As the 2008 General Assembly Session comes to a close, House Republicans review the events of the last 90 days.
“The 2008 Legislative Session has been another disappointing example of Governor O’Malley’s failure to provide responsible fiscal leadership”, said Minority Leader Anthony O’Donnell.
“Government continues to grow virtually unchecked and the appetite for taxes has not been satisfied. The Democrat Leadership is trying to pull the wool over the eyes of the taxpayers with empty rhetoric about spending cuts and sound fiscal management. For virtually every cut that has been made, the Governor has found somewhere else to spend those dollars. For every job that has been cut, additional positions have been added. Their fiscal restraint is an illusion. This budget is contingent on the largest tax increase in Maryland’s history and there has been no true effort from the leadership to reduce spending.”
This legislative session saw the passage of bills that will expand the size and scope of government, like the Governor’s statewide speed camera bill. It saw the introduction of a bill that would reduce sentences for repeat drug dealers – Republican pressures led to the withdrawal of this bill. Governor O’Malley also pushed through a package of energy-related bills that will mean higher rates for electric ratepayers across the state.
“For all of their lofty rhetoric and election year promises, the Governor and Democrat Leadership have done little to address Maryland’s energy issues”, said Minority Whip Christopher Shank. “In 2006, they promised rate relief and a solution to our looming energy shortage. While they’re busy patting themselves on the back over the BGE settlement, they have codified an 85% electric rate increase and passed feel-good energy policies that will serve to further increase rates. All I see here for the ratepayers are broken promises.”