Gov. O'Malley Fights for Priorities in Tough Times

Budget Addresses $2 Billion Shortfall Caused by National Recession

From: Michael Cryor
            Chair, Maryland Democratic Party

"Even in hard times Governor Martin O'Malley is fighting to protect Maryland families and important priorities - public education and making college more affordable, expanded access to affordable health care, improved public safety and restoring the Chesapeake Bay. While tough decisions had to be made, Governor O'Malley's proposed budget says Maryland's future generations will not be forced to suffer for America's struggling economy.

One can only imagine what cuts we would be facing today if Gov. O'Malley and our legislative leadership had not made the difficult choices to correct Maryland's long standing structural deficit. Yet, our families, our children, our disadvantaged and our environment remain among the priorities worthy of continued investment, especially in times like these.

This is a lean budget. It is the first in memory to reduce state spending in real dollars. But Maryland can't avoid the impact of these unfortunate economic times. As lean as it is and as painful as it may be for some, Gov. O'Malley and our leaders in the General Assembly are illustrating how states can continue to progress, especially with a new partner in President Barack Obama and the fortified congressional leadership in Washington."

From: Governor Martin O'Malley

"These are not easy times, and here in Maryland we haven't been immune to the national recession.  Our families are struggling.  Our family-owned businesses are struggling.  And just as our people have to find ways to do more with less, so too must those of us in government. 

This budget is, by necessity, painfully lean.  We were forced to cut or level-fund many worthy programs that are important to the future of our State.  But because they are important to our State we worked hard to protect these programs and hold them harmless this year. 

At the same time, we are not willing to abandon the important progress we've achieved for our families these past two years, including the progress that led Education Week to rank our public school system #1 in America just a week ago.  Nor are we willing to turn our back on our workforce and Maryland families who are struggling in this difficult economy to make ends meet.

Throughout our great Revolutionary history, our greatest triumphs have always come at times when we've faced our greatest adversity. We are going to get through these tough times the way we always have: by working together.  We have made tremendous progress for Maryland families these past two years.  Now, when our families need us most, we are united in our commitment to stand up and fight to protect our progress.

From: Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown

"Governor O'Malley and I understand the challenges we face and the important work ahead of us. We are confident, though, that we will get through these tough times by coming together and protecting the progress we've made on behalf of working families over the last two years."

Governor O'Malley's proposed budget contains increases in five key priority areas:

 - K-12 Public Education and School Construction

 - Higher Education

 - A Safety Net for Maryland's Families

 - Public Safety

 - Environmental Protection

Budget Highlights can be found here (large file).

Additional information can be found here.