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Hi, I’m State Senator Ed Kasemeyer from Baltimore and Howard Counties.
Earlier today, the Governor submitted his budget proposal for review by the Maryland
General Assembly. Over the next 80 days, the State Senate and House will listen to testimony
from experts, advocates and citizens, before we vote on the budget. Your input is critical
and your Senator’s are eager to hear from you on this important issue.
As Chair of the Senate Budget & Taxation committee, it is my job to work with all of our Senators,
as well as Governor O’Malley to pass a fiscally sound and responsible budget that still protects
our core priorities such as education, public safety and health care.
Due to the national recession, Maryland has had tremendous budget constraints over the
last four years. For example, it was projected that in 2012, the state of Maryland would
have $17 billion in revenue. Instead, due to the recession, our revenue projections
are only $13.6 billion, forcing us to find the cuts to balance the budget.
However, this new fiscal reality is one that Senate Democrats are well prepared for. Over
the last four years, we have cut expenditures by $5.5 billion and eliminated over 4,000
positions. With this budget, your Senators will work judiciously to cut the budget while
still protecting your priorities.
Governor O’Malley’s proposed budget recommends $950 million in cuts. While this is a great
start, we are eager to find additional places to reduce the budget to keep our state on
strong fiscal ground.
This work will not be easy, but with the tremendous talent we have in the Senate, and with the
input of constituents throughout the state, we will do the work that is necessary to enable
Maryland to emerge from the recession ready to take advantage of new opportunities to
create jobs and strengthen our communities.
It is an honor to serve you in the Maryland Senate. Please contact any of your Senators
with any thoughts, questions or concerns you may have.