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Governor Ehrlich Calls on General Assembly to Protect Investments in Maryland Healthcare and Disability Services
For Immediate Release
Contact: Shareese N. DeLeaver
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
(410) 974-2316
410-353-2731
ANNAPOLIS – Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. today called on the Maryland General Assembly to protect disability initiatives and healthcare investments proposed in his Fiscal Year 2007 Budget. The General Assembly is considering $62 million in funding cuts to reduce staffing for health-related programs and mental health services for the uninsured, as well as delaying the Medicaid Buy-In program for people with disabilities.
“The cuts being considered by our lawmakers will seriously weaken the State’s ability to provide access to quality healthcare for Maryland’s most vulnerable citizens,” said Governor Ehrlich. “I urge our lawmakers to give the citizens of Maryland what they deserve: access to quality healthcare and services that support independence and quality of life.”
Among the reductions the General Assembly is currently considering are:
PROPOSED CUT: The Legislature is considering a proposal to reduce $5.3 million
by delaying expansion of the Medicaid Buy-In program, which provides health insurance coverage for
employed persons with disabilities. If adopted this action would delay health care coverage for 542
individuals with disabilities.
PROPOSED CUT: The Legislature is considering reducing the Governor’s budget
allocation for stem cell research by $10 million and $12 million for a new Center for Regenerative
Research. The Governor proposed $20 million for stem cell research and $13.5 million for a new
Center for Regenerative Research to attract world-class researchers.
PROPOSED CUT: The Legislature is considering a proposal to reduce mental health
services for the uninsured by $5 million in General Funds. This action may lead to a loss of mental
health services for an estimated 3,000 uninsured individuals.
PROPOSED CUT: The Legislature is considering a proposal to cut $10 million in
hospital payments covered under the State Medicaid program, which would lead to higher increases in
insurance premiums in Maryland.
PROPOSED CUT: The Legislature is considering a proposal to withhold $26 million
in Cigarette Restitution Funds from Medicaid. This action, if adopted, would result in an unfunded
deficit of $26 million in Medicaid.
PROPOSED CUT: The Legislature is considering a proposal to eliminate $500,000
in funds that are to be used to create a State Public Sector Health Policy Center. These funds will be
used to address issues such as the rise in health care expenditures, innovative Medicaid policies and
programs, and long-term care.
Each item was included in Governor Ehrlich’s Fiscal Year 2007 budget. To recognize the need for quality access to healthcare and disability services, Governor Ehrlich proposed a $370 million increase in Medicaid and related programs to care for 770,000 vulnerable Marylanders and $43 million to fund wage increases for community health care workers. Members of the public are encouraged to contact their local legislators at 1-800-492-7122.
Governor Ehrlich Calls on General Assembly to Protect Investments in Public Safety
For Immediate Release
Contact: Shareese N. DeLeaver
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
(410) 974-2316
410-353-2731
ANNAPOLIS – Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. today called on the Maryland General Assembly to protect $35 million in investments in Maryland’s public safety. The General Assembly is considering substantial cuts in key areas of the Governor’s public safety budget including correctional officer wages and salaries, grants to help Baltimore City and other jurisdictions fight crime, and Project RESTART, which provides education and drug treatment services to nonviolent offenders.
“The cuts being considered by our lawmakers will weaken the State’s ability to effectively protect the public,” said Governor Ehrlich. “I urge our lawmakers to give the citizens of Maryland what they deserve: confidence that their elected representatives will make the necessary investments to keep Maryland safe.”
Among the budget reductions the General Assembly is currently considering:
PROPOSED CUT - Correctional Officers: $15.5 million for correctional officer pay
adjustments and $2 million for correctional officer overtime pay;
PROPOSED CUT - Current Year Operations: $10 million to cover increased costs for inmate health
and fuel and utilities;
PROPOSED CUT - Baltimore City Juvenile Justice Center: $3 million to improve education at the
Baltimore City Juvenile Justice Center;
PROPOSED CUT - Cheltenham Youth Facility: $1.8 million for information technology upgrades at
Cheltenham Youth Facility in Prince George’s County;
PROPOSED CUT - Pretrial and Detention Services: $1 million for overtime pay at the Pretrial &
Detention Services;
PROPOSED CUT - Crime Control Grants: $680,206 for Baltimore City crime grants, the Baltimore
City State’s Attorney for gun crimes, C-SAFE crime fighting initiative, and victim assistance services,
all of which are provided through the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention;
PROPOSED CUT - Re-Entry Employment: $500,000 for Baltimore Re-entry Employment Center;
PROPOSED CUT - Project RESTART: $481,211 for 13 new Project RESTART positions;
PROPOSED CUT - Medical Supplies: $100,000 for medicine and related supplies for the Department
of Juvenile Services.
Each item was included in Governor Ehrlich’s Fiscal Year 2007 budget. To recognize the hard work of Maryland’s correctional officers, Governor Ehrlich included an across the board pay raise in his budget that averages over six percent for all correctional officer personnel. This $32.3 million increase would benefit the range of correctional officer ranks including officers, lieutenants, captains, major, security chiefs and wardens.
Members of the public are encouraged to contact their local legislators at: 1-800-492-7122.
State of Maryland Earns Triple-A Bond Rating from Three Rating Agencies
For Immediate Release
Contact: Shareese N. DeLeaver
Friday, February 24, 2006
(410) 974-2316
410-353-2731
ANNAPOLIS – Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., today announced that the State of Maryland retained its triple-A bond rating from three major rating agencies, demonstrating once again the importance of sound fiscal management. Standard & Poor’s Corporation, Moody’s Investor Service and Fitch Ratings announced the bond ratings this week. A triple-A bond rating is the highest possible rating a State can earn.
“This week’s ratings demonstrate once again that fiscal responsibility matters in government,” said Governor Ehrlich. “The ratings allow the State to borrow money for important projects at the lowest interest rates, saving the citizens of Maryland millions of dollars. I am pleased to work with my colleagues on the Board of Public Works, Comptroller William Donald Schaefer and Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp, to earn these favorable ratings.”
The Board of Public Works will preside over a $300 million two-part bond sale - $280 million in capital improvement bonds and $20 million in taxable bonds - when it meets Wednesday, March 1, 2006, in the Goldstein Treasury Building in Annapolis.
Governor Ehrlich Submits 220 Green Bag Appointments
Twenty-Year Veteran in Appointments Office Delivers Green Bag
For Immediate Release
Contact: Shareese N. DeLeaver
Friday, February 17, 2006
(410) 974-2316
410-353-2731
ANNAPOLIS – Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. today made his annual “Green Bag” appointment submission to the Maryland Legislature. The submission includes the names of 220 citizens the Governor will appoint to a variety of State boards and commissions which exercise governing or regulatory authority over, or which have advisory duties related to, State agencies and programs.
This year’s Green Bag includes representatives from all 23 counties and Baltimore City. The nominations cover 85 different State boards and offices, including:
District Court Judges
Economic Development Commission
Maryland Environmental Service
State Ethics Commission
Parole Commission
Maryland Racing Commission
Maryland Stadium Authority
Maryland Higher Education Commission
University of Maryland Board of Regents
Workers’ Compensation Commission.
Of the individuals proposed for appointment, 25% come from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
“In this fourth year of my Administration, I am pleased once again to nominate a group of eminently qualified individuals for Gubernatorial appointment; individuals who were selected on the basis of their experience, integrity and commitment to public service, regardless of party affiliation,” said Governor Ehrlich. “These nominations further complement what is already the most diverse and bipartisan Administration in Maryland’s history.”
No other Governor in Maryland history has ever appointed so many members of the opposite party. The Maryland Legislature has confirmed nearly 1,300 Administration appointments since Governor Ehrlich took office in 2003.
This year, the Governor’s Green Bag appointments were submitted to the Senate by Deputy Appointments Secretary, Doreen Riggin, in honor of her 20th consecutive year in her position. She became Deputy Appointments Secretary upon the swearing in of Governor William Donald Schaefer, at the same time Thomas V. "Mike" Miller became President of the Maryland State Senate. She has been involved in every Gubernatorial appointment to the Executive, Judicial, and Legislative Branches through three Governors, five Legislatures, and seven different Appointment Secretaries. Doreen has a Masters in Public Administration from Johns Hopkins University.
A list of Green Bag appointments is attached: http://www.gov.state.md.us/pdfs/2006_Greenbag_Press_List.pdf
Statement in Response to the Fourth Circuit’s Decision in Baltimore Sun Company,
et al., v. Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, et al.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Shareese N. DeLeaver
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
(410) 974-2316
410-353-2731
Governor Ehrlich as always fully respects the judicial process and constitutional separation of powers.
“I respect the Fourth Circuit’s affirmation of the U.S. District Court’s decision in dismissing The Sun’s lawsuit. These decisions confirm important Constitutional principles that are recognized and respected by this Administration,” said Governor Ehrlich.
“The Court’s ruling goes to the heart of this issue – the responsibility of every member of the press to report in a fair and objective manner, and the right to hold accountable those journalists who fail to adhere to these basic tenets of journalistic integrity.”
“Judge Quarles’ extensive analysis dismissing The Sun’s complaint and the sixteen page opinion of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals upholds my decision to issue the directive regarding the two Sun journalists hopefully puts this matter to rest,” Governor Ehrlich continued.
The Sun filed its lawsuit against Governor Ehrlich on December 3, 2004 in response to the Governor’s Press Office directive prohibiting certain Executive Department employees from communicating with a journalist and then columnist with The Sun. The Governor believed that both were failing to objectively report on issues dealing with the Ehrlich-Steele Administration.
The Sun filed its initial lawsuit in the U.S. District Court of Maryland. On February 14, 2005, U.S. District Court Judge William Quarles granted the Governor’s motion to dismiss the complaint. The Sun appealed Judge Quarles’ decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit.
SPEAKER BUSCH IN NEED OF PUBLIC OVERHAUL, BUYS ONLINE ADS TO SAVE FACE
For Immediate Release
Contact: Audra Miller
February 3, 2006
410-269-0113
410-353-2731
ANNAPOLIS—Following his unprecedented parliamentary maneuvers in the House of Delegates in the hope of killing legislation on the definition of marriage yesterday, House Speaker Michael Busch purchased an online ad/survey on The Washington Post website to distract from his undemocratic actions. The ad shows a smiling Busch and a request to take a survey.
Maryland Republican Party Chairman John M. Kane released the following statement on the ad: “Michael Busch is running scared by buying ads. His political maneuvering to shut the people of Maryland out of the legislative process has resulted in more bad public opinion for the Speaker. It is insulting to the people of Maryland that he is asking for help by finding common ground when he is acting like a tyrant. Mr. Speaker, actions speak louder than words. Michael Busch should work on listening to the people instead of rapid damage control ad placement.”
Kane continued, “There are currently several impressive Republican candidates running for the 30th District in Anne Arundel County. Each of the candidates is garnering significant financial support, including Dr. Ron Elfenbein who has raised over $94,000, in their efforts to oust Busch from his tyrannical throne.”
Governor Ehrlich Awards Grants to Help Child Victims of Sexual Abuse
Families in 20 jurisdictions to benefit from new or enhanced support services
For Immediate Release
Contact: Shareese N. DeLeaver
Thursday, February 2, 2006
410 974.2316
410-353-2731
Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., today announced the recipients of grants to benefit victims of child sex abuse and their families. The grants will be used to develop or enhance services for child sex victims and total almost $2 million.
These awards, which fulfill one goal in the five-point SOCEM plan that Governor Ehrlich unveiled during the MACO Conference last August, keeps his pledge to assist sexual assault victims and their families.
“These grants will be a great help to community groups that work so hard to provide important services to victims, especially those who are young and have been impacted by sexual assault,” said Governor Ehrlich. “This initiative is just part of a larger, more comprehensive effort to keep sex offenders from destroying young lives and families.”
The Maryland Department of Human Resource’s (DHR) Office of Victim Services, in partnership with the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention (GOCCP), is making the grants available to existing and newly developing child advocacy centers (CAC) throughout Maryland. The following jurisdictions were awarded the following grants:
Cecil County DSS, $87,426
AA County DSS, $29,682
Harford County SAO, $133,660
Baltimore Child Abuse Center, $194,224
Washington County DSS, $110,792
Montgomery County HHS, $137,080
Carroll County DSS, $136,976
Wicomico County DSS, $134,290
Talbot County DSS, $202,826
Frederick County Comm., $120,000
Howard County Police Dept., $85,886
Prince George’s County DSS, $14,450
Worcester County DSS/Somerset County DSS, $153,904
Queen Anne’s County/Caroline County DSS, $119,450
Kent County DSS, $130,000
Dorchester County DSS, $120,000
Allegany County DSS, $78,775
Baltimore County DSS, $10,292
Total of all grants over a two-year period: $1,999,713.00.
The awards will be used to hire additional personnel and for counseling services, purchase of equipment, and other goods and services that benefit children who are the victims of sexual abuse.
Other goals in the Governor’s SOCEM plan include:
Support for law enforcement
Registration and enforcement (2006 legislation) -- For more information on Governor Ehrlich’s 2006 SOCEM legislation, log on to www.gov.state.md.us
Community protection and awareness --To search for non-compliant offenders, log on to www.socem.info
Amber alert -- To sign up for free amber alert text messaging, log on to www.wirelessambertalerts.org
Since Governor Ehrlich unveiled his SOCEM plan on August 20, 2005, both the SOCEM and the Sex Offender Registry websites have topped 15 million hits. Also, since the announcement at MACO, there has been an almost 41 percent reduction in the number of non-compliant sex offenders.