The Budget - Week 3 Update

Last week was a big one for the Governor: he was inaugurated for a second term and introduced his fiscal year 2020 budget proposal.  I enjoyed the day of ceremony as the Governor and Lieutenant Governor were sworn in, and I'm glad the inaugural address given outside the capitol did not occur during the polar vortex.  As for the budget, I cannot overstate its importance to our state.  It is the only piece of legislation the legislature must address each year in order for us to adjourn.  But more than that, how we spend your tax dollars is a statement about what we value

You can read the Governor's budget proposal on the Department of Budget and Management website.   As you can see in the above photo, I worked in some time to review it during a quick family trip.  The good news is that the state's budget projections for next year are overwhelmingly positive and that has allowed the Governor to fund many priorities at the legislatively mandated level (and, in some cases, beyond).  More concerning is that future year budget projections are extremely negative.  The Department of Legislative Services Fiscal Briefing regarding the budget is available here.  On page 3 it shows the projected deficits in future years.  I will have much more to say about the budget in future emails.  And that does not even take into account the impact of the federal shutdown on Maryland.

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

Legislative News

For four years I have served on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education and Economic Development. This year, I was moved to the Transportation and Environment Subcommittee, which I consider a great new challenge.

There are four budget subcommittees on Appropriations and each committee member serves on one. We also each serve on one of two oversight subcommittees. I serve on—and chair—the Subcommittee on Personnel.
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I have introduced my first two pieces of legislation.  The State Board of Elections Transparency Act (HB 71) would require the Board of Elections to webstream their meetings to make them more accessible to the public and the local boards they govern.  The Extension of Electric Vehicle Incentives Act (HB 72) would ensure that purchasers of electric vehicles in 2017 have the opportunity to take advantage of the electric vehicle tax credit, which they were excluded from when the program was last extended.  The legislation was recently written up by the website PlugInSites.
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On behalf of my colleague, Delegate Al Carr, I testified in support of HB 91, legislation to implement the Department of Legislative Services' recommendations regarding the proposed public private partnership to expand I-270 and I-495.  Specifically, the bill would require the environmental review process be completed and an alternative be selected before an Administration could seek approval of a public private partnership.  You can read the legislation here.

Administration News

The State Highway Administration (SHA) regularly meets with me to discuss projects in District 16 and any issues of concern.  At our last meeting, SHA shared this list of projects in District 16.

The list does not include the many constituent concerns I bring to SHA.  If you see an issue with a state road, please email me anytime.

Community News

• Congratulations to my friend, former colleague, and constituent, Bill Frick, on his new gig at Cuneo Gilbert & LaDuca LLP.
• Condolences to District 16 resident Eliot Greenwald on the passing of his mother, Joyce Greenwald.
• And condolences to District 16's Lora Drezner, on the passing of her mother, Phyllis Greenbaum.

Community Events

• Beginning on January 20th, there has been--and continues to be--overnight lane closures on River Road between Landy Lane and Dorset Avenue for gas line work.
• On Thursday, January 24th Councilman Andrew Friedson will be hosting a "Community Conversation" at 6:30pm at Burning Tree Elementary School, 7900 Beech Tree Road in Bethesda.
• The District 16 Democratic Club "send-off" was rescheduled because of weather to Saturday, January 26th from 3pm to 5pm.  The event will be held at Lucy Freeman's home, 4708 Dorset Avenue in the Town of Somerset.
• On Tuesday, January 29th at 7pm, there will be a meeting at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School regarding the work being done at the Lynbrook Center site by Montgomery County Public Schools.
• The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Democratic Breakfast Club will host its next meeting on Monday, February 4th at the Original Pancake House in downtown Bethesda.  The guest will be Maryland Democratic Party Chair Maya Rockeymoore Cummings.
• County Executive Marc Elrich will host a budget forum on Monday, February 4th at 7pm at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, 4301 East West Highway in Bethesda.
• The Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Implementation Committee (BIC) will host its regular meeting on Tuesday, February 19th at 7pm at the Bethesda Chevy Chase Regional Services Center in downtown Bethesda.
• On Monday, March 11th from 6:30pm to 8:30pm, Councilman Craig Rice, Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jack Smith, and Montgomery College President Dr. DeRionne Pollard will host an education forum at Bethesda Chevy Chase High School.

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​If you know of a District 16 resident who merits recognition or condolences or an upcoming event, please email [email protected].