Change Maryland Announces One-Year Anniversary

As special session of General Assembly looms, taxes, spending under scrutiny

4.27.12

News Release

Contact: Jim Pettit

301.704.1363

Change Maryland, a non-partisan grassroots political movement, is

celebrating its one-year anniversary today.  In less than a year, it

has become the largest citizens' organization in the state with over

12,000 followers on Facebook - more than the state Republican and

Democratic parties combined.  Much of the reason for this growth is due

to pent up frustration among those who are not identified with the

political class.

The special sessions of the legislature, slated to begin in mid-May,
with one to follow in August, are only a means for politicians to raise taxes
and re-visit pet projects. Change Maryland's message is focused on bringing
fiscal restraint and common sense to Maryland.

Addressing an example of a lack of common sense in Annapolis, Change

Maryland Founder Larry Hogan called attention to policies such as

Governor O'Malley's insistence on pushing an offshore wind farm scheme

off the Atlantic Ocean that would require financial support among

commercial and residential utility rate payers.

"As Maryland's budget negotiations were collapsing, Governor O'Malley was
addressing wind-energy proponents who chanted, 'all we are saying is give wind
a chance,' " said Hogan.  "It's difficult for hard-working families in Maryland to
understand the Governor's priorities when he participates in pep rallies for wind
mills as people are struggling to find work and keep the gas tank full."

When it comes to a lack of fiscal restraint, Maryland's budget has

increased from $28.8 billion to $35.4 between 2007 and 2012.  In the

so-called "doomsday budget," which was enacted by default, spending

actually increases $700 million, despite politicians who typically characterize
it as a "cut."

The special session beginning next month is due to the inability of

the Governor, Senate President and House Speaker to come to terms on

tax increases.  Although there are some personal animosities among

Maryland's top three elected officials, all are proponents of

increasing taxes to fuel more government spending.

Governor O'Malley, Senate President Miller and House Speaker Bush have

collectively held state office for about three-quarters of a century.

"When you talk about career politicians, nowhere is that more apparent

than in Maryland," said Hogan. "And Change Maryland is giving voice to

people who are fed up with politics as usual."

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changemaryland.org

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