Session 2008: A Success by any Measure

Governor Martin O’Malley and Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown &

Democratic Lawmakers Fashion Real Solutions in Tough Times

Strong Leadership Crafts Responsible Balance for Progress

Republicans Credited for Fiscal Change-of-Heart

A statement from Michael Cryor, Chair of the Maryland Democratic Party

“Our Democratic leaders stepped-up this year and did the heavy lifting that gave us a remarkably successful session. There are no other words to describe it. Governor Martin O’Malley, Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown and our Democratic leadership are moving Maryland forward in uncertain times. We will actually see progress on our priorities because our Governor and Democratic leadership acted now. As a result children, families and small-businesses who depend on education, health care, the environment, transportation and more, will benefit for years to come.

It was not easy to accomplish but now everyone can see how the work of the Special Session and this Regular Session have put a sound fiscal foundation under the priorities that make Maryland great.”

$2 Billion Relief for BGE Ratepayers – “Elections do matter”

“Martin O’Malley has proven that elections do matter. We now have a Governor who works with the General Assembly to get relief for Maryland’s energy consumers. Democratic leaders joined with Gov. O’Malley to ratify $2 billion in relief for BGE ratepayers. What a contrast from the past as this Governor negotiated a relief package from an aggressive position of legal and regulatory strength. The General Assembly enthusiastically approved with true bipartisan support.”

Economic Realities: Good and Bad

“These are tough and uncertain times for many Marylanders. However, a fiscally responsible and pragmatic approach to governance by our Democratic leaders - and some Republicans - has fortified the structure that helps Maryland lead the nation in critical ways. It’s been difficult, but this session struck a balance on behalf of struggling families, the middle class and the business community alike.

There is no denying that the Bush recession, high gas prices and the tumbling housing market are real concerns for many Marylanders. Yet, personal income and job growth continue to rise, while unemployment in Maryland drops. The rest of America cannot say the same.  

This 2008 Session will be noted for what it accomplished to sustain and advance our progress while ensuring that those families who suffer in this difficult economy do not fall through the cracks with health care, education or housing.

When you can pass landmark legislation to protect families from losing their homes, enhance the education of our children, freeze college tuitions for the third year in a row and still build a $1 billion ‘rainy day’ fund in tough economic times, you’ve accomplished something substantial.”

In their alternative Republican budget proposal – touted for its fiscal austerity - Republican leaders said they planned to spend 85% of the new revenues that resulted from the Special Session. That budget was rejected but in the end, half of the Senate Republicans and a few of the House Republicans voted to pass the state budget. This signals significant progress towards seeking solutions by coming together – even if only in spirit - instead of always wielding rancor and divisiveness only for the sake of partisanship.

We are all a part of One Maryland and we are all in this together.”