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Lt. Governor Steele calls for General Assembly to restore funding Cut from need-based scholarships
For Immediate Release
Contact: Veronica Sinclair-Anderson
Friday, March 17, 2006
(410) 974-2804
410-353-2731
BALTIMORE, MD (March 17, 2006) Lt. Governor Michael S. Steele today called for the Maryland General Assembly to fully fund the $19 million increase for need-based college scholarships proposed by the Ehrlich-Steele Administration. The Senate has proposed cutting $5 million from the Administration's scholarship proposal.
One of the most important investments we can make in Maryland's future is in an affordable higher education system, and yet the Senate has cut $5 million in need-based scholarship money from the budget, said Lt. Governor Steele. We need your help in ensuring that this funding is restored by the General Assembly in the final budget.
Joining Lt. Governor Steele during his remarks at The Community College of Baltimore County, Catonsville were Janice B. Doyle, the Maryland Higher Education Commission's Assistant Secretary of Finance Policy, and students and staff from the college who are involved with need-based scholarships.
"In the past three years, the Ehrlich-Steele Administration has doubled funding for need-based financial aid, helping 11,000 Maryland students go to college," said Doyle. "It is important that we fully fund the need-based scholarships included in this year's budget to help ensure affordability and access to college for all Maryland students."
Dr. Sandra Kurtinitis, Chancellor of The Community College of Baltimore County concurred. This is a non-partisan issue," she said. "Many students have the ability and drive, but not the resources to pursue higher education. CCBC is all about access and opportunity. We support any initiatives that can help us help more students achieve their academic and career goals.
Since taking office, the Ehrlich-Steele Administration has increased total funding for need-based financial aid by $43.8 million, or 114 percent, and invested more than $16 billion in State General Funds in higher education overall.
Citizens are encouraged to contact their local legislators at 1-800-492-7122 and support full funding of the Ehrlich-Steele Administration's budget for need-based scholarships and higher education.
Governor Ehrlich Commends New Federal Low-Income Energy Assistance
Governor Ehrlich called for additional assistance for vulnerable Marylanders
For Immediate Release
Contact: Shareese N. DeLeaver
Friday, March 17, 2006
(410) 974.2316
410-353-2731
ANNAPOLIS – Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. today commended the U.S. Congress for heeding his call for an additional $1 billion in funding for the Low Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program to help disadvantaged Marylanders with their energy bills. Governor Ehrlich called on Congress to pass this assistance in 2005. The bill, which allocates up to $35 million for Maryland, now awaits the president’s signature.
“Last year I called on Congress to devote more resources toward helping disadvantaged Marylanders with their energy bills,” said Governor Ehrlich. “I applaud Congress for this new investment. Combined with my plan to boost low-income energy assistance at the state level by $25 million, this is an incremental but positive step toward putting vulnerable Marylanders first. However, there is more work to do. Together with leaders of the Maryland General Assembly, I am aggressively pursuing a comprehensive solution that protects Maryland customers from exorbitant increases in electricity prices this summer.”
The Low Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program was created in 1981 to assist low-income households that pay a high proportion of income to meet their home energy needs. Federal dollars for the program are allocated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to the states as a block grant. The $1 billion increase is contained in S. 2320.
DEMOCRATS DIRTY POLITICS LEAD TO CRIMINAL CHARGES AGAINST DSCC STAFFER
For Immediate Release
Contact: Audra Miller
March 16, 2006
(410) 269-0113
410-353-2731
ANNAPOLIS Maryland Republican Party Chairman John M. Kane released the following statement in response to criminal charges filed by federal prosecutors against former Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) staffer Lauren Weiner:
The shameful dirty politics of the DSCC and the Democratic Party have rightfully resulted in criminal charges against one of the DSCC's top researchers. The DSCC perpetrated an unlawful and disgraceful attack on Lt. Governor Michael Steele. The theft of his identity to wrongfully obtain his credit report is another example of how low some Democrats will sink in their quest for power, Kane said. The Maryland Democratic Party and their Chairman Terry Lierman should issue a formal apology to Lt. Governor Steele and publicly renounce these unseemly tactics.
MARTIN OMALLEY'S SHOCKING FAILURE TO LEAD
For Immediate Release
Contact: Audra Miller
March 15, 2006
(410) 269-0113
410-353-2731
ANNAPOLISMartin OMalley has provided no leadership for Marylanders on the issue of energy. In fact, Martin OMalley's policies hurt the citizens of Baltimore while he does nothing more than finger point. Maryland Republican Party Communications Director Audra Miller released the following statement:
For at least 6 years, Martin OMalley has rolled over for energy companies, just like Senate President Mike Miller and former Governor Parris Glendening did when they aggressively shepherded the 1999 deregulation law through the Democrat-controlled General Assembly. Since 1999, Martin OMalley has received at least $8,500 in campaign contributions from energy-related companies. He also proposed a 4 percent energy tax in 2004 for Baltimore city's residents. It's time for O'Malley to tell Marylanders the truth about his party and his own brother-in-law's role in setting the stage for massive 72 percent utility rate hikes, Miller said.
Miller continued, While Governor Ehrlich and the General Assembly seek to find acceptable solutions to the problems the 1999 law causes today, OMalley has not offered even one proposal to help Marylanders. Instead he offers his usual dose of blame as the real leaders work to solve the problem. Martin OMalley should spend some time cleaning up all of the scandals that are occurring in his administration since he's proven himself no leader for the state once again.
MDGOP CALLS ON MILLER TO DONATE CAMPAIGN CASH FROM ENRON, ELECTRIC
UTILITY INDUSTRY
Miller championed bill that allows BGE’s 72 percent rate increase
For Immediate Release
Contact: Audra Miller
March 13, 2006
(410) 269-0113
410-353-2731
ANNAPOLIS – Maryland Republican Party Executive Director John Gibson today called on Senate President Thomas V. “Mike” Miller to donate nearly $9,000 in campaign donations he received from electric utility companies in 1999 – the same year he sponsored the bill allowing Baltimore Gas & Electric to increase rates on customers this year by 72 percent. Gibson called on the Senate President to donate the money to the Fuel Fund of Maryland to help low-income Marylanders with their fuel costs this year.
“Senate President Miller needs to level with the citizens of Maryland,” said Gibson. “He pocketed thousands of dollars from Enron and others who directly benefited from his bill. Despite saying ‘prices will go down, no ifs, ands, or buts,’ his bill will have terrible consequences on hundreds of thousands of Marylanders when BGE raises rates this summer. By donating the campaign money to the Fuel of Fund of Maryland, Senate President Miller can alleviate a problem he created for at least a few disadvantaged Marylanders. He should also publicly acknowledge his short-sightedness for sponsoring this effort, and work with the Governor to find a common sense solution for Maryland customers – no ifs, ands, or buts.”
Miller took campaign cash from 14 utility companies – including Enron Corporation in Texas – totaling $8,900 in 1999. He simultaneously sponsored Senate Bill 300 to deregulate Maryland’s electric industry. Senate Bill 300 became law in April 1999 and has resulted in BGE’s decision to increase rates on customers this year by as much as 72 percent. Miller also sponsored and won passage of a Task Force to study electric utility deregulation in 1997.
"’It's something that must happen,’ state Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. (D-Prince George's) said of the state's push to get a deregulation bill through during the legislative session this winter.” – The Baltimore Sun, February 3, 1999
“Prices will go down, no ifs, ands or buts.” – President Miller, The Baltimore Sun, December 3, 1997
“Senate President Miller said one of his primary concerns for the General Assembly session is making way for rapid electric deregulation.” – The Baltimore Sun, January 13, 1998
“Why would Mr. Miller, no expert on deregulation, do such a thing? Could it have to do with the fact that some very powerful lobbyists, including one of his best friends, are strenuously pressing for quick entry into the electricity market?” – The Baltimore Sun, April 5, 1998
Governor Ehrlich Calls on General Assembly to Protect Investments in the Environment
For Immediate Release
Contact: Shareese N. DeLeaver
Friday, March 3, 2006
(410) 974-2316
410-353-2731
ANNAPOLIS – Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. today called on the Maryland General Assembly to protect over $15 million in investments in Maryland’s environmental initiatives. The General Assembly is considering substantial cuts to environmental programs funded in the Governor’s proposed Fiscal Year 2007 budget including Chesapeake Bay restoration, agricultural cover crops, urban tree canopy and solar energy programs.
“The cuts being considered by our lawmakers will weaken the State’s ability to protect our natural resources and improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay,” said Governor Ehrlich. “While I am very proud of our accomplishments to date, these programs are critical to accelerating our efforts to restore the Bay, protect our open space and farmland, and reduce our energy consumption. I urge our lawmakers to give the citizens of Maryland what they deserve: cleaner water, protected landscapes and better energy efficiency.”
Among the budget reductions the General Assembly is currently considering:
PROPOSED CUT – Tributary Strategies and Related Programs:
$2.9 million in funding for cover crops, bay grasses, urban tree canopy, wetland creation, stormwater
management and soil conservation
PROPOSED CUT – Corsica River and Targeted Watershed Restoration Programs:
$2.415 million to fund comprehensive efforts to restore entire river systems.
PROPOSED CUT – Rural Legacy: $5 million for Rural Legacy bonds.
PROPOSED CUT – Solar Energy Program:
$2.325 million for grant programs to fund solar and alternative energy use.
PROPOSED CUT – Waste Management and Hazardous Substance Clean-Up:
$1.5 million to clean up scrap tire stockpiles and other hazardous substances.
PROPOSED CUT – Parks and Recreation:
$1.125 million for State Park staffing and maintenance.
Each item was included in Governor Ehrlich’s Fiscal Year 2007 budget. Governor Ehrlich announced significant new environmental funding to more effectively protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay and Maryland’s environment, including full funding of $258 million for Program Open Space and $29 for Rural Legacy, new funding for energy efficiency, and investments to help restore targeted watersheds of the Chesapeake Bay.
Citizens are encouraged to contact their local legislators and support the Governor’s entire environmental budget proposal at 1-800-492-7122.
Summary of proposed General Assembly cuts:
Cuts to be Considered by the Maryland General Assembly
EDUCATION:
$5 million for need-based college scholarships, which have helped 12,000 Marylanders
go to college.
$1 million to help non-public schools provide their students quality textbooks.
PUBLIC SAFETY:
$15 million for correctional officer pay raises and overtime. Maryland’s correctional
officers are experiencing staffing challenges and Governor Ehrlich believes they deserve greater
recognition for their important work.
$680,000 in grants to help Baltimore City fight crime, including gun crime prosecution funding for the
Baltimore City State’s Attorney.
$481,000 for Project RESTART, which provides education and drug treatment to nonviolent
offenders so they do not become repeat offenders.
HEALTH:
$10 million for the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund to perform cutting-edge
medical research and
$12 million to build a new Center for Regenerative Research in which to perform stem cell research.
$5 million for mental health services for the uninsured, jeopardizing access to mental health care for
roughly 3,000 uninsured individuals.
ENVIRONMENT:
$2.4 million for the Corsica River Restoration Project, the nation’s first effort to
remove an entire river system from the federal list of impaired waters.
$2 million for the Maryland Solar Energy Grant program to encourage the use of environmentally
friendly energy sources in Maryland.
$1.2 million for Maryland farmers to plant cover crops, which prevent harmful nutrients from polluting
the Chesapeake Bay and Maryland tributaries.
COMMERCE:
$10 million to help small businesses owners expand their businesses through the
Economic Development Assistance Fund (MEDAF).
$3 million for the Community Legacy Program that helps local communities revitalize streetscapes and
public buildings.
$3 million for the Biotechnology Tax Credit that strengthens Maryland’s top-flight biotech economy.
Governor Ehrlich to Announce Enhancements in Housing Program to Help More Marylanders Become Homeowners
MD Dept. of Housing And Community Development
Russell Thomas
(410) 514.7151
For Immediate Release
Contact: Shareese N. DeLeaver
Wednesday, March 1, 2006
(410) 974-2316
410-353-2731
MEDIA ADVISORY
ANNAPOLIS – Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., will announce increases to home purchase price limits and down-payment assistance for two housing programs aimed at helping Marylanders become homeowners.
WHO: Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.
Victor Hoskins, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
WHAT: To announce 2006 as the “Year of the Workforce Homeowner” and enhancements to homeownership programs. To present a $100,000 Community Legacy award to the Dundalk Renaissance Corporation.
WHEN: Thursday, March 2, 2006
3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
WHERE: Dundalk Renaissance Corporation
81 Shipping Place
Dundalk, Maryland