacobs, R-Harford-Cecil.  "It may be inconvenient timing, but just like thousands of others he has answered the call to protect our nation during our fight in the global war on terror."

As an airman first class, Sen. Jennings has been called to duty for a federal training mission at Robbins Air Force Base in Georgia.  As a master load specialist, he will be trained on the new C27 Spartan cargo plane.  This deployment will begin on Jan. 30 and conclude on April 30.

"We will miss the calm and thoughtful approach of Sen. Jennings on the Senate Floor.  We appreciate and commend our fellow senator's pledge to serve our country," commented Senate Minority Whip EJ Pipkin, R-Upper Shore.

As the 2011 session progresses, Sen. Jennings is expected to adjust his training schedule to return to the State House for key votes.

The Senate Republican Caucus offers its sincerest best wishes to J.B. for a safe and successful deployment.

Senator J. B. Jennings
Serving His Country 
Senator J.B. Jennings has been called up in his role as airman first class with the Maryland Air National Guard for a training mission prior to deployment next year.

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Thursday, January 20, 2011

Smigiel’s Regulated Firearms Reciprocity Bill Introduced Again

Delegate Mike Smigiel Press Release

Contact: Andi Morony                                                                                   January 20, 2010
            410-490-2734

For Immediate Release
Smigiel’s Regulated Firearms Reciprocity Bill Introduced Again

Delegate Mike Smigiel has re-filed  a reciprocity bill for concealed carry permits from contiguous states. “In reflecting on the recent tragedy in Tuscon it is important to realize that one of the men who helped to disarm the gunman possesses a concealed carry permit. Joe Zamudio helped to restrain the gunman while others took his gun and ammunition. Mr. Zamudio was carrying a concealed weapon at the time he ran towards the gunman and you have to ask yourself, would he have felt as comfortable helping to restrain the gunman if he was not armed himself?”

HB 9 would allow for citizens from Delaware, Virginia, Pennsylvania and West Virginia to travel to Maryland and contribute to the economy with the freedom to carry the the weapons they were issued permits for in their home state. Neighboring states currently recognize firearm and concealed carry permits from other states. Delegate Smigiel has received numerous letters and testimony in support of the reciprocity law from Maryland citizens as well as citizens from neighboring states. “Maryland recognizes out of state driver’s licenses and even though Maryland does not issue marriage licenses to same sex couples, the Attorney General has opined that Maryland would have to recognize same sex marriages performed in other states. So if we recognize out of state drivers licenses and may have to recognize same sex marriage licenses from other states, then why wouldn’t we recognize a license to carry a concealed weapon or firearm from another state as well?” asked Delegate Smigiel.

Delegate Smigiel is very optimistic about  House Bill 9 this session, “HB 52 was a victory in that it was the first time a pro concealed carry bill was able to get out of the Committee Chairman’s drawer for a vote even though it eventually lost in an 11-10 vote in the Judiciary committee. I was proud of the widespread support which this legislation gained last year and expect HB 9 will continue to gain momentum during this session,”said Delegate Smigiel.

One of the first hearings in Judiciary Committee this session will be on HB 9 which is scheduled to be heard on January 25th at 1PM. Citizens can now watch the hearings online at: http://mlis.state.md.us/2011RS/hearsch/committee-hearings-index.htm. “The opportunity for citizens to be able to get involved in watching legislative hearings provides a level of transparency that I am excited to see,” says Delegate Smigiel.
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