From a fiscal point of view, this legislative session is turning into a rollercoaster. The prospect of state layoffs and education funding cuts in FY 2010 has been replaced by a more positive budget outlook. With the recent enactment of the federal stimulus package, Maryland will receive $3.75 billion for both capital and program funding, over a period of three fiscal years. As Senator Ben Cardin stated recently, the stimulus funding is meant to maintain the safety net and maintain programs, but not create new ones. One notable impact of the stimulus package is that proposed funding cuts to some school districts will not happen. The federal funds will also allow the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) to make important improvements to highways and mass transit systems. (I will have more detail on MDOT projects at the end of this update.) For more information on how stimulus funding will be spent in Maryland, go to the State’s web site at www.recovery.maryland.gov.

Nevertheless, the FY 2010 state budget will be a lean one. State employees will still be furloughed for 2–5 days and receive no COLA raises. Although some cancelled transportation projects will be funded, most of the $ 2 billion in cuts to transportation projects for FY 2009–2014 will remain intact. Also, updated revenue estimates (to be released later this month) are likely to show more declines for this year and next. So, stay tuned!

Another issue that many are watching is the Public Service Commission’s (PSC) hearing on BGE rate spikes. Many residents have been mystified by the large increases in their utility bills this winter. BGE claims that colder weather is largely to blame. (For more information on the PSC’s hearing, go to http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bal-md.psc27feb27,0,3126101.story.)

Still, many lawmakers are not satisfied. Senate President Miller has asked two Senate committees to investigate, and BGE and Constellation executives will be testifying this week. If you have had large increases in your utility bill, please let me know, as I and my fellow District 11 legislators will be following this issue closely.

Regarding my legislation, the House of Delegates this week approved my HB 120, which extends the term of the task force on financial literacy. I also presented testimony on my HB 547, which would eliminate deceptive advertising practices that are sometimes used in auto advertising. This coming week, I will be testifying on HB 890, which would increase the penalty for failure to yield to emergency vehicles, and HB 754, which would require the seller of property encumbered by an easement to provide a purchaser with information on the easement.

I am proud to be representing you in Annapolis and to be a part of the District 11 legislative team, which includes Senator Bobby Zirkin, Delegate Jon Cardin, and Delegate Dan Morhaim. Please contact me at 410–841–3527 or if I can ever be of assistance.

Best,

Delegate Dana Stein

410-841-3527

MDOT Projects to be Funded by the Stimulus Package

The federal stimulus package includes $610 million for Maryland’s transportation system over the next two years. The federal funding allows MDOT to offset an estimated 25–30% of the $2.2 billion in cuts to capital projects that funding shortfalls had required.

Governor O’Malley announced the first phase of stimulus-related transportation spending last week. MDOT will spend more that $360 million on shovel ready projects and intends to award all of these projects within 90 days, putting Marylanders to work almost immediately.

Phase 1 highway projects will include everything from new ADA compliant sidewalks and safety guardrails on highways to road resurfacing and bridge maintenance projects designed to improve and protect existing infrastructure. Without these funds, Maryland would have likely had to put further weight restrictions on some bridges and close others. The highway projects are core system preservation efforts and are located across the State.

Phase 1 spending also includes the purchase of 100 hybrid buses for the Baltimore region and replacement buses for rural transit systems. Projects also will include multiple MARC station improvements.