Found Dog

Joe

I found this dog today. It is a male Irish Setter and looks to have been missing for awhile based on his condition. He follows commands so someone is missing him. I live in Quantico but he may be from miles away. Can we see if anyone know who the owner is. I can be contacted at 410-726-1328 or email linexsoccer@gmail.com

BREAKING: Seven Arrested In FBI Raids Linked To Christian Militia Group

At least seven people, including some from Michigan, have been arrested in raids by a FBI-led Joint Terrorism Task Force in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana as part of an investigation into an Adrian-based Christian militia group, a person familiar with the matter said.

The suspects are expected to make an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Detroit on Monday.

On Sunday, the FBI confirmed that federal law enforcement agents were conducting activities in Washtenaw and Lenawee counties over the weekend in connection to Hutaree, a Christian militia group. FBI Special Agent Sandra Berchtold told The Detroit News the federal warrants in the case are under court seal and declined further comment.

Sources have said the FBI was in the second day of raids around the southeastern Michigan city of Adrian that are connected to a militia group, known as the Hutaree, an Adrian-based group whose members describe themselves as Christian soldiers preparing for the arrival and battle with the anti-Christ.

WXYZ-TV reports that helicopters were spotted in the sky for much of Saturday night, and agents set up checkpoints throughout the area. Witnesses told the station that it was like a small army had descended on the area. The Department of Homeland Security and the Joint Terrorism Task Force are also involved in the raids.

Mike Lackomar, of Michiganmilitia.com, said both The Southeast Michigan Volunteer Militia and the Michiganmilitia.com were not a part of the raid.

Lackomar said he heard from other militia members that the FBI targeted the Hutaree after its members made threats of violence against Islamic organizations.

"Last night and into today the FBI conducted a raid against homes belonging to the Hutaree. They are a religious cult. They are not part of our militia community," he said.

Lackomar said he was told there were five arrests Saturday and another five early Sunday. The FBI declined to comment.

One of the Hutaree members called a Michigan militia leader for assistance Saturday after federal agents had already began their raid, Lackomar said, but the militia member -- who is of Islamic decent and had heard about the threats -- declined to offer help. That Michigan militia leader is now working with federal officials to provide information on the Hutaree member for the investigation, Lackomar said Sunday.

More here

Has The Sh!t Hit The Fan?

"I recently received word that in Michigan, the federal agencies moved on some key militia groups, and now all of Michigan Militia is now armed and is preparing to defend themselves against this open and aggressive move by the federal agencies. If anyone has any information on this, please contact me immediately. I went on to skype and there were dozens of conversations going on about this. As always, I prefer verification. Thanks for the time, and be prepared."

FBI Conducts Raids (WXYZ) - The FBI was conducting raids Saturday night at multiple locations in southeast Michigan. Action News has learned Homeland Security and the Joint Anti-terrorism Task Force is also involved in a major operation. Federal officials would not say who they were targeting or where, but the FBI has set up a command center at the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department in Ann Arbor, where they have brought in two satellite trucks and a radio tower. Agents have also obtained search warrants and multiple arrests have been made.

Battle Hymn of the US Republic 2007 A.D.

DAILY TIMES CONS READERS IN EDITORIAL PUSHING FOR A NEW LIBRARY

Today’s “we need a new library” editorial (not the real title) argues that millions must be spent on the current library facility – for a new roof and HVAC system and to improve accessibility – if a new library is not built. That cost estimate seems absurd, but there is a more ridiculous aspect of the editorial, which points out that “the design and construction of an actual library is still years away, even if the land is purchased now.”

So, in any event the current facility will be used as a library for some “years,” and that could be at least 5-10 years before a new facility would be opened. In that case, the work mentioned above and in the editorial is appropriate under any circumstances. Would the County really be dumb enough not to replace the roof if needed?

In fact, with some expenditure for ordinary maintenance and repair/replacement and a relatively inexpensive means of access for disabled persons, the current library is perfectly adequate for the foreseeable future. And, is it just me or does that design in the sketch in the editorial make you think of the typical auto dealership in southern California?

Missing Dog

Joe,

Our dog, Zoey, has been missing since yesterday around five. She’s a Spaniel/Shitzu mix, about eight pounds, and is wearing a black “Petsafe” collar. We live on Rockawalkin Road near Barrington Ridge, so if anyone has any information please contact me at (443) 880-0081 or (443)859-8120.

Thank you for any help!

Jennifer Parker

Salisbury AFP Meeting Draws Standing Room Only Crowd

Last week the local AFP meeting held at Brew River had people standing the entire time. Although they didn't expect to have as big a crowd as what turned out, no one seemed to have a problem standing wondering what's next for the AFP.

70+ people discussed the recent bus trip to Washington, D.C. in which a last minute plan brought in 5 bus loads of AFP Members to march on Washington last weekend.

We need your help! As a joint effort of the Wicomico and Worcester AFP chapters, we are renting a billboard to display the AFP message to the Ocean City vacationers as they travel Route 50. We can reach tens of thousands
with our billboard message.

Please donate at least ten dollars to this project which is sure to have maximum exposure and maximum impact on the November elections.

Contact Worcester AFP member DENNIS EVANS for details. We need to get moving on this so that we can lock in the best location. Contact Dennis ASAP with your pledge, and feel free to suggest wording for our billboard message.

Also, we'd like to invite our Wicomico counterparts to the Worcester County TAX DAY TEA PARTY which will be held Saturday April 17th at noon, routes 50 & 611 intersection in West Ocean City (The Trader Lee's complex). The Rally will be approx 90 minutes, followed by a candidates meet/greet/social for those who want to hang around.

Caption This Photo

Poll: Deep Divide Remains On Health Reform

More people believe changes will make things worse for health care system

Americans overwhelmingly see the new health-care law as a major shift in the direction of the country, but they remain as deeply divided today over the changes as they were throughout the long congressional debate, according to a Washington Post poll.

In the days since President Obama signed the farthest-reaching piece of social welfare legislation in four decades, overall public opinion has changed little, with continuing broad public skepticism about the effects of the new law and more than a quarter of Americans seeing neither side as making a good-faith effort to cooperate on the issue.

Overall, 46 percent of those polled said they support the changes in the new law; 50 percent oppose them. That is virtually identical to the pre-vote split on the proposals and similar to the divide that has existed since last summer, when the country became sharply polarized over the president's most ambitious domestic initiative.

GO HERE to read more.

Arizona Law Promises To Be 'Toughest' On Illegal Immigration

A bill empowering police to arrest illegal immigrants and charge them with trespassing for simply being in the state of Arizona, is likely just weeks away from becoming the toughest law of its kind anywhere in the country.

Already passed by the state's Senate and currently being reconciled with a similar version in the House, the bill would essentially criminalize the presence of the 460,000 illegal immigrants living in the state.

The measure allows police to detain people on the suspicion that they are illegal immigrants, outlaws citizens from employing day laborers, and makes it illegal for anyone to transport an illegal immigrant, even a family member, anywhere in the state.

The bill's supporters say a local crackdown has become a necessity because the federal government has failed to adequately seal the borders or actively enforce its laws. They blame Arizona's spiraling crime and unemployment rates on its large population of illegal immigrants.

Here's more

Pelosi Claims Health Care Reform To Save $1.3 Trillion; No Mention In CBO Estimate

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said that the health care reform package the House passed on March 21 would ultimately save the country $1.3 trillion over the next 20 years. That claim, however, was not made by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) in its cost estimate of the bill.

Pelosi, speaking to reporters at her weekly Capitol Hill press conference on Thursday, said that one of the most important reasons for passing the legislation was that it would save the government so much money.

“[O]ne of the main reasons to do the bill was that it saves the taxpayers $1.3 trillion — $1.3 trillion — over the life of the bill and the 10 years beyond,” she said.

However, no such figure appears in the Congressional Budget Office’s estimate of the package President Obama signed into law Tuesday.

According to a CBO letter sent to Pelosi on March 20, the day before that House passed the bill, the health reform bill and an accompanying package of amendments is expected to reduce the deficit by $143 billion over the 2010-2019 time period.

For the following decade, the CBO does not attempt to quantify the bill’s possible effects on the budget because, as it says, there are simply too many unknown factors for any estimate to be accurate.

.

More here

Workers Of The World, Unite!

In Case You Missed This

An 82-year-old woman was approached by a man in Sierra Vista, Arizona, in a Walmart parking lot when he began to threaten her.

"This is your day," the man told her. "You are too old to be alive anyway."

He then took her cane away and began beating her with it. However, he was unaware that she was carrying her handgun, which she quickly pulled from her purse and began firing at the suspect.

Witnesses nearby were alerted by the gunshots and came to help the elderly woman. The suspect was taken into custody by police shortly afterward. Impending charges include attempted murder.

The courageous woman later told the media, "If I go naturally or to a sickness or something, fine. I'm ready to go, but I'm not ready to let some idiot like that take me out."

You go, girl!

3 Years Ago Today

Linda Kent came to a final settlement with the old mall owners, to which I believe never made their financial commitment/donation to the Wicomico Library, as agreed in the settlement.

Binyamin Netanyahu humiliated After Barack Obama 'Dumped Him For Dinner'

For a head of government to visit the White House and not pose for photographers is rare. For a key ally to be left to his own devices while the President withdraws to have dinner in private was, until this week, unheard of. Yet that is how Binyamin Netanyahu was treated by President Obama on Tuesday night, according to Israeli reports on a trip viewed in Jerusalem as a humiliation.

After failing to extract a written promise of concessions on settlements, Mr Obama walked out of his meeting with Mr Netanyahu but invited him to stay at the White House, consult with advisers and “let me know if there is anything new”, a US congressman, who spoke to the Prime Minister, said.

“It was awful,” the congressman said. One Israeli newspaper called the meeting “a hazing in stages”, poisoned by such mistrust that the Israeli delegation eventually left rather than risk being eavesdropped on a White House telephone line. Another said that the Prime Minister had received “the treatment reserved for the President of Equatorial Guinea”.

Left to talk among themselves Mr Netanyahu and his aides retreated to the Roosevelt Room. He spent a further half-hour with Mr Obama and extended his stay for a day of emergency talks to try to restart peace negotiations. However, he left last night with no official statement from either side. He returned to Israel yesterday isolated after what Israeli media have called a White House ambush for which he is largely to blame.

Subtle Car Break In

I drove myself and two co-workers to lunch Monday, 2/15/10. I chose a parking spot in the rear of the lot and backed into a space (no pull through available at location). This positioned my Chevy Avalanche with the passenger side doors facing away from the rest of the lot and to the end of the lot. I had a Sony digital camera lying on the console of my truck.. Upon returning from lunch and entering the vehicle we noticed nothing wrong or missing from the vehicle. Tuesday around lunch time I needed the camera and could not locate it. My first thoughts were, "I moved it or it fell to the floor mat or I removed it from my truck." After searching feverishly for two days, questioning anyone who had been close to my truck, and exhausting every possible location I could have put it, I began to have that sinking feeling I lost it or someone stole it. My new Garmin GPS had been in the truck the whole time, so I felt as if someone had entered my vehicle they would have taken it also. Fast forward to Wednesday, I approached my truck from the passenger side to place my computer bag (aka my man purse) in the front passenger seat. As I reached to open the door I noticed there was a hole right under my door handle. My first thought was, "someone has shot my truck !" I began to think about it and inspect it a little closer and the "light" slowly began to come on. I phoned my friend who owns a body shop and asked if he had any vehicles with damage to the doors that looked like a bullet hole. "Yes, I see it all the time. Thieves have a punch and place it right under the door handle, knock a hole through, reach in and unlock it, just as if they have a key. No alarms, broken glass or anything.

I then placed a call to my insurance agent, who is also a friend, and explained it to him. I proceeded to tell him the situation and how I was puzzled that they left my GPS and all other belongings. Here is where it gets scary ! "Oh no, he said, they want the break-in to be so subtle that you don't even realize it. They look at your GPS to see where "home" is. Now they know what you drive, go to your home, and if your vehicle isn't there they assume you aren't and break in your home." He says they will even leave a purse or wallet and only take one or two credit cards. By the time you realize there has been a theft, they may have already had a couple days or more to use them. This is another reason they want the break-in to go unnoticed. I didn't realize my situation for two full days! They even give you the courtesy of re-locking your doors for you. I guess they don't want it to be broken into by other thieves !

Had they have found your check book, they could have taken checks from the middle section so they wouldn't be noticed.

Please remove from your GPS unit your home address as "home" ASAP ! Put in your local Wal-Mart address or some where else! Park your vehicle in a highly visible place. I positioned mine perfectly for them and didn't realize it until it was too late. I hope this is beneficial to you and helps you keep your valuables in your possession and your vehicle from damage. Most importantly, it may keep the thieves from showing up at your home !

DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES IN SIGHT INSIDE THE CAR.

Periodically walk around your car, daily if you are in a shopping center or other parking area. Report thefts immediately....Bank w/missing check numbers, Credit card agencies, Police, and Insurance Companies.

Mister Rogers

1928 - 2003

Happy Birthday, Mister Rogers!

Thanks for sharing your Neighborhood.

MSP Press Releases

TROOPERS ARREST MAN ON CDS CHARGES

On Friday, March 26, 2010 at 8:30 pm, A Trooper from the Salisbury Barrack of the Maryland State Police stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation on Main Street at Reginault Street in Willards Maryland. During the traffic stop, a K-9 scan of the vehicle was initiated which resulted in a positive alert for the presence of CDS. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed approximately 4.5 grams of marihuana, a marihuana joint, and a glass smoking device containing marihuana residue. Adam Thomas Kirshner, 21, of Millsboro De. was arrested and charged with possession of marihuana and drug paraphernalia. Kirshner was transported to WCDC where he is awaiting a hearing with a commissioner.

TROOPERS ARREST TWO ON CDS CHARGES

On Friday, March 26, 2010 at 10:25 pm, A Trooper from the Salisbury Barrack of the Maryland State Police stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation on Rt. 13 at E. William Street in Salisbury. During the traffic stop, a K-9 scan of the vehicle was initiated which resulted in a positive alert for the presence of CDS. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a small amount of marihuana in the center console. Rikeesh Q. Turner, 21, of Houston DE. and Tynesha Tanae Baker, 20, of Salisbury, were arrested and charged with possession of marihuana and drug paraphernalia. Both subjects were transported to WCDC where they are awaiting a hearing with a commissioner.

Fatal Collision West Of Laurel

Involved Parties:
2000 Ford Mustang, operated by Pearl Beal, 64, of Rhodesdale, Maryland
1998 Ford F150, operated by Donald Nichols, 45, of Laurel, Delaware State Police

Resume: The 2000 Ford Mustang, operated by Pearl L. Beal, 64yrs, of Rhodesdale, MD, was eastbound on Sharptown Road (SR24) approaching the intersection of Mt. Pleasant Road (CR493). Sharptown Road is a through road and traffic on this road is not required to stop at Mt. Pleasant Road.

A 1998 Ford F-150, operated by Donald B. Nichols, 45yrs, of Laurel, DE, was southbound on Mt. Pleasant Road, when this vehicle came to a stop at a stop sign at Sharptown Road.

The operator of the truck failed to see the Mustang approaching and pulled directly into the intersection. As a result, the vehicles collided.

Both operators were seat belted. Ms. Beal was pronounced dead at the scene. Mr. Nichols was transported to Nanticoke Memorial Hospital where he was treated and released with non-life threatening injuries.

The roadway was closed for 3hours.

No charges have been filed and this crash remains under investigation by the DSP Collision Reconstruction Unit.

DELMAR POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE

Incident: Criminal Impersonation
Location: Rt 13 @ Thornton Blvd, Delmar, DE
Date: March 26, 2010
Arrested: Nicole Murphy, White Female, 30, Seaford, DE

On 03-26-2010, a Delmar Police Officer encountered Nicole Murphy on a traffic stop on Rt 13 and Thornton Blvd, Delmar DE. While speaking with Murphy she gave a different name to the Officer. The officer learned the true identify of Murphy and placed her under arrest. Murphy had six outstanding warrants thru Delaware.

Charges:
Criminal Impersonation

Murphy was processed and released to Sussex Correction Institute. Murphy is being held on $500.00 secured bond.

State Police Investigating A Homicide

Location: Collins and Russell Development, Milton, Delaware, Sussex County

Date of Occurrence: Friday, March 26, 2010, at approximately 10:30 a.m.

Suspect: Michael M. Hudson, 58 years old, of Milton, De

Resume: State Police have identified the body discovered on Hudson’s property was that of his son, 19 year old Spencer S. Ashing. A missing person’s report was taken on February 12, 2010 stating Ashing hadn’t been seen since February 3, 2010. This report was filed by Spencer Ashing’s mother.

The investigation into Ashing’s disappearance continued through the month and into March when he was discovered Friday morning on a follow-up with Hudson at his residence. Hudson was subsequently taken into custody and found to be in possession of a .357 revolver.

An autopsy performed on Ashing revealed he died as a result of multiple gunshot wounds and blunt force trauma.

Michael M. Hudson is being held at Sussex Correctional Institute on no bail.

Alternative Energy Workshop For Homewoners And Businesses @ SU

Try This PEW Quiz

Try this PEW Quiz. Then, after you take it, you can click on a spot and see how others did on the quiz. Amazing.......Test your knowledge then be ready to shudder when you see how others did.

http://pewresearch.org/politicalquiz/quiz/index.php

MSP Press Release

DATE & TIME: 3/27/10, 0053 hrs.

LOCATION: Northwood Dr. @ Naylor Mill

CASE NUMBER: 10-54-003107

CRIME:
1. Possession of Marijuana-10.3 grams
2. Possession Paraphernalia
3. DUI

ACCUSED: Mark Allen Newton of Delmar, MD, 50 YOA

BRIEF RESUME: On the above date and time, a trooper from the Salisbury Barrack initiated a traffic stop on Northwood Dr. Contact with the driver revealed Newton to be driving under the influence of alcohol. Search of the accused revealed a smoking device and additional marijuana inside the vehicle. Newton was transported to Wicomico County Detention Center where he is awaiting disposition before a district court commissioner.

Injury Crash Outside Frankford Sends Seven Patients To Hospital

Location: Southbound DuPont Boulevard (US113), south of Swamp Road, just outside Frankford, Delaware

Date of Occurrence: Saturday, March 28, 2010, at approximately 8:40

Vehicles(s):
2003 Chevrolet Suburban, operated by James Saunders, 33, of Middletown, Delaware
Passengers
8-year-old female from Georgetown, Delaware
28-year-old female from Georgetown, Delaware
17-year-old female from Georgetown, Delaware
48-year-old female from Georgetown, Delaware
43-year-old male from Millsboro, Delaware
1996 Mazda Protégé, operated by Leandro Chilel, 24, of Frankford, Delaware
Passenger- 24-year-old male from Georgetown, Delaware

Resume: Yesterday morning, Troopers responded to southbound US113, just south of Swamp Road, for a head on collision.

A 2003 Chevrolet Suburban was traveling southbound on US113 in the right lane. A 1996 Mazda Protégé was traveling northbound on US113 approaching the Suburban. For an unknown reason, the Mazda crossed the center median and into the southbound lanes. It was now traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of US113 where it collided with the Suburban in a head-on collision.

As a result of the crash, multiple persons were injured. All five passengers in the Suburban were transported from the scene to Beebe Hospital where they were treated for non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the Suburban was not injured.

The driver of the Mazda sustained significant injuries. He was flown from the scene to Christiana Hospital where he was admitted. At the time of this release, he is still admitted. The passenger in the Mazda was also injured. He was transported from the scene to Beebe Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Alcohol is considered a factor in this crash on the part of Mr. Leandro Chilel- the driver of the Mazda.

Charges have not been filed yet and this investigation is ongoing.

Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Releases

Incident: Burglary
Date of Incident: 25 March 2010
Location: 300 block of N. Park Drive, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: 1. Male Juvenile, 17, Salisbury, MD
2. Female Juvenile, 14, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 25 March 2010 at 9:25 AM, deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of suspicious subjects on the property of a residence in the 300 block of N. Park Drive in Salisbury. Upon arrival the deputies met with the homeowner who advised that he believed someone might be in his shed. Upon checking the shed, two juveniles were discovered inside. The deputy placed both under arrest and transported them to the Sheriff’s Office.

At the Sheriff’s Office, the deputy completed a juvenile referral on both juveniles and contacted the Department of Juvenile Services who advised to release both to their respective parents.
Charges: Burglary 4th Degree


Incident: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
Date of Incident: 25 March 2010
Location: Mt. Hermon Road at Kaywood Drive, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Gene Arthur Bornt, 66, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 25 March 2010 at 8:45 PM, Sheriff Mike Lewis stopped a vehicle operated by Gene Bornt because of Bornt’s inability to properly control his vehicle. The Sheriff also observed that Bornt repeatedly kept applying his brakes while travelling westbound on Mt. Hermon Road. Upon contacting Bornt, the Sheriff detected that Bornt appeared under the influence of alcohol. After the administration of roadside field sobriety tests, Bornt was placed under arrest for DUI.
Bornt was processed at the Maryland State Police barrack in Salisbury and released upon signing citations.

Charges: Driving While Under the Influence of Alcohol
Driving While Impaired by Alcohol

Traffic Stop Yield Narcotics In Laurel

Location: Route 13 northbound, Laurel, Delaware, Sussex County, Delaware

Date of Occurrence: Friday, March 26, 2010, at 10:20 p.m.

Suspect(s): Terrence Smith, 25, of Harmony Lane in Dover, Delaware

Resume: On Friday, March 26th, at approximately 10:20 p.m., a Trooper assigned to Troop 5 stopped a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer for speeding (73 in a 55) on US 13 northbound in Laurel.

The operator was identified as Dover resident Terrence Smith. Smith was found to be wanted by the Court of Common Pleas and a computer check revealed he was also driving while suspended.

A search of his vehicle revealed two bags of crack cocaine and two bags of marijuana along with digital scales stuffed in shoes that were in the rear of the vehicle. The crack cocaine was found to weigh 15 grams and the marijuana was found to weigh 35 grams. The illegal drugs were packaged for distribution.

Terrence Smith was charged with Trafficking Cocaine (felony), Possession with the Intent to Deliver Cocaine (Felony), Possession with the Intent to Deliver Marijuana (felony), Maintaining a Vehicle for Keeping Narcotics (felony), two counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (misdemeanor), and traffic offenses.

Smith was arraigned at JP3 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institute on a $44,500 cash bond.

FIRST LADY O’MALLEY TO DELIVER KEYNOTE ADDRESS

FIRST LADY O’MALLEY TO DELIVER KEYNOTE ADDRESS
TO BANNEKER-DOUGLASS MUSEUM AND NORTHERN ARUNDEL CULTURAL PRESERVATION SOCIETY’S THIRD ANNUAL
LADIES HAT AND TEA

ANNAPOLIS, MD – First Lady Katie O’Malley tomorrow will deliver the keynote address to Banneker-Douglass Museum and the Northern Arundel Cultural Preservation Society’s Third Annual Ladies Hat and Tea. The event is held in honor of Women’s History Month.

The Ladies Hat and Tea will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Bates Legacy Center. The First Lady will deliver the keynote at 2:00 p.m.

JOBS TAX CREDIT AT BALTIMORE COUNTY MANUFACTURING COMPANY

GOVERNOR MARTIN O'MALLEY PROMOTES BENEFITS
OF JOBS TAX CREDIT
AT BALTIMORE COUNTY MANUFACTURING COMPANY

ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 26, 2010) – Fulfilling his commitment to stimulate job creation and help put unemployed Marylanders back to work, Governor Martin O’Malley today celebrated this week’s passage of the Job Creation and Recovery Tax Credit by touring a Baltimore County manufacturer that is currently hiring. The Governor, who proposed the legislation as part of his Economic Recovery Agenda and officially signed it into law yesterday, joined Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith at Cockeysville-based Saft America Inc., the world’s largest manufacturer of lithium batteries for the space and defense industry. As part of the tour, the Governor highlighted the benefits of the jobs tax credit, which offers up to $5,000 to employers who hire unemployed Marylanders and is effective as of March 25, 2010.

“We’re here today to mark important progress that will put thousands of our fellow citizens back to work – including here at SAFT America – and that’s the Job Creation Tax Credit which I had the honor of signing into law yesterday,” said Governor O’Malley. “I applaud the General Assembly’s swift action and bipartisan effort to move this legislation forward. To rebuild and restore our economy, we must help our businesses create and save jobs, and improve the conditions under which business can create or save jobs.”

“The economic slide has taken its toll on too many workers and their families,” said Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith. “This new Maryland tax credit will help move hard working people off unemployment and back to work.”

In addition to signing the Job Creation Tax Credit bill yesterday, the Governor also signed a bill to modernize the State’s unemployment insurance trust fund, and maintain its solvency by leveraging federal funds. Under the Unemployment Insurance – Tax Deferrment, Trust Fund Solvency, and Cost-Neutral Modernization Act, Maryland is eligible for $126.8 million in federal funds to return the UI Trust Fund to solvency at no additional cost to employers, while providing plans to help them in paying their unemployment insurance obligations.

“With the jobs tax credit legislation, Maryland demonstrates strong business support and critical leadership that is needed now more than ever to strengthen businesses’ bottom lines and put people back to work,” said Christian S. Johansson, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development. “Working with Governor O’Malley, our legislators and our stakeholders in the business community, we were able to put forth this bold initiative which gives our businesses the jump start they need to fill vacant jobs or create new ones.”

To claim the Job Creation Tax Credit, employers must apply for and receive certification from the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR) that their hires meet the basic eligibility requirements. Beginning March 29, employers can apply online at www.dllr.maryland.gov.

“We will make the process of hiring qualified employees as easy as possible for employers through www.dllr.maryland.gov,”said Secretary Alexander M. Sanchez of the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. “Employers can file for the tax credit certification online after they have made a hire, and we will provide rapid verification that a prospective employee is on the UI rolls. We will also help employers reach potential qualifying employees through our local One Stop Career Centers and provide guidance on how to screen for qualified employees during the hiring process.”

The tax credit, considered emergency legislation, will apply to qualified hires made on or after March 25, 2010 through December 31, 2010. It will help many growing companies like Saft America, which currently has 170 workers and plans continue their recruiting efforts over the next several years. An employer may receive a maximum credit of $5,000 for each qualified employee, up to a total of $250,000. The tax credit is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a program limit of $20 million.

“As we continue our growth and expansion in the high-technology battery market, we look forward to the opportunities and benefits this tax credit brings to us and the local community,” said Ken Jones, Program Manager at Saft America. “We appreciate the assistance of the State in supporting Maryland businesses like Saft.”

Located in Cockeysville since 1983, Saft America, Space and Defense Division is the largest manufacturer in the world of defense lithium batteries. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Saft Group SA of France. The Saft Group SA, headquartered in Paris, is a public company traded on the Paris Stock Exchange. Their Cockeysville facility researches and manufactures lithium batteries for a variety of uses in the defense and space industry and exports 20 percent of their manufactured goods.

Business representatives in local One-Stop Career Centers can help employers obtain information about the tax credit program and identify qualifying prospective employees who are being served in the career centers. Employers may reach the appropriate business representative by logging on to www.dllr.state.us/county.

For additional information on the Job Creation and Recovery Tax Credit, please call 410-767-2996 or visit www.dllr.maryland.gov.