Over the last six years of the O’Malley-Brown Administration, the state’s budget has increased by over a billion dollars each and every year.  This increase comes in the form of higher taxes, fees, assessment and limits to the itemized deductions.

This week there was a press conference in which Governor proposed a series of changes that would increase the revenues by $299.5 million.   This proposal by the Democratic leadership to hike the personal income tax coupled with the county’s piggy back tax will create one of the highest tax brackets in our nation.

Fiscal 2013 Revenues in millions:

$ 51.7 – Limiting the personal exemption on Individual Income Taxes
$195.6 – Bracket and rate changes to income taxes
$9.6 – Eliminating telecommunication property tax credits on Corporate Income Tax
$.7 – Eliminate sales tax exemption  on cylinder demurrage
$5.0 – Increase tax rate on other tobacco products
$.7 – Increase fees for certain vital records from $12 to $24
$.5 – Increase fee to appeal driver’s license suspensions (increases to $25)
$35.7 – Apply recordation tax to indemnity mortgages

$299.5 million in additional taxes

Delegates Bates, Eckardt, Stocksdale and I have written alternative budget proposals as members of the Appropriation Committee committed to restrain the growth of Government. These alternative budgets were presented on the House Floor were balanced and did so without raising taxes and fees or pension shifts. They failed because of the Democratic leadership wanted to spend more on new programs or other additions.

Our Marylanders have voiced their opinion, loud and clear that they are opposed to the O’Malley-Brown increases in taxes and the changes to the income tax exemptions. They want Government to live within their means like they are.

We have faced the worst economic downturn in recent history outside of the Great Depression.  Each of us has been affected:  higher BG&E bills, increases in fuel costs and food, slumping home values, job losses, etc. There is still a grim feeling of uncertainty in our economic future. This is the wrong time to inflict more taxes, fees and personal exemption changes.

I voted against SB 1301 – Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2012
I voted against SB 1303 – Creation of State Debt- Qualified Zone Academy Bonds
I voted against SB 1302 – State and Local Revenue and Financing Act of 2012

Please take a serious look at what this special session will cost you.

Enclosed are the charts that layout these changes. Page 23, 26 Special session Material report on the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act, May 14, 2012.

Download – Funds Chart

Download – Tax Rate Change Tables

Here are the links to these bills and fiscal notes:
http://mlis.state.md.us/2012rs/billfile/sb1301.htm
http://mlis.state.md.us/2012rs/billfile/sb1302.htm
http://mlis.state.md.us/2012rs/billfile/sb1303.htm

Have a good summer and start to save double on your withholding taxes because the increases are retroactive to January.

Very truly yours,
Delegate Susan Aumann
Susan.aumann@house.state.md.us
410-841-3258

Please view the entire 2012 Legislative Session Wrap-Up here.

Republicans put forth a comprehensive and fiscally responsible budget that did not cut funding to education, public service or pass teach pensions on to the counties instead, it maintained a level funding approach from FY2012. The Republican budget was presented through a series of amendments, but the leadership in Annapolis did not want any part of that. Below, there is a video highlighting the issues with the State budget.

Though the House and the Senate have both passed a budget, there are discrepancies between the two. A Conference Committee will be put together to work out the differences between the House version and the Senate version of the budget and a compromise must be agreed upon by April 2nd.

My friend and colleague Delegate Andrew Serafini has put together this great presentation of  What the Budget Really Looks Like, this is a great analysis of the State Budget, please take a look.

Delegate Susan Aumann Analyzes the State Budget

The Minority Report “The State Budget”

I know it is a great responsibility to represent you in Annapolis and I am humbled to do so.

Thank you

Delegate Susan Aumann
Susan.aumann@house.state.md.us
410-841-3258

By level funding the state budget, we will protect our citizens against tax increases in these continued tough economic times. Data shows that Maryland families, taxpayers and small business income have not increased while the state budget has grown a whopping 21% over the last seven years. Who is paying for the expansive growth in government spending? It’s been you and me and largely the middle class in Maryland footing the bill. Enough is Enough!!

I thought you would enjoy this great story reported by WBAL.

GOP Unveils Budget With No Fee or Tax Increases

Public Benefits for Violent Criminals

Today, the House of Delegates passed HB 650, Diminution Credits for Educational Accomplishment, which would allow all criminals the ability to cut 300 days off their sentence by completing academic programs. Specifically, this legislation allows all inmates, except those who have committed a sexual crime against a minor, 60 days off their sentence per academic program completed. This includes people who have been convicted for murder, first and second degree rape, drug dealers plus others, that would qualify for this benefit. Each year the General Assembly has offered ways to reduce the sentence of these criminals; this is after the Judge may have reduced the sentence.

Currently, an inmate can earn up to 15 days per month for good behavior, essentially cutting their sentence in half. This bill would allow inmates an extra 300 days, nearly 1 year, off their sentence. What is often looked over is that inmates can earn other privileges such as TV, visiting hours and extra snacks and food. Allowing criminals, including violent criminals, out on the street earlier is poor judgment and is interfering in the criminal justice system.
I know it is a great responsibility to represent you in Annapolis and I am humbled to do so.

Thank you

Delegate Susan Aumann
Susan.aumann@house.state.md.us
410-841-3258

It appears as though the O’Malley-Brown Gas Tax is being taken off the table! Your letters, e-mails, phone calls and rallies have paid off and we think we have defeated the implementation of the gas tax!

Thanks to folks like you and me, the highly controversial elimination of the mortgage tax deduction is now off the table too! I have said from the beginning that this deduction is one of the most important things to MD homeowners. Thanks to the Maryland Realtors and homeowners for your hard work in helping to defeat this measure!

The O’Malley-Brown Administration is looking for other “new” taxes to impose.
The current idea is to raise $400 million dollars through an INCOME TAX INCREASE! This is to make up the difference from the gas tax and the elimination of the Mortgage Interest deduction. The Governor didn’t listen to us in January when 96% of Marylanders said they pay enough in taxes according to a Gonzales poll.

Our work is not complete though. We need to keep the pressure on the Governor so that Marylanders are not ridiculously taxed. I continue to advocate for spending reductions and will not support any new tax or fee on Marylanders.

Redistricting Finalized

Every 10 years, following the U.S. Census, Maryland redraws the Congressional and Legislative districts. The Congressional map was presented and voted on during the October 2011 special session.

When the General Assembly reconvened in January, the Governor presented the redrawn Legislative map. The Governors’ map had 45 days from when it was presented to be challenged by the General Assembly. Alternative maps were presented but the Governor’s bill became law. There is a possibility that the legislative map may be challenged in court. I believe that the new district map will be implemented and the new legislative districts will stand.

The new 42nd District in Baltimore County will be split into two districts, A and B. District 42 “A” incorporates the area below the beltway while District 42 “B” will stretch from north of the 695 beltway around Towson to the Pennsylvania line in Baltimore County. I am looking forward to representing 42B, the northern part of Baltimore County in 2014. It will allow me the opportunity to meet new people and learn more about rural and agricultural issues.

Rising Boat Fees

The O’Malley-Brown Administration has proposed House Bill 1307 State Boat Act – Fees and Requirements which will raise the boat registration fees.

Under this bill the current $24 2-year registration fee would increase to:

• $75 for a boat larger than 16ft
• $125 for a boat larger than 32ft
• $250 for a boat larger than 45ft
• $700 for a boat larger than 65ft

These changes would make boating in Maryland much more expensive than in Delaware. Delaware’s largest boat registration fees cost $60 a year; Virginia has a three-year registration fee that maxes out at $45. Maryland’s boater’s fee increase would not only hurt boaters but would hurt the marinas and all businesses that rely on watermen.

The Chesapeake Bay in Maryland has a lot to offer to the nearly 200,000 boaters that live here. Many of you enjoy spending time out on the water and these policies will have a negative impact on the boating industry. I am opposed to this increase.

Sponsored Legislation Update

I am the lead sponsor on House Bill 847 – Seniors Tax Relief Act. The purpose of this bill is to increase the deduction amount allowed from $1000 to $1500 for individuals who are blind or are at least 65 years old. I testified on this bill on February 28th in the Ways and Means Committee, it was well received and I will update you if it receives a favorable report from the committee.

Additionally, On February 23rd I testified on House Bill 521 – Interest on Security Deposits. This legislation seeks to reduce the amount of interest, from 3% to 1%, landlords are required to pay on security deposits when they are returned to the tenant. Currently landlords are required to pay 3% on security deposits. In this economic downturn, interest rates have been hovering around 1% or lower for many years; I thought it was fair to have the interest on security deposits relate to the current market rates. Again, I will keep you updated on the progress of this bill.

I know it is a great responsibility to represent you in Annapolis and I am humbled to do so. You can count on me to fight for you and all of Maryland!

Thank you

Delegate Susan Aumann
Susan.aumann@house.state.md.us
410-841-3258

This week in Annapolis the house version of Caylee’s Law was heard in Judiciary committee. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the law, it seeks to change the reporting guidelines for a death or disappearance of a child.

Background:
In July of 2011 Casey Anthony was acquitted of the murder of her daughter Caylee because there was substantial evidence that she did not report the death of her daughter to authorities.

Caylee’s Law (HB122): The law seeks to make it a felony if the death of a child (under 12y/o), who is not under the care of a doctor, is not reported within one hour or if a child goes missing and is not reported to authorities within 24 hours.

Examining the Problem in Maryland: In Baltimore City
58 children between age of 1 and 9 were reported missing more than 24 hours after they disappeared. (2009-2011)

THIS BILL CAN HELP POLICE TRACK MISSING CHILDREN QUICKER, BEFORE THEY COME TO FURTHER HARM.

Congratulations to Under Armour’s founder Kevin Plank

Del. Aumann holding the MD Helmet made by Under Armour

On Wednesday, Kevin Plank the CEO and founder of Under Armour, received the Speaker’s Medallion Award. This prestigious award is given to those who have made outstanding contributions to the State of MD. Not only was Under Armour founded by a University of Maryland graduate their corporate headquarters is located in downtown Baltimore, where they employ nearly 4,000 people! Congratulations Kevin & the entire Under Armour team for helping to make Maryland a great place to work.

I am happy to be able to share with you some positive news from Annapolis. You can count on me to continue to fight to make Maryland better for all of us.

Thank you

Delegate Susan Aumann
Susan.aumann@house.state.md.us
410-841-3258

On Wednesday the Governor addressed the members of the Senate and House of Delegates with his annual State of the State address. While we have been hearing rumors for the past few weeks of what the Governor was going to propose this year, yesterday’s address had lawmakers on both sides of the aisle stunned. Here is a short list of what the O’Malley-Brown Administration has proposed

• Gas Tax – 18-cent/per gallon increase on gas the gas tax in MD would be over
• App Tax – applying the sales tax to all iTunes and internet downloads
• Verizon Tax – applying a tax to all land lines
• Flush Tax – increasing the flush fee and changing the structure to be based on usage
• Thousandaires Tax – eliminating the mortgage interest deduction for 100K+ earners
• Toll Tax – Doubling the tolls for all MD tunnels and bridges

And there is more, click here for a full list of Taxes & Fees being proposed

Delegates Aumann & Szeliga Respond to O’Malley’s State of the State

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The mood in Annapolis is different this year, people are listening! It is important to contact your legislators and the leadership in Annapolis and tell them ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! NO NEW TAXES

I welcome your comments and continue to fight for Maryland families.

Delegate Susan Aumann
Susan.aumann@house.state.md.us
410-841-3258

Dear Constituents,

Good News for the Developmental Disability Administration
Over the last 6 months the Developmental Disability Administration had urged each of the legislators to write a letter to restore $25million to the DDA Budget for fiscal year 2013.

The $25million was in the DDA Budget at the close of the 2012 fiscal year and the Department of Budget Management swept the funds into the General Fund due to unallocated funds by DDA. It is important to note that the Governor had no intention of cutting the $25million he just wanted to spend it on something else.

Fortunately our letters of support were heard. On January 18th when the Governors budget was proposed to the General Assembly it included an increase of funding by about $31million and creates a new plan that allows unspent money to stay in the agency.

In addition to the restoration of the budget, DDA has been able to uncover why $25million was unspent. Furthermore, the former director has been replaced with Frank Kirkland who has laid out a plan to reform DDA and has ensured that funds will be spent as allocated in the future.
When I called the Baltimore County Commission on Disabilities about the fund restoration they were very relieved and grateful. The funds will assure that services and resources to this community will continue.

Doctor of the Day

Every day during session, Annapolis has two doctors, who volunteer their services to be on call for all the visitors, staffers and elected officials in case of emergency. This week we are honored to have two doctors from the 42nd District.

Thank you Dr. Jack Gordon and Dr. James Williams for volunteering your precious time to make sure Annapolis is healthy and safe!

Sewage Spills, Septics & the Chesapeake Bay

On January 18th the Appropriations Subcommittee on the Environment and Transportation held a briefing on Maryland’s Watershed Improvement Plan (WIP). Dr. Summers, Secretary of the Maryland Department on the Environment (MDE), made the following claims:

1. The impact of raw sewage has no meaningful impact on the health of the Chesapeake Bay. Summers claims that raw sewage into the bay is “bacteria” and that is not what they are concerned about.
2. One of the initiatives of the state is to halt growth in rural counties and focus growth in the areas with “state of the art waste water treatment plants” (Ironically, one of which dumped 100 million gallons of raw sewage into the Bay)
3. Dr. Summers has not provided any credible data that would substantiate how neighboring states contribute to pollution levels in the Chesapeake Bay.

Four Reasons Why We Do Not Need a Gas Tax

The moans we hear in Annapolis about how the Transportation Authority needs more money for everything is everywhere. Enough! I do not support an increase in taxes and I am going to give you four reasons why:

1. Construction Costs – Maryland is not a right to work state. This means that contracts must be bid by to include high union wages known as prevailing wage. In addition the Governor is initiating Project Labor Agreements (PLA). All contractors must high union workers. This inflates the construction projects by 15-20% and precludes the small businesses from bidding on Maryland’s projects.
2.  Union Compensation – The cost of transit has been impacted by the greed of the Union wages. Binding Arbitration declared the union would receive a retroactive pay increase, restoration of furlough days and a pension enhancement. Their pension and health care cost for current and retired employees do not require employee contributions and is totally paid for by your tax dollars.
3.  Highway User Funds– Over the past few years we know that the Transportation Trust Fund has been raided to fund General fund needs. The Governor claims that he has paid back the money that was transferred. Partially true. The billion dollars for local counties of Highway User Funds intended for local county’s road projects and repairs have not been repaid, placing a heavy burden on Baltimore County and other counties.Double talk! Every time you put gas into your tank, the tax collected is to be spent on roads, not just State roads, all roads, for maintenance and construction.Baltimore City was the only jurisdiction that received funds. In the 2013 budget, $162 million was allocated to highway user funds, $132 million will go to Baltimore City leaving $30 million to be parceled out among the rest of Maryland’s 23 counties. The money is being taken when needs are growing.We expected that the money from the gas tax would pay for repairs and new projects NOT be taken by the Governor to pay for other things.
4. Transit –In 2010 it was reported that ridership had declined. Light Rail and commuter bus service growth is stagnant. The amount of funds dedicated to transit spending has significantly outpaced highway spending. Even with declining use, the Governor is expanding three new major transit lines (The Purple Line, Corridor Cities Transit Way and The Red Line). The plan will cost Marylanders over $800 million and access will be limited by the folks in the outlying areas. The cost of transit is increasing to the detriments of our roadways and repairs.

These are the reasons we must say NO to a Gas Tax!

You can look at my video on YouTube:

Very truly yours,

Delegate Susan L.M. Aumann
District 42, Baltimore County

The Governor called the Senate and the House of Delegate into Special Session to review and vote on his Congressional Redistricting map. A national census is performed every ten years counting the number of residents in the State. Maryland, like all states, must draw new congressional districts and State Legislative districts based on the principle of one-person; one-vote.

This is a political process, but this map is drawn in such an absurd way, it defies logic.  Many district configurations were presented to the members of the Governor’s Redistricting Advisory Committee over the past few months. Membership included the Chair, Jean D. Hitchcock, Secretary of Appointments; Thomas Mike Miller, Jr., Senate President; Michael E. Busch, Speaker of the House; James King, former House Member and Richard Stewart, President and CEO, Montgomery Mechanical Services, Inc.  The Committee held public hearings around the state and the common message heard at these meetings was, “keep our community together.”  Over 200 people attended the meeting in Baltimore County.

Under the new map, Baltimore County will be split into pieces among four different Congressional Districts, even though our population is large enough to support one all by itself.  The lines separating these areas are nonsensical and appear like four colors of paint splattered on a blank canvas. None of the boundaries take into account the cohesion of our neighborhoods and communities.

The Governor’s map was the only one truly considered and the majority was persuaded to vote for it or likely face consequences in the upcoming legislative redistricting. The new plan maintains two black-majority districts and targets a veteran Republican House member by splitting western Maryland into three different Districts.  Of note, the League of Women Voters vigorously opposed the proposed lines.

The Minority Floor Leader presented an alternative plan that would create three majority-minority districts, including a district basically comprising all communities inside the Baltimore beltway, including the city.  The amendment called for the Districts to be contiguous, compact, and follow natural borders.  It failed by a vote of 96 to 41. Other amendments were presented that offered contiguous districts and provided equitable representation to everyone; they also were voted down.

I believe that the Governor’s map will end up in the court system, but it remains to be seen whether the arguments will be sufficient to overcome the well-entrenched establishment.

Very truly yours,
Delegate Susan L.M. Aumann
District 42, Baltimore County