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Largest Transportation Plan ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 14, 2010) –Governor Martin O’Malley today kicked off the largest American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) transportation project in Maryland that will support 200 jobs while providing an important transportation upgrade in Baltimore County. The $25 million ARRA project at the interchange of I-695 and MD 26 (Liberty Road) will replace a 50-year-old bridge, one of four bridge replacement priorities identified for Maryland and addressed by the O’Malley-Brown Administration. “President Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has been critical in keeping more Marylanders working and in putting key transportation projects, like Liberty Road, back on track,” said Governor O’Malley. “Thanks to the hard work of Maryland’s Congressional Delegation and all of our federal and local partners, we are working together to revitalize our economy, to keep people employed and to build one of the best transportation networks in the nation.” From January to March 2010, the Recovery Act created or saved 13,821 jobs statewide in key job sectors including health, education, housing and transportation. The Recovery Act continues to build a legacy of moving Maryland forward with projects that reflect a balanced approach to transportation. “The Liberty Road reconstruction project is a prime example of the recovery package working for us,” said U.S. Senator Benjamin L Cardin. “It provides the funds that are needed to rehabilitate a major bridge that is used by thousands of Baltimore County residents a day and it will provide jobs for Marylanders. One of the main goals of the recovery package is to upgrade our aging infrastructure, an important step for future growth and development in our community.” “Jobs provide the gasoline that runs our nation's economy. At the same time, we need roads and bridges that get us where we need to go safely and efficiently. The federal funds from the Recovery Act are helping us achieve both of these goals through projects like the replacement of the I-695 Bridge over Liberty Road. We are keeping jobs here in Maryland while making much-needed improvements to our infrastructure,” said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, a Member of the House Appropriations Committee. Maryland benefits from 348 transportation contracts totaling $743 million in Recovery Act project investments. These projects are located in every corner of our transportation network, from the Port of Baltimore and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport to transit in the Baltimore and Washington regions and along the roads stretching from Western Maryland to the Eastern Shore. Governor O’Malley was joined today by Senator Cardin; Federal Highway Administrator Victor M. Mendez; Maryland Transportation Secretary Beverley K. Swaim-Staley and State Highway Administrator Neil J. Pedersen.“By all accounts, this project would not be possible without Recovery Act funding,” said Federal Highway Administrator Mendez. “By creating jobs and improving a key piece of the state’s infrastructure along one of the region’s fastest-growing routes, replacing this bridge will help the state’s economy and provide safer travel for the people of Maryland.” When this bridge was built in 1961, it carried only 31,000 vehicles a day. Today, this 50-year-old bridge carries more than 210,000 vehicles a day with another 50,000 vehicles expected in the next 20 years. While still safe, this bridge needs to be replaced with a modern bridge that can carry today’s traffic loads. “Not only is this important infrastructure upgrade going to benefit the traveling public in the entire Baltimore metropolitan region,” stated Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith. “It will further advance the Renaissance of our older communities while creating jobs that continue to propel our economy forward. I thank all of our state and federal officials for their continuing commitment to Baltimore County.” This $25 million project to replace the Baltimore Beltway bridge over Liberty Road is one of four top priority bridges the State Highway Administration has identified for replacement. The other bridges are the $44 million Charles Street Bridge that is underway in Towson and two bridges along I-70 in Frederick, a $45 million project that will begin later this year. The Charles Street Bridge over the Baltimore Beltway began in October 2009 and is expected to be completed in summer 2012. Two I-70 bridges in Frederick over East South Street and Reich’s Ford Road were announced in December 2009, with construction expected to begin in late 2010. The State Highway Administration and its contractor, Concrete General, Inc., of Gaithersburg, have completed preliminary site work and have begun median work on I-695. On or about June 15, crews will relocate the ramp from MD 26 East to I-695 North. Phases Two, Three and Four - the bridge removal and replacement - will begin in late June. Phase Five, roadway repair and resurfacing, will begin in mid-summer 2012. The entire project is expected to be complete by fall 2012. As of March 31, 2010, Maryland has expended $612,651,363 of the $2.19 billion awarded thus far in what is known as “Section 1512” Recovery Act funding. In addition to 1512 funding, Maryland received $196 million in federal Medicaid matching funds and $39 million in Family Safety Net programs, such as increases in TANF, adoption, child support, and food stamp assistance. Home Mediation in Maryland 3-15-2010 “There are no words to express our gratitude to the HOPE housing counselors and attorneys,” said DHCD Secretary Skinner. “Since the beginning of the HOPE Initiative, they have been outstanding partners in Maryland’s fight against foreclosure, and we look forward to strengthening that partnership as we move to implement this mediation plan.” “Maryland has already enacted some of the most sweeping reforms in the nation to manage the ongoing foreclosure crisis,” said Governor O’Malley. “Our proposed foreclosure mediation legislation builds on those existing reforms, mandating that lenders work directly with homeowners to achieve loan modifications. These lenders played a role in causing the problem, and this bill will encourage them to play a larger role in the solution.” “Despite resources like the federal Home Affordable Modification Program and other loss mitigation options, many homeowners who may be eligible for loan modifications do not receive them,” said Lt. Governor Brown. “This legislation will provide homeowners a chance to explore any and all options to find a positive resolution and remain in their homes.” Under the proposed legislation, the Notice of Intent to Foreclose that is sent by the lender to homeowners will be enhanced with additional information and materials, including: a loss mitigation application with instructions for completion and follow-up; the Maryland HOPE hotline number; a detailed foreclosure timeline; explanation of the eligibility requirements for the lender’s loan modification program; and additional loss mitigation and soft landing options such as short sales, deeds-in-lieu, and/or keys for cash. The legislation would also prohibit lenders from filing a foreclosure action without prior completion of a loan modification review, requiring the lender to include an affidavit documenting completion of the review, reasons for denial, or demonstrating that a review could not be completed because the borrower failed to participate in the review process. Lenders also must document that other loss mitigation alternatives were considered. Homeowners who have not received the loan modification and loss mitigation analysis to which they are entitled will be able to receive foreclosure mediation by filing a “Request for Foreclosure Mediation” form that the lender would be required to provide. An impartial facilitator will conduct the foreclosure mediation. A lender representative must be available for the mediation and must have the authority to bring about a resolution. The homeowner’s housing counselor may also attend. In order to ensure sufficient housing counseling services to support the mediation program and defray judicial costs for implementation, the legislation requires the lender to pay a significant fee upon the filing of a foreclosure action. The legislation will provide a new tool for homeowners under the State’s Home Owners Preserving Equity (HOPE) initiative, a multi-faceted approach to implementing strategies that promote and preserve homeownership. Under HOPE, the State enacted legal and regulatory reforms to overhaul the foreclosure process and timeline, allowing homeowners more time to seek counseling and find solutions. The Initiative also established a statewide network of nonprofit housing counseling agencies which provide free information and assistance. To augment the housing counselors, the Maryland Judiciary created a pro-bono attorney network that has enlisted and trained approximately 988 volunteer lawyers to aid at-risk homeowners. Since the summer of 2007, the State has provided over $5.5 million in assistance to the counseling and legal assistance networks. Through the end of February 2010, housing counselors have aided more than 35,500 homeowners and helped approximately 11,000 avoid foreclosure. In June 2009, Maryland was recognized by NeighborWorks, Inc. as one of the top five states in the country in terms of clients served through the National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling Program. Maryland State Emergency Website Toll Free: 1-877-MEMA-USA E-mail: help@mema.state.md.us For more information on swine flu Marylanders can go to: http://www.dhmh.state.md.us or http://www.maryland.gov/ Feed Your Neighbor 11-25-2009 Although we are the richest nation in the world, 49 million people, including more than 16 million children, were at risk of going hungry last year in America. To end hunger in our country, we must work together and address the problem in our own communities. The families, children and individuals that worry about where their next meal will come from, or have to skip a few meals, could live right next door to you. Everyone has a role to play. In this spirit, the Corporation for National and Community Service is launching the United We Serve: Feed a Neighbor initiative in collaboration with the White House and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The purpose of the initiative is to raise public awareness of hunger issues and ask Americans to help ensure that their neighbors have access to nutritional food this winter and throughout the year. There are many ways for you to help combat hunger through service. Go to Serve.gov to search for local volunteer opportunities. Or consider getting involved in the following anti-hunger projects in your community. This volunteer toolkit was created by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. For the latest Economic Research Service data on Food Insecurity in America, please visit http://www.ers.usda.gov/Publications/Err83/. SURROUND CHILDREN WITH NUTRITIOUS FOOD WHERE THEY LIVE, LEARN, AND PLAY Why Should I Care? We have all experienced hunger at one time or another: We've all craved a midnight snack, wanted something salty or skipped a meal. But there's a big difference between trying to satisfy a brief craving or stomach growl and wondering when or from where your next meal will come. More than 16.7 million- almost one in four-children in America are at risk of hunger. Many of these children will endure lifelong consequences as a result of having limited access to nutritious foods. In fact, they're more likely to suffer poorer health, fatigue, hospitalizations, behavioral difficulties and impaired performance at school. And hunger doesn't discriminate. It can affect any child-even those you'd least expect. Despite the good efforts of government, private-sector institutions and everyday Americans, millions of our children still don't have daily access to the nutritious meals they need to live active, healthy lives. What Can I Do? Help kick off a local school's breakfast program to ensure all kids get a good start to the day We all know that starting the day with a healthy breakfast is critical for our young people. This toolkit is designed for individuals who have an interest in increasing the number of schools and children participating in the School Breakfast Program, determining the type of meal service most suited to their needs and developing a marketing plan that will capture the attention and support of everyone involved with the lives of school children: http://www.fns.usda.gov/CND/ Breakfast/toolkit/Default.htm. Serve fresh fruits and vegetables to school children The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) can be an important catalyst in efforts to combat childhood obesity by helping children learn more healthful eating habits. The program targets schools with a high percentage of children receiving free and reduced price school meals. It has been successful in introducing children to a variety of produce that they otherwise might not have the opportunity to sample. Encouraging more elementary schools to apply for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program will create healthier school environments and make a difference in school children's present and future health: http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/FFVP/FFVPdefault.htm.Educate families about healthy, low-cost meals with Share Our Strength's Operation Frontline Teach low-income families how to prepare healthy, low-cost meals that they'll enjoy eating together-lessons that will last a lifetime. Use your time and talents to help low-income families develop the nutrition, cooking, food budgeting and financial planning skills they need: http://www.strength.org/operation_frontline/ volunteer/. You can also find and share healthful recipes at http://recipefinder.nal.usda.gov/.Create a School Health Council to assess and improve your school district's Wellness Policy Schools that participate in the National School Lunch and/or School Breakfast programs are required by Congress to have a local wellness policy that promotes the health of students and addresses the growing problem of childhood obesity. Local wellness policies help ensure that schools are addressing child health in a comprehensive way, including nutritious food, nutrition education, physical education and preventive screening. Learn how you can support your school district's efforts here: http://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/Healthy/ wellnesspolicy_steps.html. Share your great healthy school meal ideas with other schools.There is a role for the culinary community to play in ensuring our schools provide nutritious food to students. Already chefs across the country are connecting with schools to share recipes, ideas about nutritionally balanced meals and other support.? Visit this user-friendly website to join the discussion: www.usda.gov/chefstoschools. Drunk Driving and Other Penalty Bills Effective October 1, 2009 Motor Vehicle Administration Point System - HB 1412- This departmental bill alters four sections of Maryland Vehicle Law that pertains to the MVA’s point system. The bill eliminates the Point System Conference and instead requires all drivers who accumulate five to seven points within a two-year period to attend the more comprehensive Driver Improvement Course; it also eliminates the requirement for a return receipt request when the MVA sends a notice of suspension or revocation for accumulation of points. The bill removes vague statutory language that restricts the ability of administrative law judges to modify administrative sanctions and revocations of driver’s licenses; and the bill would allow the MVA to move to an automated system of checking and assessing points. Criminal Procedure - Drunk and Drugged Driving - Probation Before Judgment - HB 301/SB 259 - This bill is a recommendation of the 2007 Task Force to Combat Driving Under the Influence of Drugs and Alcohol. It extends from 5 years to 10 years the period that a prior alcohol or drug-related driving offense disqualifies a defendant from eligibility to be place on probation before judgment. Vehicle Laws - Violations by Drivers Under the Age of 18 Years - Driver's License Suspensions - SB 219 - This bill expands the offenses committed by young drivers under the age of 18, requiring the MVA to suspend the driver’s license. The offenses include failing to remain at the scene of an accident involving bodily injury, death, or property damage; and fleeing and eluding a police officer. The bill also requires MVA to suspend the provisional license of an individual younger than age 18, who accumulates five or more points in a 12-month period, for six months for a first offense and one year for a second or subsequent offense. If a provisional license holder younger than age 18 is guilty of reckless or negligent driving, aggressive driving, or engaging in a racing or a speed contest, MVA must suspend the license for six months for a first offense and one year for a second or subsequent offense. Vehicle Laws - Repeated Drunk and Drugged Driving Offenses - Suspension of License - SB 262 - This bill contains provisions recommended by the task force. The bill clarifies that, unless otherwise specified, MVA is authorized to impose a one-year driver’s license suspension on a person who is convicted of any drunk or impaired driving offense more than once within a five-year period. On request of a person whose license is suspended under this provision, MVA may issue a restricted driver’s license for the suspension period if the person participates in the Ignition Interlock System Program. Vehicle Laws - Alcohol Restriction on Driver's License Penalties for Violations SB 263 - This bill is a recommendation of the 2007 Task Force to Combat Driving Under the Influence of Drugs and Alcohol. It makes the conviction for a violation of an alcohol restriction on a driver’s license that is imposed by the MVA a misdemeanor. The bills subject a person who violates this restriction to maximum penalties of up to two months imprisonment and/or a fine of $500. The bills also establish that the violation of any restriction imposed on a driver’s license or the violation of any rule or regulation under the Maryland Vehicle Law may subject the violator to up to two months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $500. Driver Licensing BillsVehicle Laws - Lawful Status in the United States - Material Compliance with Federal Requirements - HB 387 - This bill mandates the Motor Vehicle Administration to require a new applicant for a driver’s license, an identification card, or a moped permit (DL/ID) to prove with documentation they are in the United States legally, either as a citizen or a legal alien. Applicants must also prove to the MVA that they possess a valid social security card, or provide proof they are not eligible for one. For those who already possess a DL/ID that cannot prove their lawful status, the MVA will renew their product and it will read that it cannot be used for Federal Identification purposes. These cards will expire by July 1, 2015. After that day, all newly issued and renewed DL/IDs will require proof of lawful presence. Effective: June 1, 2009Vehicle Laws - Teen Driver Safety - HB 303 - This Administration bill increases by three months the age limit for issuance of a provisional driver’s license (from 16,3 to 16,6) and driver’s license (from 17,9 to 18); Requires learner’s permit holders and provisional licensees to be violation-free, including probations before judgments, before advancing to next licensing stage; authorizes the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) to cancel the license of a minor on request of the person who cosigned the minor’s driver license application and provides for re-issuance of a minor’s cancelled license; establishes new penalties against the provisional license of those under 18 who commit two or more moving violations; and requires MVA to submit an application for criminal history records check for a driving instructor candidate. The provisions of the bill regarding age of eligibility for licenses apply prospectively and do not apply to those who have already obtained a license. |
Update August 13,2010 Annapolis, Maryland News- Members of the Annapolis, Maryland Viistors and Conference Bureau celebrate their Twentieth Anniversary at the Loews Hotel.
Left to right are Brenda Cormeny,Clare Mardall, Bob Dipietro (RJD Consultants and Board Member), Susan Parker, and Susan Steckman.
Members Jennelle Murph (Mayors Office-Special Events), Marie Dall' Acqua (Eastport Business Association,and Brenda Cormeny (CVB)
Washington News Elena Kagan 7-1-2010 About Kagan's opening statement. "I will listen hard, to every party before the court and to each of my colleagues. I will work hard. And I will do my best to consider every case impartially, modestly, with commitment to principle and in accordance with law," she said in her speech to Senators. Elena Kagans background in case you don't know; She earned a master of philosophy at Oxford in 1983.[15] She received a Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, at Harvard Law School in 1986 and she is a graduate of Harvard Law School where she became supervising editor of the Harvard Law Review and graduated magna cum laude in 1986. She began teaching law at the University of Chicago Law School, and by 1995 she was a tenured professor of law. Kagan left the school that same year,to work as an Associate Counsel for President Bill Clinton. During her four years at the White House, she was promoted several times: first to the position of Deputy Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, and then to the role of Deputy Director of the Domestic Policy Council. These are Major accomplishments for any woman. After working for the President, she then went back to teaching. She became a visiting professor at Harvard Law. Ms. Kagan advanced from Professor of Law in 2001 to Dean of the Law School in 2003. As the 11th Dean her assessment of the faciities there renewed the campus with a facelift ,and curriculum. She was there for five years as the Dean of Harvard Law School. Accoding to Wiki, She was appointed Solicitor General by President Barack Obama on January 26, 2009. Jobs Across Maryland Tour Governor Martin O'Malley Continues "Jobs Across Maryland Tour" at Morgan Stanley Location Opening BALTIMORE, MD (June 10, 2010) –Governor Martin O’Malley joined officials from Baltimore City, the Environmental Protection Agency, and Morgan Stanley today as he continued his “Jobs Across Maryland Tour” at the move-in ceremony for Morgan Stanley’s new Baltimore location at the Thames Street Wharf. The move is part of a long-planned expansion for the company in Baltimore that will immediately move 600 employees into the new location, create an additional 900 jobs in the next decade, and make Morgan Stanley one of Baltimore’s largest financial institutions. Morgan Stanley now occupies 139,000 square feet in the new Thames Street Wharf, making it the first tenant of the first major structure of the 27-acre Harbor Point development in Baltimore. 505 construction jobs were supported during the project. “If you compare Maryland to virtually any State in America, we are in better position to rebound stronger and sooner. But it won’t happen automatically, and that’s why we are urgently focused on creating and saving jobs,” said Governor O’Malley. “Morgan Stanley’s expansion and creation of 1,500 jobs in Baltimore is a win for the City, the people of Maryland, and our economy. And because this is a redevelopment of previously abandoned and contaminated land, it’s a win for our planet.” The Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development provided the company with $7.5 million in conditional grants from the Sunny Day fund to assist in the project. Morgan Stanley also benefited from Job Creation Tax Credit, which offers $1,000 tax credit per newly created job to businesses to encourage expansion or relocation to Maryland. This is a separate credit from the Job Creation and Recovery Tax Credit created by Governor O’Malley this year. Morgan Stanley also benefited from the One Maryland Tax Credit, which is granted to businesses that invest in an economic development project in a qualified distressed county, such as Baltimore City. In addition, by virtue of falling within a Maryland Enterprise Zone and a Baltimore Empowerment Zone, the project qualified for additional state credits and various federal credits. “Morgan Stanley is proud to have a presence in Baltimore and we are grateful to the State of Maryland, the City of Baltimore and our other partners for their close collaboration and assistance as we expand our operations at our new Thames Street Wharf building,” said Stephen Daffron, Global Head of Operations at Morgan Stanley. “We are committed to fulfilling the job creation milestones we have established in conjunction with the State of Maryland and to serving as a responsible and dedicated member of the Baltimore community.” From the early 1900s through the 1980s, the property was home to Allied Signal Baltimore Works, a chromium processing plant. The plant closed in 1985. In 1989, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Maryland Department of the Environment entered into a consent decree with Allied Signal for further investigation and cleanup of the Baltimore Works facility. Remediation of the former Allied Signal site took more than 10 years and $100 million to complete. “Thames Street Wharf has become a national model for public/private partnership,” said Michael Beatty, President of H&S Properties Development Corporation. “We are here today because of the leadership and collaboration of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the State of Maryland, Maryland Department of the Environment, the City of Baltimore, Honeywell and Morgan Stanley. We are thrilled that Morgan Stanley chose Harbor East for its new business services center in Maryland -- at what we believe to be the greatest mixed-use waterfront location on the entire East Coast.” Maryland remains one of only eight states to retain a Triple A bond rating, certified by all three rating agencies. With an unemployment rate more than 20 percent below the national average, Maryland created more than 36,000 jobs between February and April. Over the same period, every job growth sector experienced gains, particularly in those areas of the economy that have struggled during the recession. Construction jobs gained by 7,200, leisure and hospitality gained more than 12,000 jobs, and manufacturing added 700 jobs. Recently, Governor O’Malley announced InvestMaryland, an initiative that will create a public private partnership to fuel venture capital investment, creating thousands of jobs and providing the Maryland Venture Fund and private venture partners with $100 million to directly invest in Maryland firms and the potential to unlock hundreds of millions and perhaps billions in economic activity. During the 2010 legislative session, Governor O’Malley successfully fought for the creation of the Job Creation and Recovery Tax Credit, which provides businesses with a $5,000 tax credit for every unemployed Marylander it hires. Also during the session, the Governor worked with the General Assembly, labor leaders, and business interests to fix and stabilize the broken and nearly bankrupt unemployment insurance trust fund. In addition, Governor O’Malley has championed efforts to increase access to credit for Maryland small businesses, by creating the Small Business Loan Guaranty Program and pushing for efforts in Washington to target TARP funds for this purpose 6-2-2010 A Message from the Governor Investing in Innovation Yesterday we announced a new, major initiative aimed at spurring investment and creating jobs in Maryland's growing innovative industries, called InvestMaryland. Maryland's "Innovation Economy," including life sciences, biotechnology, and cybersecurity, is a driving force behind our recent jobs gains. And in order for these industries to continue creating jobs, they must have access to the necessary capital to advance innovation. It must be our goal to convert more of our federal research and development investments into jobs and economic opportunity. Venture capital, as we all know, is a key ingredient. InvestMaryland will create a public private partnership to fuel venture capital investment, creating thousands of jobs and providing the Maryland Venture Fund and private venture partners with $100 million to directly invest in Maryland firms and the potential to unlock hundreds of millions and perhaps billions in economic activity. The discoveries, technologies and innovation that are being advanced every day in laboratories, universities, and companies throughout Maryland hold the promise and potential to remake our economy and our world. They can revolutionize the way we feed, fuel, and heal our planet. This year, we've increased the Biotech Tax Credit, championed a tax credit to get Maryland's unemployed back to work, and expanded small business loan guarantees to increase access to credit. InvestMaryland will leverage these efforts and drive even more in economic activity through strategic capital investments in our "Innovation Economy." Martin O'Malley Governor Maryland Crime Way Down 5-10-2010 Governor Martin O'Malley Announces Violent Crime Rate at Its Lowest Level Since 1975. Official 2009 statewide crime data show dramatic overall crime reductions. LARGO, MD (May 10, 2010) –Joined by law enforcement officials, including U.S. Attorney Rod Rosenstein, Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Glenn Ivey and members of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 89, Governor Martin O’Malley today announced historic reductions in crime in Maryland for 2009. According to 2009 year-end crime data compiled by the Maryland State Police and submitted to the FBI for use in the national crime statistics report, Maryland’s violent crime rate is at its lowest level in Maryland since modern crime-tracking began in 1975. Similarly, total crime declined to its lowest level since 1975, as have homicides, dropping 12 percent since 2008 with 57 fewer people murdered last year in Maryland than the year before. “Protecting the public’s safety is the greatest obligation of government at every level,” said Governor O’Malley. “It is not by chance, but by choice that even in tough economic times, we’ve delivered results for the people of Maryland, driving down crime throughout our One Maryland to its lowest levels in recorded history. Working together, we’re aligning our efforts between state, local, county, and federal law enforcement and government at levels never before seen in our State. These statewide figures are also reflected in Prince George’s County, where Governor O’Malley made today’s announcement. Overall crime is at its lowest level in the County since 1975, with violent crime in the County is at its lowest level since 1984 and automobile thefts dropping to the lowest level since 1985. “I want to thank Governor O’Malley for his commitment to public safety that has led to record crime reduction across our state in 2009,” Johnson said. “During difficult times, many questioned our methods in reducing crime, but today I am proud that we stayed the course and reached record crime reduction in Prince George’s County in 2008 and 2009.” Statewide, data for 2009 show reductions compared to 2008 not only in homicides but also in motor vehicle theft (-23.0%), robbery (-9.0%), aggravated assault (-3.0%), breaking and entering (-5.0%), and larceny-theft (-6.0%). Twenty jurisdictions reported reductions in total crime, with nine reporting double-digit reductions between 2008 and 2009. Fifteen jurisdictions noted specific reductions in violent crime (murder, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault), with seven reporting double-digit decreases. Twenty-two jurisdictions noted specific reductions in property crime (breaking and entering, larceny/theft, and motor vehicle theft), with eight jurisdictions reporting reductions of 10 percent or more. “For the last three years, Governor O'Malley has directed State public safety agencies to engage in the local fight against crime like never before,” said Kristen Mahoney, Director of the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention. “By focusing on improving violent probationer compliance, reducing illegal gun trafficking, increasing warrant service, and applying the most effective law enforcement technology and information sharing strategies to our collective fight against violent crime, I am proud to stand with the Governor and our partners on the federal, state and local levels to realize a safer Maryland. Governor O’Malley tasked the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention with forming both local partnerships, and working partnerships across borders of neighboring states and the District of Columbia to crack down on violent criminals. At today’s announcement, Governor O’Malley highlighted some of the programs implemented in the last three years that have contributed to these dramatic reductions, including: Public Safety Dashboard: A database of life-saving information shared with 16,000 law enforcement officers and government servants in more than 100 agencies. This innovative approach to information sharing currently registers between 25,000 and 40,000 hits per day. License Plate Recognition Software: Through the application of advanced license plate reader technologies, funded largely through the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention, local and State law enforcement is delivering real results to crack down on auto theft. Motor vehicle theft dropped 23 percent statewide last year compared to 2008. Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force: Through innovative cross border collaboration, this task force comprised of law enforcement agencies from Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, has issued 1,000 warrants to help make neighborhoods safer in the DC Metro area. Violence Prevention Initiative: This innovative approach to managing and supervising the most violent offenders has driven violent crime down in Maryland to its lowest levels since 1975. Crime data show these individuals have the greatest propensity for committing future acts of violence. Anti-gang initiatives: Resulting from reforms championed by the O’Malley-Brown Administration, Maryland agencies now share gang intelligence information among over 100 partner agencies within Maryland and with regional partners. DNA: After inheriting a backlog of 24,000 unanalyzed and 15,000 uncollected DNA samples, Governor O’Malley allocated the necessary resources to eliminate that backlog leading to case closures and arrests of violent fugitives. In 2009 alone, 103 murderers, rapists, and other criminals who might otherwise be walking the streets, were arrested thanks to DNA technology. Unprecedented interagency cooperation: As a result of efficiency reforms implemented by the O’Malley-Brown Administration, the Department of Parole and Probation, and Department of Corrections, the Department of Juvenile Services, and local law enforcement cooperate and communicate at unprecedented levels, ensuring low recidivism and high rates of supervision for the most violent offenders. Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown on Federal Recovery Funds for Health IT ANNAPOLIS, Md. (March 15, 2010) – Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown released the following statement today applauding President Brack Obama, members of the Maryland Congressional Delegation, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for awarding Maryland $9.3 million to build upon existing work to create a health information exchange: “I applaud President Obama and the members of Team Maryland for ensuring that Maryland received Federal funding to expand its health information exchange and improve the quality of care for all Marylanders. Because of their leadership, our doctors and hospitals will be able to provide our patients with the highest quality of care they demand. “Patients and doctors need better access to information technology and a more robust platform to share important information. Late last year, I had the opportunity to meet with doctors, providers, nurses and health professionals at a number of hospitals, clinics and private practices across the state and I learned a great deal about the benefits of a strong health IT system. This Federal support will go a long way to build on the successful programs many hospitals and practices have already implemented and will, in the long run, save patients, insurers and taxpayers money. “Governor O’Malley and I are committed to improving the quality of care and lowering costs for all Marylanders. Greater utilization of electronic health records will help us reach both of those goals and will bring our health system into the 21st Century.” The Maryland Health Care Commission will receive $9,313,924 to help facilitate health information exchange and advance health information technology. The funds, allocated through the American Recovery and Reinvest Act, are part of the HHS $2 billion effort to achieve widespread meaningful use of health IT and provide use of an electronic health record by every citizen by 2014. “These funds will accelerate Maryland's innovative health IT partnership between government and healthcare providers and allow them to get health information into the hands of clinicians when and where they need it,” said Secretary John M. Colmers of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. This award comes after more than three years of planning by providers, payers, consumers, and other stakeholders from across the state. A non-profit organization, Chesapeake Regional Information System for our Patients (CRISP), was selected to develop the state’s health information exchange and was awarded $10 million from the State’s unique hospital all-payer rate setting system as initial funding for the project. “Private and secure health information exchange will assure that providers and patients have the information they need to make the best health care choices. Used together with electronic health records, the exchange will help improve treatment, prevent errors, and reduce health care costs.” said Rex Cowdry, M.D., Executive Director of the Maryland Health Care Commission. Lt. Governor Brown leads the O’Malley-Brown administration efforts on health care and is currently championing two pieces of legislation – the Maryland False Health Claims Act of 2010 and the Patient Centered Medical Home bill – before the Maryland General Assembly that will lower costs, improve the quality of care and protect taxpayers from Medicaid fraud.
Pretty Ducks but No Seaweed for Them to Eat or Forage Around In In Washington What the President Said About Health Care and Insurance President Barack Obama spoke of how the rising costs of health care are stifling America’s small businesses, and how reform will strengthen these businesses and the economy. Small businesses create roughly half of all new jobs, but they also pay up to 18 percent more for the very same insurance plans as larger businesses. Too many have been forced to cut benefits, drop coverage, shed jobs, or shut their doors entirely. Health insurance reform is integral to laying a new foundation for our economy so that small businesses can grow and create new jobs. And right now, small business' are paying up to 18 percent more for the very same insurance plans as larger businesses because they have higher administrative costs and less bargaining power. Many have been forced to cut benefits or drop coverage. Some have shed jobs or shut their doors entirely. And recent studies show that if we fail to act now, employers will pay six percent more to insure their employees next year – and more than twice as much over the next decade. Rising health care costs are undermining our businesses, exploding our deficits, and costing our nation more jobs with each passing month. By now, the urgency of these reforms is abundantly clear. And after long hours of thoughtful deliberation and tough negotiation, the Senate Finance Committee – the final congressional committee involved in shaping health care legislation – has finished the process of crafting their reform proposal. As we move forward in the coming weeks, I understand that members of Congress from both parties will want to engage in a vigorous debate and contribute their own ideas. And I welcome those contributions. I welcome any sincere attempts to improve legislation before it reaches my desk. But what I will not accept are attempts to stall, or drag our feet. I will not accept partisan efforts to block reform at any cost. Instead, I expect us to move forward with a spirit of civility, a seriousness of purpose, and a willingness to compromise that characterizes our democratic process at its very best. If we do that, I am confident that we will pass reform this year, and help ensure that our entrepreneurs, our businesses, and our economy can thrive in the years ahead. Maryland to Host 2009 World Stem Cell Summit More than 250 individuals today attended the First Maryland Stem Cell Research Symposium, jointly hosted by Governor Martin O'Malley and the Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission. This event was the first of what will become an annual event. During the opening remarks, Governor O'Malley announced that Maryland has been selected to host the 2009 World Stem Cell Summit, which will come to Baltimore September 21 through 23. The World Stem Cell Summit brings together nearly 1,500 stem cell stakeholders from across the nation and the globe to discuss critical issues in stem cell research and discuss the future of regenerative medicine. The symposium, held in the
Kossiakoff Center at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory,
featured presentations from Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund awardees
and poster presentations from over 60 Maryland-supported stem cell
scientists. The First Maryland Stem Cell Research Symposium and the announcement of Maryland as host of the 2009 World Stem Cell Summit mark two very important milestones in Maryland's emergence as a national leader in life sciences. Today's events will allow Maryland to continue to lead in life saving technologies and in this growing industry. The Clean Water Act Over the last six years, the Bush administration has proposed or enacted numerous policies that weaken the Clean Water Act. These include: two separate policies that eliminate Clean Water Act protections for streams and wetlands that feed and clean treasured lakes, rivers and bays; funding cuts to EPA’s budget, including significant cuts to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund; and policies that allow more sewage pollution into waterways. Environment Maryland called on the Bush administration to end its efforts to weaken federal clean water safeguards and for Congress to pass the Clean Water Restoration Act, legislation to ensure all U.S. waterways are protected by the Clean Water Act.Bell was joined by Kathy Phillips, of Assateague Coastal Trust, who is the Assateague Coastkeeper and a member of the Waterkeeper Alliance. Speaking on behalf of the Atlantic coastal bays watershed she commented, “The Clean Water Restoration Act goes a long way to rectify many of these issues. It is important that the Restoration Act, as written, be supported and passed so that our wetlands, small streams, creeks, and any body of water regardless of whether it is navigable or not, are protected under the law.” Environment Maryland urged Representative Wayne Gilchrest to mark
the anniversary of the Clean Water Act by joining the 172 cosponsors
of the Clean Water Restoration Act. “Instead of holding polluters accountable, the Bush administration is allowing more—not less-- pollution to enter our waterways. Now more than ever, Congress should step in to protect all of America’s waters,” concluded Bell. |
911 What's New for You in the Area
Lisa and Peri Lewnes Founders of The Annapoiis Pretentious Film Society 7-9-2010 Yes, it is the real thing presenting independent films for the theater before you see them in "The Movies". The next presentation "LOOP" by Pericles Lewnes will be free and screened August 20, 8:00 p.m. at the O'Callahan hotel. Synopsis: The Lewnes have been showing films for a year and have had good crowd attendance. The last one "A Person of Interest" was at once controversial and definitive, vehemently proactive, and overwhelmingly relevant in a political climate charged with uncertainties, Person of Interest gives voice to a disenfranchised generation of soldiers, while bravely prodding at the seams of homegrown terrorism in the United States. "The WaterHole" presented in early July played to a packed full house. The film was very interesting about coming of age in an adult world. Actors were great at showing feelings of the characters and almost every guy and girl can relate to the subject matter. A must see when it does come into theaters. Look it up on UTube. Annettes Cakery 6-1-2010 Annettes Cakery in Severna Park, Maryland. New geat tasting Gelato and classic cakes baked by Annette. Gelato so creamy you want to say Yum!! My first reaction to the taste of Gelato was awesome, then Yum. What a great taste and it is 1/3 of the calories of ice cream. So much the better for my waisteline. LOL. While I was there about ten young boys ages 12 or so came in and could hardly contain themselves until they got their Gelatos. Over eighteen varieties are available, according to new owner Annette Drew. From Mango, to Dirt, to Birthday cake, to Orange, to Lemon and Mango plus. Seating is available. Coffee and classic cakes will be available on weekends, owner Annette Drew said. Annette a county resident for ten years, is best known for her baking of unusual cakes for party occasions, is glad to be in her new shop and serving happy faces. Visit anytime between noon and 8:00p.m. : 562 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. Md. Rte 648 Severna Park, Maryland 21146 410-315-9650 Jobs Governor O'Malley 7-2-2010 After three straight months of job gains in Maryland, we continue to see signs everyday that Maryland is coming through this national recession stronger and more quickly than other states because of the tough choices we've made as One Maryland, investing in the next generation of jobs in our innovative, knowledge-based economy. Recently, we launched this year's Biotech Tax Credit application process, an annual event that brings scores of biotech startups to the popular program that provides credits for biotech investments. This year's application process occurred online, with more than 100 investors and more than 20 companies seeking the credit, which we increased to an available $8 million this year. Baltimore area hospitals are creating jobs to staff new expansions on their campuses, demonstrating Baltimore's national leadership in the healthcare industry. Thousands of jobs resulting from the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process are on their way, with one local defense contractor anticipating 200 to 300 jobs in its new office within the gates of Aberdeen Proving Ground. And the U.S. Department of Labor is providing nearly $5 million in grants to train local cyber technicians to defend the nation's interest in a growing cyber security field. As we continue to recover from the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, Maryland is already positioned to come through this stronger and more quickly than other states. The Washington area and Baltimore City each bucked national trends, adding thousands of jobs in the last ten years while many other major U.S. cities saw their job trends decline. Martin O'Malley Governor Up to Date Web Site for Maryland Residents 6-1-2010 Governor Martin O'Malley recently announced the launch of "We Connect: Maryland," a website that expands upon the State's service webpage, www.problemsolver.maryland.gov The governor announces an important improvement in comunications services to residents. To provide Marylanders with more access to state and federal resources during these challenging economic times. Governor O'Malley teamed up with California's First Lady Maria Shriver to launch a newer website to help residents with services. The WE Connect campaign is a public/private partnership designed to help the nation's working families become more financially secure by connecting them to important programs and resources. Many of these programs, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and the Women, Infant and Children's Program, are available to individuals and families, but are not fully taken advantage of. This nationwide campaign connects those eligible with the information and tools they need to access these valuable resources, empowering them to live their dreams. Marylanders can visit www.Maryland.weconnect.net Financial Literacy for Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot joined an unparalleled coalition of supporters today calling for passage of legislation mandating a financial literacy graduation requirement for all Maryland students. Students, parents, educators and business leaders rallied for better financial education. "The time is now for Maryland to become the fourth state in the nation to require a standalone course in financial literacy as a high school graduation requirement," Comptroller Franchot said. "I believe that fewer people would be drowning in debt today and facing the loss of their homes, their credit ratings and their financial security if they had been armed with a financial education. We don't have time to wait," he added. "If everybody has the knowledge they need, then they'll be able to avoid financial tragedy, like foreclosure and credit card debt and that, in the end, helps everybody," student Aaron Moore said. "Students are required to learn basic math calculations yet we don't require that they learn the importance of credit scores or saving," said Kevin Murley, a teacher at Montgomery Blair High School. "The result is that most Americans learn these topics on the fly or fall prey to a financial system for which they are unprepared to enter. The misconceptions high school kids have about finance are too many to fathom." Banking and financial industry leaders recognize the importance of a financial education in protecting young people's futures as well. "As we examine the impact of the recent recession, it has become increasingly clear that our high school students would benefit from additional education and insight about the decisions that will affect their financial position over time," said David Beck, vice president for The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. "Without a thorough understanding of the importance of saving, borrowing, investing and credit, our children become vulnerable to developing blemished credit histories, paying higher and more frequent fees on late payments, paying higher interest rates on loans and building unmanageable levels of debt and a diminished quality of life," said Rodney Staatz, president and CEO of the State Employees Credit Union. "We should not wait any longer to make sure all of our students graduate with at least a basic level of financial literacy," he added. "Rarely has there been a more urgent and vital need for financial literacy in our state and for its youth than now," said Scot Stark, president and CEO of the Financial Planning Association of Maryland. "This financial literacy legislation represents the first step in that commitment and the benefits of passing it would only be exceeded by the drawbacks of not doing so," he added. Domestic Violence Grants 2-15-2009 In recognition of Domestic Violence Being So Devastating to Families, Governor Martin O’Malley and Lt. Governor Anthony Brown today, joined by state, civic and law enforcement leaders, announced that the State of Maryland will award $1.8 million in STOP – Violence Against Women (VAWA) Federal funding grants to help victims of domestic violence. Governor O’Malley and Lt. Governor Brown also signed the Governor’s Family Violence Council Executive Order adding Attorney General Doug Gansler as a Co-chair of the Council, among other changes. “Last year alone, 52 women, men, and children lost their lives in our State because of domestic violence, and there were nearly 20,000 cases reported to police and 41,000 protective and peace orders filed in District Court,” said Governor O’Malley. “The prevention of domestic violence and the support for the victims of these heinous crimes, improving protection, prevention, enforcement and services are among our Administration’s most urgent and pressing priorities. We must do all that we can to help Maryland’s most vulnerable citizens.” “Domestic violence has touched too many Maryland families. I applaud Governor O’Malley’s work that has strengthened existing partnerships and forged new ones to help Maryland fight back against domestic violence,” said Lt. Governor Brown. “By working together, we can reduce the number of innocent Marylanders who have tragically become statistics.” The Violence Against Women grants is part of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) which was signed into law on August 1994 as a part of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. VAWA created new grant programs encouraging states to address domestic violence and sexual assault including the S.T.O.P (Services and Training for Officers and Prosecutors) Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program. The VAWA Act was reauthorized in 2000 and again in 2005. VAWA funds represent the largest portion of funding of the Act and go to states to be distributed among police, prosecutors, courts and state and local victims services. In Maryland, S.T.O.P VAWA funds are administered by the Governor's Office of Crime Control & Prevention (GOCCP) under the authority of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. This year, GOCCP allocated approximately $1.8 million in grant funds to 63 organizations/agencies that encourage the development and strengthening of effective, victim-centered law enforcement, prosecution, and court strategies to combat violent crimes against women and to develop and enhance victim services that address violence against women statewide. The Family Violence Council was created by Executive Order in 2006, but no formal appointments were made. In January of 2008 Governor Martin O’Malley appointed the 21 member Council. The Council’s mission is to provide the Governor with timely and accurate information on family violence with recommendations that will reduce and eliminate abusive behaviors. The Council had their first meeting on January 7, 2008. The Council developed three committees: Public Awareness, Data, and Legislative, and recommended that the Governor redefine the Executive Order to include the Attorney General and a member of the public. Under the new Executive Order, the Council’s membership will be increased from 21 to 25 and will include, Lt. Governor Brown, Attorney General Gansler, Scott Patterson (the State's Attorney from Talbot County who will be representing the Maryland State's Attorney's Association), and Vicki Sadehvandi, the Executive Director of CASA in Hagerstown. Attorney General Gansler will serve as the new Chairperson of the Council. The Vice Chairs will be Jodi Finkelstein (Executive Director of the Domestic Violence Center of Howard County) and Cheryl Kravitz (President of CRK Communications). “I am honored to serve as Chair of the Governor’s Family Violence Council. Prevention of domestic violence and the promotion of healthy relationships are critical to creating and sustaining a safe and just society, and I am committed to do my part to achieve these goals,” said Attorney General Gansler. “I look forward to working with Governor O'Malley, Lt. Governor Brown, and the members of this Council.” “Domestic violence is too complex for any one agency to handle, thus the importance for a coordinated community response. Given the magnitude and impact that domestic violence has on Marylanders, we are extremely pleased that the Governor is taking the lead on the issue of domestic violence,” said Jodi Finkelstein, Executive Director of the Domestic Violence Center of Howard County and Cheryl Kravitz, President of CRK Communications, Co-Chairs of the Family Violence Council. October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which evolved from the first Day of Unity observed in October, 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The intent was to connect battered women’s advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children. The Day of Unity soon became a special week when a range of activities were conducted at the local, state, and national levels. In October 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed. That same year the first national toll-free hotline was begun. In 1989 the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month Commemorative Legislation was passed by the U.S. Congress. In October 1994 NCADV, in conjunction with Ms. Magazine, created the “Remember My Name” project, a national registry to increase public awareness of domestic violence deaths. Since then, NCADV has been collecting information on women who have been killed by an intimate partner and produces a poster each October for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, listing the names of those documented in that year. For more information on energy and money saving tips for your home go to www.energy.maryland.gov Also check out www.energysavers.gov for additional winter weatherization tips. |
