We Have a Budget!

Statement

It's amazing the difference an election can make. Under Governor O'Malley, Maryland Democrats were running amuck in Annapolis, taxing everything they could. We all remember the Rain Tax, right? But after less than two years of Governor Larry Hogan's leadership and for the first time since I was first elected to the Maryland State House, I cast a YES vote for the final budget.

Not only does the budget leave a $400 million surplus and set aside $1 billion for a rainy day fund, it does that without including any new taxes or fees! The budget also makes sure our state troopers receive a pay raise and ensures doctors who treat Medicaid patients receive fair compensation. And the best part -- it was a clean budget bill without a Budget Reconciliation and Finance addendum (BRFA) that is ripe for backroom deals with lobbyists and special interest groups. All of this proves the bluster by Democrats in Annapolis that more taxes and fees are always needed is just not true.

As a former teacher in Baltimore City, one of the aspects of this year's budget I am most excited about is funding for a new program that would pay for low-income students to attend a non-public school. This program will provide unprecedented opportunities for the children of Maryland and has the potential to truly make an impact on their futures. It is programs like this that the people of Maryland send us to Annapolis to create -- and I am proud that it was included in the final budget.

Now, let me say I will be the first to admit this budget was not perfect. It increased spending more that was necessary and the Democrats did everything they could to circumvent Governor Hogan and funnel as much money as possible to liberal special interest groups. In addition, the new mandates passed by Democrats this year leave me with grave concerns for next year's budget. But this budget was the best bipartisan bill we could get passed and it is a step in the right direction.

I would like to thank Governor Larry Hogan for his leadership and would also like to thank House Minority Leader Kipke, Senate Minority Leader JB Jennings and the Democrat Leadership in Annapolis for all of their hard work in passing this bipartisan budget. With Sine Die on the horizon, the 2016 session of the General Assembly is winding down. I want to assure you that I will continue to fight for the people of Maryland and fight to enact pro-business, common-sense reforms that will protect the future for our children and grandchildren.

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