Pasadena Delegation Closes Book On 2011 Legislative Session

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By John Singleton

The 2011 Maryland legislative session closed at midnight on Monday, April 11, with the passage of the largest budget in the history of the state.

“The $34 billion budget is nearly $1 billion over last year’s,” said Delegate Don Dwyer. “This is on the heels of Governor O‘Malley, who claims he actually cut the budget.”

Dwyer warned that many new taxes will soon be in effect to finance state government programs including a 3% percent increase in statewide college tuitions, a 2.5% increase in hospital assessments, and a 50% increase in the alcohol tax. A Vehicle Titling Tax is slated to double from $50 to $100. Land Recording Fees will go from $20 to $40. Birth Certificate Fees will double from $12 to $24 and Vanity Plate Fees will go from $25 to $50. In addition, there is an increase in the Nursing Home Tax from 4 percent to 5.5 percent.

“Maryland continues to position itself as the go-to destination for illegal immigrants too,” added Delegate Steve Schuh. “The Legislature passed a bill to allow illegal immigrants living in Maryland to pay the tax-payer subsidized, in-state tuition rate at the University of Maryland rather than the full tuition rate. Such bills are an affront to U.S. citizens and to the many immigrants who have played by the rules and come in to our country legally.”

Critics of the bill questioned its legality and its financial acuity in a state running a staggering budget deficit. Many delegates suggested the bill could be interpreted as encouraging illegal immigrants to move to Maryland to receive a reduced cost college education. Indeed, many agree the DREAM act offers privileged educational benefits to illegal immigrants supported by the tax dollars of legal residents.

"As with any session, some departed in jubilation while others left feeling like a truck just ran them over,” added Senator Bryan Simonaire. “For those supporting limited government, lower taxes and responsible spending, it was a nightmare. For those who wanted tuition discounts for illegals and increased taxation and spending to continue, it was more like the dream act of 2011."

The push for an elected school board in Anne Arundel County was also thwarted this session. The current composition of the School Board in Anne Arundel County is eight democrats and one republican, an unbalanced number for a county with a Republican County Executive, a majority of Republican delegates, and a majority of Republicans on the county council. Today the school board is appointed by the Governor.

“The Governor is obviously using fuzzy math to balance the state’s budget,” said Delegate Dwyer. “As a result, the Pasadena delegation voted against it. It’s beyond time for us to limit spending and to live within our means.”

Other new laws include legislation that requires Home Health Care businesses to unionize or pay a service fee to the state, and a bill that makes texting while driving a ticketable offense.

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