Annapolis Capital Punishment

(printed below in its entirety...)

Dear Constituent:

The 2009 Legislative Session is over. In January it was clear that the national recession and the budget would present a huge challenge. Striking a balanced budget is the one single requirement of the Legislature by the State Constitution.

This year the $13.8 billion General Fund Operating Budget was approved on the last day. It freezes spending at most state agencies and includes cuts in road funding and other state aid to counties. We avoided massive state employee lay offs, froze tuition for the 4^th year at Maryland Colleges and Universities, left a sizable fund balance and rainy day fund and held on to our AAA bond rating which is a sign of our fiscal strength and well-being. Only 7 other states have that desirable rating which saves millions for our taxpayers.

I am not able to cover in this letter all the issues so many of you wrote about. In all we received approximately 1700 e-mails, 60 phone calls and 100 letters. These numbers represent only those that were from District 30 constituents and had to do with a specific bill. The issues that concerned you most include:

The Environment: We passed a bill requiring nitrogen-removing septic systems in the Critical Area to reduce pollution in our rivers and the Bay. Grants to homeowners from the Bay Restoration Fund (flush tax) should cover the extra cost. A bill to grant “standing” in MD Courts for associations who challenge environmental decisions and Critical Area variances also passed. Several Smart Growth bills passed, one of which corrects an Appeals Court decision to make it clear that zoning maps should be “consistent” with County General Development plans. Program Open Space was fully funded. Greenhouse Gas legislation passed to reduce harmful emissions by 25% by 2020.

Electricity: Consumers have been struggling with huge utility costs. A plan to partially re-regulate the electricity market failed by a unanimous vote in the House Economic Matters Committee. This is an extremely complex matter and many felt this legislation would not help residential consumers with their electric bills.

Domestic Violence: Two bills passed giving judges more authority to take fire arms from those accused of domestic violence. Violence and guns don’t mix.

Death Penalty: There was emotional and well thought out debate on the bill to repeal the death penalty. In the end the legislation limits capital punishment to those with DNA or biological evidence, a video taped confession or a video tape linking the suspect to a homicide. No matter which side you are on, no one wants to execute the wrong person.

Driver’s Licenses and Compliance with Real ID Federal Requirements: On the last day both Houses approved a compromise measure to eliminate illegal immigrants’ access to driver’s licenses as of June 1^st. An emergency clause which would have stopped issuing licenses April 19^th failed to get the necessary 85 votes. Those who already have licenses can renew until 2015. The license will not permit the holder to enter Federal buildings or board planes. Throughout the debate and various votes I voted above all for security and safety, keeping in mind that many without a license will drive anyway, and, therefore, without insurance or any way for police to track them after an accident. It is best to be realistic and allow the police to have some control over and information about all drivers.

Texting While Driving: A bill against texting while driving was passed and I hope it will make our roads a bit safer for all.

Inheritance Tax Exemption: This exemption was extended to all domestic partners for a primary residence owned by both. Such an exemption is now provided spouses, children and other family members.

Healthcare: Our decisions strengthened Maryland’s renowned EMS System and provided funding to begin to replace our aging Medevac helicopter fleet. We provided for substance abuse treatment for an additional 27, 000 low income Marylanders and protected our previous expansion of Medicaid for low income citizens.

It just goes to show you don’t have to spend money to have a successful legislative session that deals with important policies. Thank you for all of your thoughts and help throughout the session

Sincerely,

Virginia P. Clagett