ANNAPOLIS—Sine Die marks State Senator Andy Harris, M.D. final legislative session representing Baltimore and Harford Counties’ 7th Legislative District. His 12-year tenure in the State Senate can be defined by his principled stand on fiscal responsibility, a limited and open government and as a strong and vocal advocate for more taxpayer protections in government. Harris released the following statement:
"The most important issue facing Maryland and our nation right now is our economy. Our state is experiencing the highest unemployment rate in more than a generation. Our budget still relies on the use of federal stimulus funds that will soon dry up. And the state, already facing a $9 billion fiscal deficit over the next four years, has insisted on adding nearly $2 billion in new debt to our books. I voted against both the Capital Budget and the Operating Budget this year because of the failure of the O’Malley Administration and General Assembly leadership to address the long-term structural deficits and ballooning public debt that has become a hallmark of recent years.
“We heard everywhere this session was all about 'jobs, jobs, jobs,' but the rhetoric did not match any positive action on the long-term fiscal outlook for workers or jobs creators. Small businesses will soon see increased regulations and new taxes which will hurt their ability to keep workers employed; much less allow them to start hiring again. I believe we need a true commitment to fiscal responsibility in Annapolis and in Washington if we are serious about creating and keeping jobs here in Maryland and ensuring that we use taxpayers’ money wisely and efficiently. I have fought for these principles throughout my 12 years in the State Senate and I plan to do the same if I have the privilege of serving Maryland’s First District in Congress.
“It has been an honor to serve Marylanders in the State Senate and it is my hope to continue serving them in Congress so that we can keep fighting for accountability, fiscal responsibility and a better, more prosperous future for the First District and our nation as a whole.”
"The most important issue facing Maryland and our nation right now is our economy. Our state is experiencing the highest unemployment rate in more than a generation. Our budget still relies on the use of federal stimulus funds that will soon dry up. And the state, already facing a $9 billion fiscal deficit over the next four years, has insisted on adding nearly $2 billion in new debt to our books. I voted against both the Capital Budget and the Operating Budget this year because of the failure of the O’Malley Administration and General Assembly leadership to address the long-term structural deficits and ballooning public debt that has become a hallmark of recent years.
“We heard everywhere this session was all about 'jobs, jobs, jobs,' but the rhetoric did not match any positive action on the long-term fiscal outlook for workers or jobs creators. Small businesses will soon see increased regulations and new taxes which will hurt their ability to keep workers employed; much less allow them to start hiring again. I believe we need a true commitment to fiscal responsibility in Annapolis and in Washington if we are serious about creating and keeping jobs here in Maryland and ensuring that we use taxpayers’ money wisely and efficiently. I have fought for these principles throughout my 12 years in the State Senate and I plan to do the same if I have the privilege of serving Maryland’s First District in Congress.
“It has been an honor to serve Marylanders in the State Senate and it is my hope to continue serving them in Congress so that we can keep fighting for accountability, fiscal responsibility and a better, more prosperous future for the First District and our nation as a whole.”
More importantly is the retirement of our Eastern Shore Senator Stoltzfus, who was a True advocate for the Eastern Shore in the state senate for 20 Years. We will miss you Senator Stoltzfus!
ReplyDeleteNot! What a barnyard bully and self-righteous moralist. Good riddance....lets come into the 21st century.
ReplyDeleteGreat to see Sheriff Lewis and Sen. Harris together. They will make a good team. Lewis' support of Harris in the upcoming election will surely help him win in Wicomico County over Frank Kratovil.
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