GOVERNOR O’MALLEY, SENATE PRESIDENT MILLER, SPEAKER BUSCH SIGN SENATE BILL 1

Special Session generates vital discussions on job creation, economic development and the State’s infrastructure needs in preparation for the 2012 legislative session

ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 20, 2011) – Governor Martin O’Malley today joined Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr., House Speaker Michael E. Busch, and Lieutenant Governor Anthony G. Brown to sign Senate Bill 1, emergency legislation creating new districts for congressional elections based on the 2010 census.

“To the people of Maryland, thank you for your voice, your input and your suggestions, and to all of the members of the General Assembly, thank you for giving fair, open and timely consideration and ultimately approval, to the recommendation of the Committee,” said Governor O’Malley. “Over the course of Special Session, we were able to have vital and meaningful discussions about job creation and the importance of addressing our State’s infrastructure deficit as we prepare for the 2012 legislative session. Together, we can move forward on creating jobs for our families, recognizing that the most important job we create is the next one.”

During the Special Session, Lt. Governor Brown testified before a joint hearing of the Maryland House and Senate about the importance of investing in infrastructure projects to create jobs and boost the economy. The hearing was the first of two held Tuesday to explore job creation opportunities through transportation and infrastructure projects and through streamlining government processes to make it easier to do business in Maryland.

“Special Session has provided an important opportunity to fulfill our Constitutional duty while advancing ideas for creating jobs and promoting sustainable economic growth in Maryland,” said Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown, who testified before the General Assembly this week about the need to create jobs by investing in infrastructure projects. “Job creation remains our most pressing need, and I look forward to working closely with Governor O’Malley and the General Assembly to develop a jobs package that will invest in our infrastructure so we can put Marylanders back to work and build a brighter economic future.”

On Monday, Governor O’Malley, joined by Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. and House Speaker Michael E. Busch, announced a plan to spark job creation in Maryland and to build consensus for a comprehensive jobs package for the 2012 legislative session through a series of joint legislative hearings. The Governor also signed an Executive Order calling for a 60 day review by State agencies of current State regulations that can be reformed or eliminated to help spark job creation. Suggestions and comments on regulations can be made by visiting the Maryland Made Easy web site.

"The Governor's Redistricting Advisory Committee conducted a fair and open process, successfully balancing the interests of our citizens with the changes in our state's population," said President Miller. "I would like to offer my deep gratitude to Secretary Hitchcock for her leadership of the Committee, and my thanks to the Governor and the Speaker of the House for their leadership during the special session."

“I’d like to thank Governor O’Malley, President Miller, members of the Redistricting Advisory Committee and the House of Delegates for their work on the Congressional map,” said Speaker Michael E. Busch. “This map reflects Census growth, public input from across the entire State, and maintains 70% of voters in their existing Congressional districts.”