Family friendly and striving to be a worthy choice for your Internet browsing. Comments and material submissions welcome: tkforppe@yahoo.com . Pocomoke City-- an All American City And The Friendliest Town On The Eastern Shore.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Virginia Has New Pesticide Website
"Good Neighbor Day" At Enchanted Florist Pocomoke
NASA Testing High-Altitude Suborbital Rocket ~ September 5
This will be the first flight of this launch vehicle which is being developed, using motors that currently exist in the sounding rocket fleet, to support high altitude space science research.
The backup launch day is September 6.
Chuck Brodell, project manager with the Wallops sounding rocket programs office, said, “One of the main objectives of this mission is to develop alternative high altitude vehicle three and four stage configurations that will augment the current NASA stable of suborbital research vehicles. In addition we will test several new hardware developments as well as flight support systems.”
This will be the first flight of the Oriole motor as a third stage for the NASA Sounding Rocket Program and the first flight of the Terrier as a second stage.
The 3-stage, 65-foot tall vehicle is projected to lift its 1,664 pound payload to approximately 176 miles above the Earth. After a 10 minute flight, the payload is expected land in the Atlantic Ocean about 300 miles off the Wallops Island coast. The payload will not be recovered.
The launch may be visible to observers on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, the three lower counties on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and southern Delaware.
The NASA Visitor Center at the Wallops Flight Facility will open at 6 a.m. on launch day for public viewing.
The mission will be available live on Ustream beginning at 6 a.m. on launch day at: http://www.ustream.com/channel/nasa-wallops
Mission status on launch day also can be followed on Twitter and Facebook at: http://www.twitter.com/NASA_Wallops and http://www.facebook.com/NASAWFF
Mission status also is available on the Wallops launch status line at 757-824-2050.
Monday, September 3, 2012
State Police Investigate Golf Course Burglary
Martin O'Malley Fact Check: Top 10 False Assertions
Martin O'Malley Fact Check: Top 10 False AssertionsMaryland Governor's Self-Described Economic Record Riddled with Errors, Falsehoods, Omissions For Immediate Release
Contact: Jim Pettit
301.704.1363
Annapolis - The O'Malley Administration's top ten assertions this year about state finances, jobs and taxes contained 19 false or misleading statements according to Change Maryland. The grassroots citizen organization utilized federal government sources and other non-partisan information in making this determination.
"As Governor Martin O'Malley prepares to lecture the nation on the economy this week in Charlotte, and to criticize a Presidential nominee, the U.S. House of Representatives and other Governors, Change Maryland would like to call attention to some actual facts about O'Malley's record here at home," said Chairman Larry Hogan. "We are seeing a pattern of deception from the governor here that must be taken into account on the national stage."
This is the first among many Administration assertions Change Maryland will analyze in a periodic and much-needed fact-checking process.
Listed below are Martin O'Malley's Top 10 false and misleading assertions followed by Change Maryland's clarifications and corrections.
State Finances
1. Martin O'Malley: "In fact, to achieve balance over the last three years, we have relied almost entirely on cuts."Governor O'Malley State of the State Address, 2012
http://www.governor.maryland.gov/documents/stateofthestate2012.pdf
Change Maryland: From 2007 to 2012, O'Malley raised taxes and fees 24 times, removing an additional $2.4 billion annually from the Maryland economy.
Fact Sheet: Maryland Tax and Fee Increases, 2007-2011 http://www.changemaryland.org/category/facts/
2. Martin O'Malley: "Governor O'Malley has cut more state spending than any governor in Maryland's history - $8 billion."
Office of the Governor, 8.28.12 http://bit.ly/TIk2Jt
Change Maryland: State spending increased nearly $7 billion from $28.8 billion in 2007 to $35.5 billion today.Maryland House GOP Caucus, 8.2.12 http://on.fb.me/OBZ26F
3. Martin O'Malley: "Under Governor O'Malley's leadership, the Administration has been successful in making the tough choices that have protected the State's long history of sound fiscal stewardship..."Office of the Governor, 1.18.12 http://www.governor.maryland.gov/blog/?p=3494
Change Maryland: Maryland has the second highest debt burden in the region and 13th-highest nationally. As a percentage of state GDP, Maryland's unfunded pension liability combined with other debt is 9.6%. This compares to Virginia, 3.7%; Delaware 4.7% and Pennsylvania 6%.Barron's "State of the States," 8.27.12 http://on.barrons.com/PxLQyQ
4. Martin O'Malley: "According to a recent report by the National Association of State Budget Officers, general fund spending in Maryland decreased between FY2009 and FY2011."
Office of the Governor, 8.28.12 http://bit.ly/TIk2Jt
Change Maryland: The Administration is citing an old report from 2010, attempting to cherry pick data.
Change Maryland: The most recent 2012 NASBO/NGA report shows Maryland's general fund spending has increased 15.5%, three times the national average, and the highest in the region, between fiscal years 2011 and 2013.Fiscal Survey of the States, Spring 2012
http://www.nasbo.org/publications-data/fiscal-survey-states/fiscal-survey-states-spring-2012
Jobs
5. Martin O'Malley: "Maryland actually gained 1,700 jobs over the first 6 months of the year while many neighboring states continued to see a decline."Office of the Governor, 8.28.12 http://bit.ly/TIk2Jt
Change Maryland: Most neighboring states are not seeing a decline. During the first six months of this year, Maryland's job loss compares to a gain of 40,800, Virginia; Pennsylvania, 8,300; the District of Columbia 7,800. Since January of 2007 to present, Maryland has lost three times as many jobs as Virginia and has the second-worst job performance in the region.
Change Maryland: Maryland has lost 6,600 jobs during the first six months of this year. The Administration back-dated BLS data one month to December of 2011, while omitting July, attempting to cherry pick data.
U.S. Dept. of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics:
http://data.bls.gov/cgi-bin/surveymost?sm
6. Martin O'Malley: "Maryland is creating jobs at 2 ½ times the rate that Virginia.
Change Maryland: Politifact Virginia found O'Malley's claim to "only approach validity when he gets to cherry-pick the data" and rated his statement false.
Politifact 2.05.12
http://www.politifact.com/virginia/statements/2012/feb/13/martin-omalley/gov-omalley-says-maryland-creating-jobs-2-12-times/
Taxes
7. Martin O'Malley: "According to the conservative group Change Maryland, 30,000 taxpayers fled the state for Virginia after Governor O'Malley raised taxes on millionaires in 2007."
Change Maryland: We actually reported that 11,455 Marylanders fled to Virginia during the period in question, the 30,000 included taxpayers who fled Maryland for other states.Change Maryland: Nowhere in CM's tax report is the word "millionaire" mentioned. The Administration is attempting to deflect Maryland's tax flight problem into a class warfare issue where none exists.
Change Maryland Tax Migration Report:
http://www.changemaryland.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/StateCountyTax.pdf
8. Martin O'Malley: "Change Maryland used data that the IRS openly recognizes as incomplete to draw their erroneous conclusions." Office of the Governor, 8.28.12 http://bit.ly/TIk2Jt
Change Maryland: The IRS does not say the data is "incomplete," openly or otherwise. It includes tax returns filed by late September of the filing (calendar) year which covers 95% to 98% of all returns during the period IRS monitors.
9. Martin O'Malley: "Maryland saw the smallest tax filer change in the region from 2007 to 2010, losing 25% fewer tax filers than Virginia." Office of the Governor, 8.28.12 http://bit.ly/TIk2Jt
Change Maryland: -The Administration is not citing a source
-According to the IRS, Maryland saw the largest taxpayer exodus of any state in the region, and seventh-highest nationally.
-Delaware, which is also in the region, but omitted from the Governor's statement, saw a net inflow of nearly 7500 residents, according to the IRS.
-The District of Columbia, which is also in the region, but omitted from the Governor's statement, saw a net outflow of just over 1100 residents, according to the IRS.
10. Martin O'Malley: " In Maryland, tax filers decreased only 5.3% from 2007 to 2010 compared to a 7.1% decrease in Virginia, an 8.5% decrease in Pennsylvania, and a 15.5% decrease in West Virginia." Office of the Governor, 8.28.12 http://bit.ly/TIk2Jt
Change Maryland:
-The Administration is not citing a source
-According to the IRS, Virginia's net inflow of residents was nearly 30,300.
-According to the IRS, Pennsylvania's net outflow of residents was just over 8200 residents.
-According to the IRS, West Virginia's net inflow of residents was just over 14,600 residents.
Tax Foundation:
http://interactive.taxfoundation.org/migration/
IRS Statistics of Income Division:
http://www.irs.gov/uac/SOI-Tax-Stats---Migration-Data
Change Maryland Tax Study:
http://www.changemaryland.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/StateCountyTax.pdf
MORE Graffiti????
THIS time on the bridge- more taxpayer's money to repaint and on the Verizon equipment that is located in the very same area as where the Jenkins Bridge post office was.
Have A Safe Labor Day.....
I will be back later with some mud bog photos from Saturday and some photos concerning some activities in Accomack County that truly bother alot of taxpaying citizens!
Enjoy your day. Be safe.
MISSING From Eastern Shore Virginia
Timothy VanHart, 15 year old runaway. Last seen 8:30 PM Sunday at Ocean Deli - Wallops Island, Virginia.
Thought to be headed to Virginia Beach with people from Exmore, Virginia.
If you have seen Timothy or know where he may be PLEASE contact the Accomack County Sheriff's Office OR
757-894-3469 ~ 757-894-5395 ~ 757-8947-096.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
TIME MACHINE ... A Unique GIFT To The Eastern Shore!
(Reader-friendly viewing of newspaper archives material)
May, 1923
(Oak Leaves- Oak Park, Illinois)
(Excerpts)
BUILDS A HOSPITAL
Mrs. Caroline Pitkin McCready Gives Magnificently Equipped Institution To Crisfield, Maryland, As Memorial.
An Oak Park woman has given to Crisfield, Md. one of the best equipped hospitals in the country.
Crisfield, Md., April 28.- About 14 years ago a mere handful of women, fighting against many odds, financed, equipped, and put into operation Crisfield's first hospital. During these years the little institution, known as the Crisfield General and Marine Hospital, has faithfully administered to the needs of a suffering humanity. It has served its purpose, even though in a small way, in a building which it has long since outgrown and which has become antiquated when compared with modern surgical and medical institutions.
Today a lone woman, realizing the needs of the Lower Eastern Shore peninsula, has come forward and presented to the people of Crisfield and Somerset county, a modern hospital ranking second to none in the state. This new institution, a gift from Mrs. Caroline McCready and costing more than $150,000, will be dedicated with appropriate ceremonies on May 6. The new hospital comes to the people of this community complete in every detail, equipped and furnished, ready to be opened to serve the public, and entirely free of debt.
On February 14, 1922, ground was broken and work commenced on the erection of this new hospital building. Today it stands completed, the new McCready Memorial Hospital, erected in memory of Edward McCready, husband of the doner; Miss Susanne McCready her daughter, and Miss Catherine Steinbach, a nurse.
This stretch of land was the scene of the boyhood days of Mr. McCready. Here also lived his mother, Mrs. Lovey McCready, and on this plot of ground, where once stood the old homestead, is erected this imposing monument in memory of Edward McCready, the father; Susanne, a little daughter; and a nurse, who were killed in an accident September 13, 1919, in Somerset County.
Mr McCready was born near Crisfield and resided here until he grew into young manhood. Then, craving for adventures, he started out to make his way in the world. He settled in Chicago, and there became one of the largest cork manufacturers in the country.
Mrs. Caroline McCready is in Crisfield this week making final arrangements for the dedication. Many invited guests from Chicago and other cities will be present, as well as thousands from all sections of the Eastern Shore.
Note: The full article details lots more information about the new 1923 McCready Memorial Hospital. Like to read more? Just email me at tkforppe@yahoo.com and I'll send you by return email a copy of the complete original article as it appeared in publication.
June, 1941
(The Salisbury Times)
(Excerpts)
ARMY UNIT IS TOURING SHORE IN WAR GAME
Arrives Here After Pocomoke Bridge Is "Blown Up"
With the Pocomoke River Bridge at Pocomoke "blown up" by the enemy, a mechanized U.S. Army unit rolled into Salisbury today just in time for dinner in Municipal Park despite a detour through eastern Worcester County.
The army on wheels, moving in 33 trucks and cars, is composed of officer students in the motor transport school at Holibard Quartermasters depot, Baltimore.
On tour of the Eastern Shore, the group of 75 men were delayed this morning from Cape Charles when a bridge was theoretically blown to bits at Pocomoke City.
The "enemy" action forced a detour via Snow Hill.
June, 1892
(The Indiana Progress- Indiana, Indiana County, Pa.)
New England Andirons Are Rare.
Early New England andirons, or fire dogs, of brass and wrought iron were tall affairs ornamented with dogs' heads. They are seldom seen in New York, although they are imitated occasionally in modern wares. A great many excellent andirons and fire sets come from the eastern shore of Maryland and from Virginia. The stove drove out the fireplace in New England, but the milder climate in Maryland and Virginia made the fireplace a permanency there, and in many old homes in those states the fire irons of three generations are in use.
A New Yorker takes special pride in a fire set from Worcester County on the eastern shore of Maryland. It includes brass headed tongs and shovel, a fire block of oak on which they rest when not in use, and brass andirons twenty-one inches high and weighing nearly ten pounds each.- New York Sun.
October, 1880
(The Denton Journal)
"I want a spoke in my wheel" is the way to ask for a drink at a station on the line of the Eastern Shore railroad, between Salisbury and Crisfield, and if a red spoke is wanted he gets whiskey, and if a white one rum.
Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? It can be just a line or two or more if you wish. Your name won't be used unless you ask that it be. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Legislative Undates By Mike McDermott
“All of POPULAR’s award recipients have taken or otherwise pursued one or more specific acts or measures to eliminate significant inequity, waste, fraud, abuse, or other public and/or private sector corruption in America” according to Mr. Stokes. He adds, “POPULAR defines corruption as any illegal or unethical conduct contributing to the systemic malfunction of government, commerce, and/or democracy in America as contemplated by the U.S. Constitution.”
POPULAR has recognized a wide array of public and private sector heroes who help make the war on corruption real in America. This award recognizes Delegate McDermott’s determination and willingness to take on the tough challenges to address corruption within the high places of government.
TIME MACHINE Preview ... A Unique GIFT To The Eastern Shore!
In 1919 a Somerset County accident claimed the life of Mr. Edward McCready, his young daughter, and a nurse. From this tragedy blossomed a gift to the lower Eastern Shore four years later ... McCready Memorial Hospital, "a modern hospital ranking second to none in the state."
Read more about it this Sunday on The Pocomoke Public Eye!
Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? It can be just a line or two or more if you wish. Your name won't be used unless you ask that it be. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!
22nd Annual Chincoteague Island Decoy & Art Festival
Sunday, September 2nd (10:00am to 4:00pm)
2- Day Pass $ 5
Under 12 Free
Art work by Jenny Somers |
Friday, August 31, 2012
CRISFIELD MUD BOG- SATURDAY.....GAMBLER'S RACE
**This will be the last race to be held in Crisfield for the season. Last race of the season will be held at Gumboro**
More Photos From the Back To School Event & A HUGE Thank You To Angel
Angel Thornes/Pocomoke City Police Dept. Police Dept. Open House Ceremonies June 22, 2012 |
I'm going to bypass all the other "powers that be" for the moment and give "some love" to this dedicated person whose job at times could be for many, overwhelming.
For the past few years Angel has handled the police department community events that have taken place in Pocomoke doing a remarkable job every single time! This year, however, her duties included the moving the police department into their new building and organizing the nice Ribbon Cutting Ceremony/Open House held in June.
Some days you could find her in a closet organizing everything she could find to make the move to the new building run smoothly.......and planning ahead for the Open House yet still taking care of her normal everyday responsibilities. Keep in mind that while all this was taking place Angel was making plans for the annual National Night Out AND the Back To School event that took place on Sunday.
She was responsible for ordering the furniture that is now in place in the offices at the new police department. She has limitied funds to use, spent the money wisely and made some beautiful selections. But along with buying new furniture comes the disappointment of it sometimes being damaged in shipment. I happened to be in the new building that day in May when a desk was damaged and several men were struggling to move it. There was no air conditioning in the building at the time yet, as hot as it was in there and as disappointed as Angel was she carried on with a smile, got the job done, managed to proudly show me around. On the day of Open House the police department was in order and beautifully furnished.
And this is just a little of what she does.
I'm sure some of you are saying to yourselves that this is what she is paid to do. Probably so. But she doesn't have to pour her heart into these things like she does. I've seen her in action! And the one thing she is proud of is the support that comes from the local businesses and citizens. In her words the support is "phenomenal". ...and she's right!
Yet while managing all of these back to back events Angel remains focused, determined and dedicated to her job serving the community of Pocomoke City and those she works with.
And last but not least Angel makes a very serious effort to keep me informed so I can keep all of you informed.
So, many thanks Angel for all you do and continue to dofor the citizens of the community and surrounding areas and for me.
From Pocomoke City Police Chief Kelvin Sewell - SCAM ALERT
Police said Thursday they have received complaints about the calls, which come in displaying blocked numbers on caller ID.
Police advise anyone receiving such a call not to respond to the request but contact local authorities and report the incident along with the phone number supplied by the caller.
Chief Sewell advises citizens to never give your personal information such as social security number, bank information, credit card information etc. over the phone to a suspicious caller
Pocomoke Gets Money For Bridge Repair Work
"I thought it wasn't going to happen until 2014, 2015, so hearing that we got it down (last week) was great news," said Mayor Bruce Morrison.
Fixing the dilapidated bridge has been one of Morrison's biggest priorities since he took office.
Morrison said he's been needling state and local officials to find the money, and the joint effort worked out.
Maryland's State Highway Administration is putting $10 million toward the project, said Donnie Drewer, District 1 Engineer for SHA. Contractors will be solicited in summer 2013, and construction will begin in fall 2013.
Unofficially, Drewer estimated that construction should take about nine months. He said it will not affect boat traffic along the Pocomoke River.
Money for the project will come through mostly state and some federal funds, SHA officials said.
"When I read in the paper that Mayor Morrison was having some challenges with that bridge, I quickly got on the phone. I asked if I could help my constituents out, and they went right to work."
POLICE NEED HELP IDENTIFYING SUSPECTS INVOLVED IN THEFTS FROM VENDING MACHINES
Ocean City Police Dept. News Release.
100 Year Old Driver Plows Into Group Of Children, Injures 11
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Hardwire LLC Makes $1300.00 Donation To Youth Football Program
Pocomoke City-based Hardwire LLC., makes a donation to the new Pocomoke City Youth Football Program. Pictured are Hardwire LLC employee and Pocomoke City Mayor Bruce Morrison, left, presenting a check for $1,300 to Tim Richo of the youth football program for uniforms and equipment.
The new football program has held a training camp and will soon begin practices on a city-owned field on Clarke Avenue at Maple Street. The Pocomoke City teams will be competing this fall in the Salvation Army Youth Football League based in Salisbury. For more information, contact Adrian Smith at 757-694-7142. / SUBMITTED IMAGE
SOURCE; DelMarVa NOW!
TIME MACHINE Preview ... A Unique GIFT To The Eastern Shore!
In 1919 a Somerset County accident claimed the life of Mr. Edward McCready, his young daughter, and a nurse. From this tragedy blossomed a gift to the lower Eastern Shore four years later ... McCready Memorial Hospital, "a modern hospital ranking second to none in the state."
Read more this Sunday on The Pocomoke Public Eye!
Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? It can be just a line or two or more if you wish. Your name won't be used unless you ask that it be. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Yachts Make Splash In Russian Headlines
The Croatian Times reports a drunk Russian tourist ran his yacht right onto a rocky shore. And Russian President Vladimir Putin is in the news for having too many yachts.
The Telegraph reports Putin has four, and spends more than two billion a year on lavish toys. One of his yachts reportedly has whirlpool baths, a cinema and an artificial waterfall. (0:50)
Source: Morning Rush
Make The Crisfield Mud Bog Part Of Your Labor Day Holiday Plans
O'Malley's Response to Change Maryland, Wall Street Journal Riddled with Errors, Falsehoods, Omissions
In response to numerous political attacks on Change Maryland, The Wall Street Journal and many others, the organization's Chairman, Larry Hogan, said, "Rather than focus on facts, the Governor once again tries to simply demean the messenger. With our lagging economic performance and record tax increases, the evidence is clear, and grows by the day, that the real aberration in American politics today is Martin O'Malley."
Background:
Gov. O'Malley attack on Change Maryland / WSJ
http://cl.publicaster.com/SocialMedia.aspx?pubids=134%7c6784%7c6&digest=uMmOnaZ1q%2bXtrPy1lo1LUQ&sysid=1&1=WCC&2=R7u
WSJ: Stephen Moore: An Economic Border War Right Under Washington's Nose
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390444358404577608942254374370.html
Following are 1. Context, 2. Response 3. Facts
1. Context
Martin O'Malley's shoot-the-messenger approach is well-documented.
President Ronald Reagan:
An "aberration" in U.S. history.
O'Malley builds on tax-raising legacy, Baltimore Sun, 5.16.12
http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2012-05-16/news/bs-md-taxes-omalley-future-20120516_1_income-tax-gas-tax-tax-package
Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney:
Mitt Romney "doesn’t have what it takes to grow this economy."
O'Malley Zings GOP Governors, Romney on Economy, Baltimore Sun, 8.28.12
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/blog/bal-omalley-zings-gop-governors-romney-on-economy-20120828,0,3719563.story
GOP Governors:
Chris Christie, Paul LePage, Bobby Jindal, Bob McDonnell, Rick Perry, Scott Walker
Change Maryland press release, 8.7.12
http://www.changemaryland.org/2012/08/omalleys-battle-with-change-maryland-boosts-membership-to-over-20000/#.UD0dMsFlStY
CM Chairman Larry Hogan:
"Failed congressional candidate and would-be Republican candidate for governor..."
Governor O'Malley, 8.28.12
http://cl.publicaster.com/SocialMedia.aspx?pubids=134%7c6784%7c6&digest=uMmOnaZ1q%2bXtrPy1lo1LUQ&sysid=1&1=WCC&2=R7u
Democratic Comptroller Peter Franchot:
Comptroller Peter Franchot incorrectly believes Maryland is "dependent on the public sector for economic growth."
Governor O'Malley, 8.28.12
http://cl.publicaster.com/SocialMedia.aspx?pubids=134%7c6784%7c6&digest=uMmOnaZ1q%2bXtrPy1lo1LUQ&sysid=1&1=WCC&2=R7u
Wall Street Journal reporter Stephen Moore:
"Stephen Moore, a longtime supporter of the Koch brothers and former President of Republican fundraising group, Club for Growth..."
Governor O'Malley, 8.28.12
http://cl.publicaster.com/SocialMedia.aspx?pubids=134%7c6784%7c6&digest=uMmOnaZ1q%2bXtrPy1lo1LUQ&sysid=1&1=WCC&2=R7u
2. Response
Others are on to Gov. O'Malley's record of distortion, denial and deflection.
Marta Mossburg, Columnist:
"Governor O'Malley personally attacked Larry Hogan of Change Maryland for publishing federal data showing people migrating out of Maryland, but he did not address why people are leaving."
"Governor O'Malley denies these are problems. Instead, he blames the Bureau of Labor Statistics for faulty jobs numbers."
Of all the problems in the world, Maryland is fixated on gambling and pit bulls? - Baltimore Sun 8.14.12
http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2012-08-14/news/bs-ed-mossburg-special-session-20120815-20120814_1_pension-system-special-session-pit-bulls
Scott Drenkard, Tax Foundation Economist:
"...inaccurate tax stats put out this week by the office of Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley..."
Scott Drenkard Corrects Gov. Martin O'Malley on Tax Rates - Tax Foundation 7.12.12
http://taxfoundation.org/podcast/scott-drenkard-corrects-gov-martin-omalley-tax-rates
Marc Kilmer, Maryland Public Policy Institute Senior Fellow:
"Change Maryland won the first round by publishing a report with clearly researched facts that did not descend to petty partisan bickering."
Governor’s Attack Misses the Target - Maryland Public Policy Institute 7.11.12
http://www.mdpolicy.org/policyblog/detail/governors-attack-misses-the-target
Politifact Virginia:
"So O’Malley’s claim only approaches validity when he gets to cherry-pick the data. We rate his statement False."
Maryland is "creating jobs at 2 ½ times the rate that Virginia" is....False." - Politifact 2.05.12
http://www.politifact.com/virginia/statements/2012/feb/13/martin-omalley/gov-omalley-says-maryland-creating-jobs-2-12-times/
3. Facts
Following are points raised by the Wall Street Journal, Martin O'Malley and Change Maryland.
WSJ: "An additional problem: Over the next six months (January through July of this year), Maryland has lost jobs while most of the nation has gained them."
MOM: "Maryland actually gained 1,700 jobs over the first 6 months of the year while many neighboring states continued to see a decline."
CM: Maryland has lost 6,600 jobs during the first six months of this year. The Administration back-dated BLS data one month to December of 2011, while omitting July, attempting to cherry pick data more to their liking. During the first six months of this year, Maryland's job loss compares to a gain of 40,800, Virginia; Pennsylvania, 8,300; the District of Columbia 7,800. Since January of 2007 to present, which can not be cherry-picked, Maryland has lost three times as many jobs as Virginia and has the second-worst job performance among neighboring jurisdictions.
CM: The widely-reported offshore wind, Plan Maryland, Invest Maryland, septic tank ban and State Center schemes are central economic planning. The state selects winners and losers and "invests" accordingly.
WSJ: "He's since won increases in the state's sales tax, tobacco tax, gas tax, and income tax for earners above $100,000 a year."
MOM: "The gas tax has remained unchanged during Governor O’Malley’s tenure. In fact, it has been at the same rate since 1992."
CM: The Governor has raised taxes and fees 24 times, taking an additional $2.4 billion a year out of the economy. The Governor tried, and failed, numerous times to increase gasoline levies. That's because nearly $1 billion has been raided from the Transportation Trust Fund and not been paid back.
http://washingtonexaminer.com/article/426496
MOM: "Governor O’Malley has cut more state spending than any governor in Maryland’s history - $8 billion."
CM: Nobody understands where this number comes from and nobody ever will. That's because state spending increased from $28.8 billion in 2007 to $35.5 billion today. Adding the Governor's purported "cut" with this spending increase, the Governor's math is off by nearly $15 billion.
MOM: "According to the conservative group Change Maryland, 30,000 taxpayers fled the state for Virginia after Governor O’Malley raised taxes on millionaires in 2007. Change Maryland used data that the IRS openly recognizes as incomplete to draw their erroneous conclusions. Maryland saw the smallest tax filer change in the region from 2007 to 2010, losing 25% fewer tax filers than Virginia. In Maryland, tax filers decreased only 5.3% from 2007 to 2010 compared to a 7.1% decrease in Virginia, an 8.5% decrease in Pennsylvania, and a 15.5% decrease in West Virginia.
CM: This one paragraph contains 10 false statements. A user-friendly way of fact-checking each state's taxpayer migration status is the Tax Foundation's web-based Tax Migration Calculator below, which uses the same IRS data that Change Maryland did.
1. 11,455 Marylanders fled to Virginia during the period in question not 30,000. The Administration may be confused - over 30,000 Marylanders fled to all states.
2. Nowhere in CM's tax report is the word "millionaire" mentioned. The Administration is attempting to deflect the tax flight problem as a class-warfare issue.
3. The IRS does not say the data is "incomplete."
4. Nobody but Martin O'Malley and a radical Daily Kos blogger say the conclusions were "erroneous."
5. According to the IRS, Maryland saw the largest taxpayer exodus of any state in the region, and seventh-highest nationally.
6. According to the IRS, Virginia's net inflow of residents was nearly 30,300.
7. According to the IRS, West Virginia's net inflow of residents was just over 14,600 residents.
9. Delaware, which is also in the region, but omitted from the Governor's statement, saw a net inflow of nearly 7500 residents, according to the IRS.
10.The District of Columbia, which is also in the region, but omitted from the Governor's statement, saw a net outflow of just over 1100 residents, according to the IRS.
http://interactive.taxfoundation.org/migration/