Maryland Young Republicans Chairman's Statement On Governor O'Malley's State Of The State Address

ANNAPOLIS- Maryland Young Republicans Chairman Brian Griffiths issued the following statement today on Governor Martin O'Malley's State of the State Address.

"In his State of the State Address Today, Martin O'Malley gave a view of a radically changed Maryland. In O'Malley's vision Maryland will become a state where the ability for our citizens, particularly young professionals, to raise a family and prosper will be drastically curtailed. It was unbelievable when Martin O'Malley proposed an increase of nearly $1 billion in state spending and proceeded to tell the public he was cutting spending by $7.5 billion. But it is unfathomable and unconscionable that Martin O'Malley would suggest additional regressive tax hikes that bring serious harm to middle and working class Maryland."

"This Governor talks about choices. However, his choices to date have determined a strong lack of sound judgment. But that goes beyond tax hikes. Governor O'Malley could have built the new schools and bridges he talks about if he had not raided the transportation and capital funds to cover general fund spending. Instead he has replaced those funds with bond debt, meaning we've already been taxed twice for schools and bridges that have not been built.

"The people of Maryland need common sense solutions to our spending problems and job creation. But this Governor fiddles while the middle and working classes suffer. Martin O'Malley time and time again proves that he is not serious about fixing our state's woes as he continues to focus not on his day job, but on his national profile.

"I urge the General Assembly to side with the people of Maryland and join us in rejecting Martin O'Malley's economic radicalism."