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Public Policy

Maryland General Assembly 430th Session

The 430th Legislative Session of the Maryland General Assembly concluded at midnight, April 9 with the passing of Governor Martin O’Malley’s budget (SB150/HB87) after many amendments. Sadly, a bill that would increase state revenues did not pass as time ran out so many deep cuts will be made in programs that we as Christians have worked to establish and maintain – among them, public education and health care. While the legislators ponder whether the Governor will call a special session prior to July 1 when the 2013 budget takes effect. If so, we expect some increases in revenues from various areas.

  • A graduated income tax increase on earnings of $100,000 annually.
  • Another tax increase on “other tobacco products” and cigars would be directed to smoking cessation prevention and cessation.
  • An increase in the Earned Income Tax Credit from 25% of refundable income to 30% would be used to compensate for the regressive sales tax already enacted.
  • Gambling expansion - both in number of casinos, number of slot machines in each slot parlor, and inclusion of table games at current slots parlors.

These revenue increases were proposed and debated during this 2012 session, but did not get to the chambers in time for a final vote. Although legislators may continue to debate these hot topics; we can mark the successful passage of other bills Presbyterians supported during this session:

Signs inside bathroom doors indicating a rescue hotline phone number for trafficked victims (HB607/SB352).

  • Increased funding to the Bay Restoration Fund (SB240/HB446) to complete the upgrades to sewage treatment plants and improve water quality in the bay;
  • In addition, the state’s largest jurisdictions will be required to create a dedicated fee to reduce polluted stormwater runoff (SB614/HB987);
  • Arsenic in livestock feed (think Eastern Shore poultry) will be banned in Maryland. Ours is the first state to ban this additive to chicken feed;
  • The Maryland Health Benefit Exchange Bill passed (SB238/HB443) was approved, providing means for uninsured families and small businesses to find affordable health insurance plans. This bill is in line with the requirements of the federal Affordable Care Act and will get Maryland well positioned to take advantage of this policy in 2014;
  • The Maryland Health Improvement and Disparities Act (SB234/HB439) passed, providing incentives for health care clinics to practice in areas currently underserved by health care providers.

Finally, Maryland has ratified the 17thAmendment to the US Constitution. Ask me why this is important so many years after the amendment was ratified by a majority of states. Ask me about other issues that came before our general assembly and I will help you find an answer. Ask me what you can do now as together we seek the common good in the public square. Thank you for allowing me to serve as your Director of Congregational Involvement for Public Policy.  The Presbytery of Baltimore, through its Director of Public Policy, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , advocates in support of the social justice issues important to congregations within the Presbytery. The Presbytery offers ongoing support throughout the year for traditional social issues such as: education funding, immigration, gun control and repeal of the death penalty.