• The State Budget
• Education Funding 
• Transportation Funding 
• The Environment
• Healthcare
• Public Safety

Each year the goal of the Appropriations Committee is to produce a balanced budget that is both fiscally prudent and socially responsible.  We have, once again, accomplished our goal with the adoption of the FY '09 State budget. 

The Legislature enacted a $31.2 billion budget for fiscal '09.  Even though this is an increase of a modest 3.7% above fiscal '08, the budget is still $21.9 million below the 4.27% level recommended by the Spending Affordability Committee.  Medicaid, education aid and personnel expenses account for much of the increase.  The Budget estimates a closing general fund balance of $226.4 million and maintains reserves of $738.9 million, or 5%, of general fund revenues in the Rainy Day Fund.  (The 90 Day Report)

I supported and the Legislature passed a repeal of the sales tax on computer services that was enacted during the Special Session.  The passage of this tax repeal resulted in a three-year increase in the State income tax rate for net taxable income in excess of $1 million, transfers from the Transportation Trust Fund and $50 million of ongoing budget reductions. 

The Legislature has cut nearly $1.5 billion from the budget overall during the past two years.  Maryland 's progressive income tax structure results in no increase in the rate paid by 95% of taxpayers, and a tax cut for 72% of filers in the form of an increase standard exemption.  Maryland 's corporate income tax is among the lowest in the region. 

     Maryland           8.25%

     Pennsylvania     9.99%

Maryland 's fiscal responsibility continues to impress the bond markets.  Maryland is one of only seven states that maintains a AAA bond rating - saving the taxpayers millions of dollars a year in interest payments.  Maintaining the triple A bond rating is very important to the Governor, the Legislature, and particularly the Appropriations Committee. 

I sponsored Child Neglect/Endangerment legislation this year.  The bill would fill a gap in Maryland law between leaving a child unattended and over child abuse resulting in physical injury to a child.  Maryland is the only state that does not have a law addressing this issue.  The bill had widespread support including support from Frederick County State 's Attorney Charlie Smith who testified in support of the bill.  The bill passed the House but encountered last minute political maneuvering in the Senate.  I will re-introduce this legislation next year. 

To enhance law enforcement, the Legislature required the collection of DNA samples from offenders who are charged with a crime of violence (such as murder, rape, robbery, or aggravated assault) or felony murder.  The bill (SB 211) gives police officers and prosecutors the tools they need to solve crimes while protecting the privacy of citizens not charged with or convicted of a crime.  The bill requires that individuals be informed that they have the right to have their DNA sample expunged if the charges are dropped or they are acquitted and prohibits the use of a DNA sample for genetic comparisons, disclosure of DNA information to unauthorized individuals, and storage of DNA information not directly related to an arrestee's identity. 

Collecting DNA samples from offenders can prevent violent crimes.  Chicago 's Study on Preventable Crimes examined the criminal timeline of eight individuals and demonstrated that 60 violent crimes, including 53 murders and rapes, could have been prevented if DNA had been taken during the booking process of suspects charged with violent crime.  On the flip side, collecting DNA samples can also exonerate the innocent.  To that end, SB 211 also enhances access to post-conviction DNA testing, for those who demonstrate that such testing is likely to prove their innocence.