MARC KORMAN
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  • Home
  • About Marc
  • Issues
    • Airplane Noise
    • Animal Welfare
    • Budget
    • Civil Rights & Civil Liberties
    • COVID-19
    • Economic Prosperity
    • Education
    • Energy & Environment
    • Healthcare
    • Pepco
    • Preserving Our Success
    • Public Safety
    • Seniors
    • Transportation
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LATEST NEWS

The Budget

1/24/2017

 
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As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I spend a lot of time working on the state budget.  Last week, that process began with the introduction of the Governor's budget proposal.  The budget includes an operating budget (costs to run state agencies), capital budget (costs for state construction projects), and a Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act (known as the BRFA).  The BRFA is used to alter state funding formulas when necessary to bring the budget into balance.  You can review the Governor's submission here.  The Department of Legislative Services provided a fiscal briefing on Monday analyzing the budget and you can read that online as well. ​
The Good: As required by the state Constitution, the budget is balanced in the next fiscal year and education programs are funded consistent with state law.  There is also state funding provided for school construction in districts with high rates of growth (a major priority for Montgomery County), Suburban Hospital, Imagination Stage, Montgomery College, and many programs that affect our County and District, including a 2% cap on University System of Maryland enrollment increases. 

The Bad: The state's budget for capital transportation projects is reduced by $1.5 billion, funding for those who work with our disabled is cut, reductions in a healthcare tax are being slowed, and costs for certain state operations are shifted to the local jurisdictions. 

The Hypocritical: Putting together the state budget is a complicated exercise that requires tough choices, but the Governor engaged in many actions in this year's proposal that he has heavily criticized the legislature for in the past.  For example, he reduces the planned contribution to the state pension system, shifts dollars from the Rainy Day fund, and leaves future years with heavy projected deficits.

The budget will take up most of my committee's time over the next several weeks as we review each agency's budget request.

You can always keep up with what I am doing by following me at @mkorman on Twitter or clicking "Like" on Delegate Marc Korman on Facebook.

Legislative News

Since my last email update, I have introduced two pieces of legislation.
  • Washington Metrorail Safety Commission Membership Act (HB 285): The Federal government is requiring that Maryland, Virginia, and DC establish a new Metrorail Safety Commission to oversee safety issues with the DC-area Metrorail system.  The Washington Metrorail Safety Commission Membership Act is a companion to the legislation establishing the new Commission requiring that Maryland's two Commissioners and Alternate be confirmed by the Maryland Senate and that at least one Commissioner come from Montgomery or Prince George's County, because the Metrorail stations are all in those two counties.
  • Specialized Intervention Services (HB 286):  Specialized Intervention Services provide additional academic or behavioral support for students who need them, but fall short of special education (many of these students may eventually transition to special education).  Amazingly, even though we know anecdotally that thousands of students receive such services and that our school systems pay millions of dollars for them, this information is not tracked or reported, meaning we have no idea if we are adequately meeting the needs of our students.  HB 286 would require reporting of this data, which will help us determine if funds are being spent appropriately. 
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District 16 had big news in the legislature this past week when Delegate Bill Frick was appointed Majority Leader.  Delegate Frick has represented our district since 2007 and has been serving as Parliamentarian.  Congratulations Bill!

Administration News

Last year I introduced the Public Service Commission ("PSC") Reform Act in an attempt to update how our state agency that regulates electric companies and other utilities performs.  The bill did not advance through the Committee of jurisdiction but a small part of the bill--adding PSC personnel to the state government's customer service training program established by the legislature in 2015--was included as part of the budget.  The state Department of Commerce recently issued a report regarding expanding the customer service initiative and stated that it plans to include quasi-independent agencies, such as the PSC.

Metro

The Governor's proposed budget includes an operating subsidy increase for Metro requested by Metro's General Manager.  The increase of approximately $40 million is welcome, but even with this stepped up commitment, the proposed Metro budget would rely on riders for $50 million in the form of fare increases and reduced service.  I am working with colleagues to convince Maryland and the other Metro jurisdictions to prevent or limit this effect on riders.  You can read about the effort in a recentWashington Post article.

Community News
  • Marriott has announced the site of their new headquarters in downtown Bethesda.  The new location will be just north of the Bethesda Metro station on the western side of Wisconsin Avenue.  You can read about the plan on a site set up by Marriott.
  • Congratulations to District 16's Barbara Goldberg Goldman and Mike Goldman and the birth of their grandchild, Abner Gottlieb.
If you know of a District 16 resident who merits recognition or condolences, please email marc@marckorman.com.

Community Events
  • On Sunday, January 29, the annual Women's Legislative Briefing will be held beginning at 11am at The Universities at Shady Grove, Building II, 9630 Gudelsky Dr, Rockville, MD, US, 20850.
  • On Monday, February 6 Councilman George Leventhal will be speaking to the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Democratic Breakfast Club. The meeting starts at7:30am at the Original Pancake House in Bethesda.
  • Also on Monday, February 6, the Woman's Democratic Club will host a panel discussion: Fracking in Maryland: To Be or Not To Be?  The event will be held at10am at the Jane Lawton Community Center, 4301 Willow Lane in Chevy Chase.  RSVP to dorset4708@yahoo.com.
  • On Sunday, February 19, the Montgomery County Democratic Party will be holding its annual brunch.  More information is available on the Party's website.
  • The Flying V Theater, which performs at the Writer's Center in Bethesda, is premiering a new show, Brother Mario, on Saturday, February 25 and running until Sunday, March 12.​  In this existential mashup of the worlds of Anton Chekhov and The Super Mario Brothers, Mario begins to wonder if there is more to life than jumping, go-karts, and princesses in other castles. Come visit the Mushroom Kingdom to battle Bowser and mid-life ennui in equal measure.  Tickets start at $20 and may be purchased online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ or at the door.
If you know of an upcoming community event, please email marc@marckorman.com.

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