Sen. Jennings: Three Days Down the Drain

This week, the Governor and legislative leadership passed over the strong objection of fiscal conservatives like you and me.

The "special session" was a perfectly orchestrated farce. It was nothing but a show, with the outcome predetermined by those who rather spend-and-tax than save and prosper.

I could not be more disappointed that so many of my colleagues, under the battle cry of the Governor, tried to make it sound as though education, healthcare, and law enforcement were in jeopardy without these new tax increases.

The truth of the matter is that there are hundreds of lesser programs, grants, and bloated positions totaling hundreds of millions of dollars that could be cut well before having to touch education, healthcare, or law enforcement.

There are massive projects, such as multi-hundred-million-dollar studies for new Metro lines, that could have been delayed for one year to keep us within budget. But of course, the liberal leadership here in Annapolis didn't want to mention that.

Instead, they went right for the throat. They claimed that our children's future, our compassion the poor and sick,  and our public safety were at stake.

That was a complete lie.

I am incredibly disappointed, and hope the voters remember this in 2014 when state legislative seats and the Governor's Mansion are up for grabs.

Many of you have reached out to ask me what you can do to help.

Please write letters-to-the-editor. Call in to local talk radio. Volunteer for the www.MDPetitions.com movement to fight in-state tuition for illegal immigrants on the ballot this November.

And please continue to share your ideas and insights. I am beginning to research and craft legislation now for the January 2013 legislative session, and welcome your input.

As always, I am proud to represent you.