Blog: Governor O'Malley, Senate President Miller, House Speaker Busch Announce Legislative Hearings to Explore Job Creation Opportunities

Press Release

Governor Martin O'Malley today announced a plan to spark job creation in Maryland and to build consensus for a comprehensive jobs package for the 2012 legislative session. Governor O'Malley, joined by Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. and House Speaker Michael E. Busch, announced legislative hearings to be held during Special Session to explore job creation opportunities in transportation and infrastructure upgrades and in streamlining government processes to make it easier to do business in Maryland.

"We will use the opportunity of the Special Session to address the single most pressing issue that we face as a State -- job creation," said Governor O'Malley. "Since January, we've created nearly 15,000 jobs in our State. But all of us agree that in these tough economic times, we need to do more. The most important job we create is the next job."

Governor O'Malley signed an Executive Order calling for a 60 day review by State agencies of current State regulations that can be reformed or eliminated to help spark job creation. After the 60 day review period, the intent is to introduce a package of regulatory reforms to the General Assembly in January. Senate President Miller and Speaker Busch announced legislative hearings to be held on Tuesday, October 18 that will focus on Maryland's infrastructure and transportation needs and economic development and job creation opportunities.

"Our infrastructure is one of those areas where we have the largest investment deficit in our state," said Governor O'Malley. "Tackling Maryland's list of infrastructure needs will be a priority as we head into the 2012 legislative session."

"We have to take steps to support the technology and research jobs that will ensure that Maryland is the best place to get an education, do research, spin off ideas into the marketplace, and successfully build a company," said President Miller. "I look forward to working with Governor O'Malley and Speaker Busch to find the solutions that will create jobs and breathe new life into our state's economy."

"Our number one goal is to support the private sector and build business confidence to create new jobs in Maryland," said Speaker Busch. "Investing in transportation infrastructure and capital projects to get the construction industry back to work is an important step that government can make to stimulate the economy."

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