Elected officials from state legislatures across the country are participating in a unique program organized by the National Conference of State Legislatures.  I am delighted to join this effort which meets with students to teach them about American democracy and the importance of being engaged citizens.  Even though they are not old enough to vote, this program provides an interactive presentation to help children learn how government works and how their ideas count.

Schools in the 42nd District were sent letters outlining the initiative and inviting them to have their students participate.  I have visited numerous classes already and relayed my experiences as a legislator and taught how that plays a role in our representative democracy.  These presentations are designed to teach our young people that their ideas have value and they should become involved in the policy making process.  I engage with the students and outline what it is like to be a delegate, the process of making laws, the pressures of making challenging decisions, debates, compromise and responding to constituent concerns.

Some of the schools I have had the opportunity to visit include Hampton Elementary, Stoneleigh Elementary, Ridge Ruxton, Timonium Elementary, St. Paul’s School for Girls, Dumbarton Middle, Pikesville Senior, St. Pius and Calvert Hall.  It is fantastic to reach out into the community and provide a civics lesson to these future leaders.  The questions are priceless and the time we spend together has been great.  I really enjoy it and look forward to coming to other schools.

Delegate Susan Aumann was interviewed by Fox 45 in early October regarding the findings of recent Susquehanna River bridge inspections.  The two bridges that raised the most concern were Interstate 95 and Route 40.  These inspections discovered advanced water erosion (scour) around the pilings.  The bridge inspectors were asked to ramp up their inspection timeline due to the tragic bridge collapse in Minneapolis.  As a member of the Transportation and Environment Subcommittee, Delegate Aumann was asked how the State, with its $2+ billion dollar deficit was going to afford fixing new safety issues in light of the mounting rehabilitation projects currently on the Transportation Authority’s priority list.

The delegate said lessons learned from the Minneapolis tragedy and other bridge failures around the country compel us to redouble efforts to inspect these critical structures.  With the new information about the Susquehanna bridges, the Transportation Authority has moved the projects to the top of the list.  Coupled with the deterioration found on the Route 90 Bridge in Ocean City, which has resulted in its closure for several months, the importance of inspections becomes even more pronounced.  Transportation safety is a vital component of government’s responsibility to its citizens.

All of the identified repairs will be completed on the fastest schedule possible and the State will find the financial resources needed to complete the projects.  Since some of the effected roads are federal highways, the State will partner with the U.S. Department of Transportation to fully fund the repairs

The Governor, Speaker of the House of Delegates and the Senate President requested the 188 members of the General Assembly take furlough days to delay potential layoffs of state workers. I participated early this year, having four days of pay withheld and the savings returned to the General fund. In light of the continuing bleak financial picture for Maryland, I joined other State employees who were furloughed and had four additional days of pay deducted.

Revenue collection and estimates have been revised downward leaving a deficit of over $2.5 billion out of a $32 billion State budget. Economic recovery seems elusive, especially for those without work. With the unemployment rate at 10.2% nationally, I believe managed furloughs and salary reductions are appropriate but, it will not solve the long term issue. The State must change its approach to the budget dramatically and seriously focus on reducing spending.

While furloughs are preferable to layoffs during these difficult times, they are a small bandage on a huge problem – the failure to realistically organize our finances and live within our means. I believe additional furloughs are not part of a comprehensive solution to the State budget crisis.