Gas Tax, Environment Issues to be Debated in Annapolis

The 2012 legislative session is now underway, and the legislative agenda of the Maryland General Assembly is poised to be packed to the brim. There are several issues that are making an encore appearance along with some new unchartered material.

One returning issue is the gas tax, as some state legislators are expressing their desires to see the tax raised by as much as 15 cents per gallon. Such an increase, coupled with the recent spike in toll rates and other tax increases, places an undue strain on the working person’s pocketbook. 

Needless to say, I will be doing all that I can this session to block an increase in the gas tax. Additionally, the legislature is expected to again explore the possibility of establishing an off-shore wind program, potentially following suit of most of the other states on the eastern seaboard. 

New discussions are expected on planning issues (notably, the impact that “Plan Maryland” will have) as well as other environmentally-related topics, for instance, upgraded septic systems and funding methods for the much-needed and long-awaited upgrades to our wastewater treatment facilities. 

Throughout the session, my office will continue working on a number of bills this year to improve the district and the county.  I have been elected Chairman of the Baltimore County House Delegation for a second year and am excited to be working closely with county leaders on a number of enhancements.  

For instance, I am sponsoring a bill that would allow parents of Baltimore County Public School students to have more choice in which public school they enroll their children, given a few reasonable provisions that will keep a modest cost.

I will also be actively working toward securing more state funding for new and existing Baltimore county schools, protecting our natural resources and the Bay, and supporting the efforts of District six as well.

By way of example, I am pleased to announce that the upcoming capital budget includes nearly $2 million for the restoration of the pier and shoreline at North Point State Park, and that we recently secured

I also have a full legislative package designed to improve the quality of life and grow the economy of our district and region, and will look forward to sharing these as well as my thoughts on other issues facing the legislature in the weeks ahead. 

As always, I look forward to feedback from my constituents and my office stands available to handle any questions, concerns, or issues that may arise.  Now that session is underway my staff and I will be predominately working out of the Annapolis office. 

However, we remain most willing to schedule a district meeting by appointment. Thanks to the many residents that collaborate and partner with me and the other local legislators as we work to continue improvements in district six, Baltimore County, and the state of Maryland.