The Few Memories from the State of State

Owings Mill, MD- With more than a third of the Maryland Legislative session done, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley appeared before a joint session and delivered the State of the State. In attendance were the cabinet and congressional leaders. (I’ll have to check my sources, but I believe this was the first time Republican Congressman Roscoe Bartlett has every attended the event.)

The new democratic mantra seems to be “we must adapt to win.” The governor invoked President Obama’s message, “we must win the future.”

While it’s always difficult to measure a speech you know it’s not exactly going your way when you have to encourage people to clap especially when talking about Bowie State University. Parents And Colleges dot com ranked the school #1 for affordability.

There is always a laundry list of programs, activities, accomplishments and challenges. If there was any enthusiasm in the speech it came during the portion where he championed an idea to hold utilities accountable for falling to repair damaged power lines after snow storms. A bill is moving through the legislative process which would invoke fines and penalties for failing to restore power. The measure seems to be targeted at PEPCO who failed miserably during the most recent snow storm (According to some reports there are homes in the Washington Metro area that still don’t have power.) The blame was put on regulation.

Several positive points include O’Malley taking about how the state is poised to take advantage of its most promising industries, bio-medical, health, and cyber-security (being close to NSA and Washington helps).

The visionary stuff seemed centered on the Wind Turbines…especially those off Ocean City. I think we’re a little behind because Delaware is moving forward. I anticipate there will be litigation from the Sierra Club and Tourist groups.

Here are some of the more notable quotes from the guv – (with many apologies to Robert Erhlich).

“We must adapt to win.”

“87 cents of every general fund dollar we now spend allocated to public education, public health and public safety, there are no easy answers.”

(On the reliability of electric power)
“How long do you want to wait?”

“Everything has a cost…inaction had a huge cost.”


Republican Response

The Republicans were served well by Delegate Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio. I’ve been a fan of Delegate for a while. Her election as Minority Whip to me was a no brainier. Her public relations background should serve the caucus well. Unlike some of her predecessors who didn’t understand television she came off as sincere. FYI, delegate Haddaway-Riccio the hand gestures did seem to sell you sincerity.

Now let’s get to the message. If the Democrats mantra is to “win the future,” the GOP’s message is to “slow the growth of government.” It works well on a national level but remind yourself this is the state that elected a Democrat over a Republican for Governor. It was the only state to do so in a Republican landslide.

The other issue the Republicans want to hang their hat is the repeal of the Healthcare Law – and no I’m not going to call it Obamacare because that’s not what the law is called.

The big push is limiting the growth of government. I found it curious there was not mention of the combining of Department of Environment and the Department of Natural Resources. No credit for this…hmmm?

Here are some of the more quotable quotes.

“The message from the election, put the politics aside get the job done, reduce spending.”

“If we must be first in the Health Exchange process let it be private.”

“We must have an eye to limited government.”


You can click Republican Response to see the full speech.



Observations

I’m often underwhelmed by these events and this one lived up to the billing on both sides. These are now no more than political theater. For the state’s utilities I’m guessing your lobbyist will be working overtime to beat back the proposal to impose penalties. Once again utilities will be seen as bogeymen. Be happy there’s not a Southwest Airline ad being run that shows an executive who doesn't have a care in the world attitude.

The State of the State

(Annapolis) - Their are three events which are always a part of the Maryland legislative process. The State of the State is like a report card. If you're on twitter you can responses to the address which is airing live on Maryland Public Television.

Later the Lt. Governor Anthony Brown will respond to YouTube questions. The legislature has come a long way from having the address reported days later, but it is a sign of the times.

I'll address what was said and what the outcome will be.

Last but not least I want to welcome my good friend Tom Lou Bianco. He's reporting for Associated Press.

I Walk the Line

Annapolis- With many apologies to the late Johnnie Cash, the FY 2012 Budget toes a tight line with cuts to make the budget work.

According to the State these are the highlights:

• State budget is more than $34 Billion dollars.
• State tries to close $1.4 Billion shortfall.
• Uses reductions in workforce, makes state employees pay for benefits.
• Counties and cities will not get 100% of state property taxes, state will charge them for the operation of their assessment offices.


Who got lucky?

• The state schools remained at level funding.
• The Chesapeake Bay 2010 Trust will see a 25% increase.
• Community Colleges received an increase.

There weren’t many smiles and a lot of challenges.

The Roundtable with Bryan Sears

Annapolis - This week I'm joined by Bryan Sears who writes for Patch.com. We talk about the budget.



Check out Bryan's post http://towson.patch.com/columns/bryan-p-sears-insider-politics-2

If you're up on Sunday morning check out my appearance on Channel 11's TV Hill, 11:30 a.m.

New Minority Leader of Maryland

Annapolis - "There's a new sheriff of the "12 Apostles" or the "Dirty Dozen." Take your pick. Sen. Nancy Jobs was named the Minority leader and Sen. E.J. Piken was named the whip.

Observations from Maryland Inauguration

Annapolis, MD – The official swearing in ceremonies for the top two elected officials in the state came on one of the warmest days of the event that I have ever covered. Inaugurations are mandated by the constitution. They are conducted on the second Wednesday of January. There are actually two ceremonies. The Governor and the Lieutenant Governor are sworn in before a joint session of the legislature. Then the event is repeated outdoors before the public.

As protocol would have it, the Lieutenant Governor goes first and then the Governor. The ceremony is always conducted by the Chief Judge of the State of Maryland. For the last four governors it’s been Judge Robert Bell doing the swearing in. (I’m a big fan of the judge – first he’s one of the sharpest dressers I have ever met, and you know “he’s all that” because he cares “a man purse.” I ain’t mad at the judge.) Today he told he toned down his outfit. He was draped with a scarf that matched his bow tie. I thought his shoes were Bally’s (for sure Italian) and he wore a dark blue Berea. He looked like he just left the “Left Bank” in Paris, France.

Each of the speeches was a challenge to the audiences.





Things That Make You Go Hmmmm!!!

Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake was supposed to be the Mistress of Ceremonies, instead Speaker of the House Michael Busch filled in. Mayor Rawlings-Blake was attending the funeral of Baltimore Police Officer William H. Torbit, Jr., who was shot and killed outside a downtown nightclub. Also spotted in the crowd was Baltimore Councilman Carl Snowden who has announced he will try for third time to become Mayor of Baltimore.

The announcement of Senator Alan Kittleman stepping down as Minority Leader was a big buzz among legislators. Democrats praised his stance of same sex marriage. Republicans seem to accept his decision to take up the issue of civil unions. Senator E.J. Pipken summed up what most in the GOP were thinking, “We wanted to make sure it wasn’t a Republican position.” The likely successor will be Senator David Brinkley.

Joining the Marylanders at this event were Washington, DC Mayor Vincent Gray and Virginia Governor Robert McDonald.


Lastly, as I watched Lt. Governor Anthony Brown I noticed only his children were in attendance. Lieutenant Governor Brown has not hidden the fact his marriage has had “some challenges.” I’m guessing this confirms the Lieutenant Governor is now the state’s most eligible bachelor. Is there a potential shot he could become America’s next reality star?

Sen. Kittleman Steps Down

In what some observers called "news to me" Senator Alan Kittleman says he will step down as Republican Minority leader in the Maryland Senate. The decision comes as he prepares to sponsor legislation recognizing civil unions of same sex couples.

It poses a particular problem in a Republican Caucus which has fewer numbers and is trying to stay true to its base. According to a report in the Baltimore Sun, Senator Kittleman would rather stay true to his principles. Such litmus test have posed problems for members of the GOP.

By example last year Senator David Brinkley help co sponsor legislation that would legalize marijuana usage for chronic pain suffers. Maryland has often had members of the GOP not following party purity. You can go all the way back to Sen. "Mac" Mathias.