MBRG Report

Roll Call:
McDermott Scores 100% from MBRG
(Maryland Business for Responsive Government)

Delegate Michael McDermott (R-Dist. 38-B) was recently recognized as receiving a 100% rating from the MBRG. This marks the second consecutive year that Del. McDermott has received the highest rating as a legislator who is supporting business and a business friendly climate in Maryland.

To determine an accurate picture of the Maryland legislature's attitudes toward business, jobs, economic growth, and investment in the state, MBRG's 30-member State Advisory Council selects votes from the last regular and special General Assembly sessions that have practical or philosophical importance to the widest possible range of Maryland businesses, trade associations, and chambers of commerce. Before introducing or voting on legislation, the MBRG encourages legislators to consider the following questions:

1. Will the legislation increase or decrease the cost of doing business for companies in Maryland? If the answer is increase, will the added costs of the legislation and subsequent regulations exceed the added benefit to Maryland's residents?

2. Will the legislation and subsequent regulations be more or less stringent than, or contradictory to, federal law and regulations; or will it give Maryland a competitive advantage or disadvantage with other states?

3. Will the legislation encourage or discourage companies from adding new jobs or keeping current jobs in Maryland?

4. Will the legislation encourage or discourage individuals and businesses from investing and building?

5. Will the legislation promote or impede the competitive market by removing or imposing legal, economic and/or regulatory burdens, taxes, or costs?

6. Is there another way to solve the problem or address the issue without legislation; or is there existing legislation addressing the matter?

7. Will introducing the bill send a positive or negative message about Maryland's business climate?

Here’s how the rest of the lower shore delegation rated with business in 2011 and 2012:

2011 2012
Sen. Richard Colburn-R 100% 100%
Sen. James Mathias-D 45% 63%
Del. Rudy Cane-D 10% 9%
Del. Norman Conway-D 20% 20%
Del. Adelaide Eckardt-R 100% 100%
Del. Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio-R 100% 93%
Del. Michael McDermott-R 100% 100%
Del. Charles Otto-R 100% 100%