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Tuesday, June 07, 2011

BREAKING NEWS – “MD DREAM Act” Opponents Clear First Hurdle

According to the Maryland State Board of Elections, the petition drive to put the “MD DREAM Act” to referendum has cleared its first hurdle.

The group, led by Del. Neal Parrott (R-2B), needed 18,577 signatures turned in by May 31 to clear the first hurdle.  As of this evening, 31,016 signatures have been validated.

A total of 55,736 valid signatures will be needed by June 30.

Dozens of Bodies In Texas Mass Grave

Authorities in southeast Texas reportedly dig up 25 to 30 bodies at road intersection.

Somerset County Passes FY2012 Budget

This afternoon the Somerset County Commissioners unanimously passed their general fund and roads budgets for FY2012.  The general fund budget for FY2012 is $36.2 million.  The roads budget for FY 2012 is $5.4 million.

For FY2011, the general fund budget was $46.0 million.  Gene Adkins, Somerset County Finance Director, explained that Somerset County, unlike Wicomico County, does not have a separate capital budget.  All capital expenditures are part of either the general fund budget or the roads budget.  Because of this, the general fund budget may swing significantly from year to year.

Morrissey Will Not Seek Senate Seat Held by Marsh

A potentially divisive Democratic primary between Del. Joseph D. Morrissey, D-Henrico, and state Sen. Henry L. Marsh III, D-Richmond, was avoided Monday when Morrissey said he will run for re-election to the House rather than take on Marsh.

Morrissey made it clear that he had wanted to run for the Senate because he is frustrated with being in the minority in the House of Delegates.

"The question was not could I win, but at what cost," he told a news conference in his office at the General Assembly Building.

"Whilst I believe I could win the seat of the 16th state Senate district, I do not want to create any divisiveness in the party at a time when the General Assembly is running for re-election, especially when there is a very important election next year," Morrissey said.

READ MORE …

DE GOP – Re-Districting Crosses Line

Just south of the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal, the Lea Eara Farms and Summit Farms subdivisions are interconnected neighborhoods -- sharing an entrance road off Del. 896 and a maintenance corporation.

Under a proposed redrawing of state House district boundaries, the two communities would be split into separate districts. Summit Farms would remain in the 9th District, while Lea Eara Farms would be added to the 8th District.

Coincidentally or not, Democratic Rep. Rebecca Walker's Republican opponent in the 2010 election will no longer be living in her 9th District next year if the House Democrats' plan is approved as drawn.

"There's no doubt that they played the political game there and wanted to block me out to run again because the race was so close," said John Marino, who lost the 2010 contest to Walker by 282 votes.

Throughout the maps proposed by Democrats who control massive majorities in the Delaware House and Senate, there are examples of former political opponents being drawn out of the district of an incumbent they once faced on the ballot.

Former House Speaker Terry Spence was drawn out of the 18th District, a seat he lost in 2008 to Rep. Michael Barbieri and again in 2010 in a failed comeback.

READ MORE …

MAYOR MAKES BUDGET ANNOUNCEMENT AT BATEMAN/ONLEY ROAD


Mayor James Ireton, Jr. made his announcement regarding his veto of the 2011-2012 Budget for the City of Salisbury. The announcement, made today at the corner of Bateman/Onley Road in Salisbury, was the site of his announcement. Mayor Ireton presented his rationale, it is below.

“Veto Rationale:

City Council leadership has turned its back on our neighborhoods, our employees, and our community partners.

Bateman/Onley Road - I support.  Council, in turning back the upgrade to the intersection, has turned its back on Bennett High students, the Salisbury University neighborhood, the State of Maryland, the State Highway Administration, and the Board of Education

PAC 14 - I support.  Council, in changing the funding formula, has turned its back on the community access television station.  Less community access means less transparency in local government.

Downtown Revitalization - I support.  Council has turned its back on continuing our progress downtown and has turned its back on the volunteers that have brought thousands of visitors and generated revenue for our businesses.  They have turned their backs on Urban Salisbury's efforts.  When we spend more on a snow blower than on downtown revitalization, and we micromanage a community partner's budget...we turn our back on progress.

Furlough Equity - I support.  Council has turned its back on the values of fairness and equity in furloughing city employees.  Employees have given back some 3 Million dollars to city coffers in the past 3 years, and we have done so by spreading the hardships across all departments.  Council, in turning its back on this equity, pits employees against each other.

Neighborhood Lighting Upgrades - I support.  Council has turned its back on taxpayers in the Canal Woods and Spring Chase neighborhoods.  Citizens expect city government to hold up its end of the bargain and provide services.  Council, in putting off Linens of the Week demolition, has this week, turned its back on the Church Street Neighborhood.  An All-America Cities don't leave certain neighborhoods behind in their revitalization efforts.  I won't leave these neighborhoods behind.

Water and Sewer Rate Increases - I supported using a portion of the $5.7 Million in Water and Sewer surplus to buy down the rate increase.  Council did not.  The on-going WWTP litigation and costs will impact our sewer rates for many years to come.  Council turned its back on citizens sewer bills by not dipping into this surplus to reduce the increase.

Fire Department cuts total some 15%, 210K more out of surplus has been taken, micromanaging of Urban Salisbury and PAC 14 and the Humane Society and Department Heads and mayor’s office all contributed to the veto.

In order to lead, we must know what we are for.  Council Leadership, namely Mrs. Cohen and Mrs. Campbell, are completely sure what they are against - yet can never tell us what they are for.  Leadership is having the vision and guts to be FOR something.  This budget passed under their leadership shows no leadership - simply put they have chosen to micromanage our community partners to settle old scores and have abandoned our neighborhoods in their greatest time of need.  I have shrunk the size of government almost 20% since becoming mayor - and yet found a way, in my budget to keep the priorities of neighborhood integrity, continued crime reduction, and investing in our infrastructure.  Council has passed a budget under cover of night with little or no citizen input or scrutiny from the press.  For these reasons I veto the FY 11-12 City of Salisbury Budget today.”

NY Deputy Dies After Shootout

A 24-year-old sheriff's deputy has died after being shot during a gun battle at the end of a six-hour standoff at a house in central New York.

Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol (MAY'-shuhl) says Tuesday that Deputy Kurt Wyman was shot once with a shotgun by 40-year-old Christian Patterson as officers tried to take him into custody around 2 a.m.

Wyman died after being rushed to a Utica hospital. Maciol says three other offices returned fire and hit Patterson several times. He is in critical condition at the same hospital and will be charged with aggravated murder.

Deputies were called to Patterson's home around 8 p.m. Monday after his live-in girlfriend called 911 and reported he was threatening to kill her and himself.

Maciol says the officers rushed Patterson six hours later when he indicated he was going to harm himself.

from the Associate Press and FOXNews

Deputy Wyman's widow is pregnant with their second child. - Ed.

Inmate’s Ear Bitten Off Over MP3 Player

CLOVIS, N.M. -- A jailhouse fight over a personal music player ended after a New Mexico inmate had part of his ear bitten off.

The Clovis News Journal reports that two inmates were fighting over an MP3 player Friday night at a Curry County jail. Undersheriff Wesley Waller says the scuffle ended when one of the inmates bit off a portion of the other's ear.

He says each inmate now faces charges from the argument.

Inmates are allowed to have approved MP3 players brought in by their families.

from the Associated Press and FOXNews

You know what they say – If you can’t do the time … – Ed.

Good Samaritan Dies

WENATCHEE, Wash.-- A man who was knocked unconscious while trying to help the driver of a disabled van in Wenatchee has died of his injury.

The Wenatchee World reports 53-year-old Jose Guadalupe Garcia of East Wenatchee died Friday at a hospital.

Police say he was punched in the face Thursday night , fell to the ground, and hit his head.  Police say the driver of the disabled van also assaulted an officer who arrived at the scene.

The motive for the assaults is unknown.

The suspect, 49-year-old Juan Gonzalez of Wenatchee, was jailed for investigation of assault, resisting arrest and attempting to disarm an officer. With the death he could be facing more-serious charges.

from the Associated Press and FOXNews

Ted Shea’s Much Delayed “Early Retirement”

A WICOMICO SAGA

Upon being elected to his first term as the County Executive, Rick Pollitt appointed Mr. Shea – who until then was the County’s chief administrative officer, a position previously appointed by the Council – to essentially the same position as the “Director of Administration” of the County government. At the time Mr. Pollitt said that Shea would remain in that position until July 1, 2007, when he planned to retire. Unless you’ve been living under a rock since then, you probably know that Mr. Shea has continued in that position, in which he receives a 6-figure annual salary, and has decided to take the special early retirement deal that Pollitt recently instituted, with Council approval, under which a monetary incentive is provided to those who choose to retire.

Why Mr. Shea did not retire as planned when Rick Pollitt was first elected has not been formally stated, but by not doing so Shay has received pay and benefits that approach if not exceed one-half million dollars as a member of Pollitt’s staff. Now he will get a special “kicker” to retire “early” some four years after he planned to do so.

Shortly after his planned retirement in mid-2007, Mr. Shea was in the news in the context of Mr. Pollitt’s midnight “bonus” for certain department heads and – you guessed it – Mr. Shea. Soon after passing the County’s budget for FY 2008, the Council became aware that it included a special reward for Mr. Shea and four department heads and demanded an explanation. It seems that after the Council had cut certain items from the budget proposed by Pollitt, Mr. Shea suggested to him that those department heads should receive a bonus for their exemplary job performance as a “supplemental budget.” Pollitt, who had been in office less than a year at that time, both agreed and expanded the package to include Shea among the chosen few.

Apparently the bonus package got into the adopted budget without the knowledge of the Council due to silence – the “public information officer,” who was not among the bonus designees, did not do a press release about special monetary reward by Pollitt. The midnight bonus episode set the tenor of subsequent dealings between Pollitt and the Council. Several members felt that they had been duped by him and Shea, who has served as Pollitt’s representative in dealing with the Council. Getting timely and complete information from Pollitt and lack of transparency have remained sore points with the Council to the present.

Mr. Shea also figured in the landfill theft episode (in which he was not a direct participant in any manner) that occurred during his tenure as the County Administrator or later as the Director of Administration on Rick Pollitt’s staff. Whether either of them should be held accountable as derelict in their supervisory capacity is certainly debatable. A very interesting aspect is that the investigative report made by a consultant commissioned by Mr. Pollitt seems to have been revised from the draft to omit much of the discussion of poor or “indifferent” supervision by immediate supervisor – the former public works director – whose supervisor was Mr. Shea, who reports to Pollitt.

The landfill episode, which surfaced several years ago, did not affect Mr. Shea’s subsequent career or Mr. Pollitt’s reelection, although his opponent, Mr. Ollinger, argued during the campaign that Shea should have retired when Pollitt first took office in late 2006 and been replaced as the county’s chief administrative official by “someone with fresh ideas.” Now, he will be replaced by someone who has been on Mr. Pollitt’s staff and previously that of the County Administrator for many years. So much for the fresh ideas.

Tacitus is a Salisbury resident and frequent contributor to SbyNEWS.

SBYnews verses The Daily Times View On 5 Cent Wicomico Tax Increase

In case our readers haven't noticed - there is a big difference in the reporting styles of SBYnews verses The Daily Times. Sunday’s DT edition is no exception as The Daily Times has endorsed Pollitt's proposed 5 cent property tax assessment increase.

Here is the version of facts as offered by this author:

Several Years ago (1978) Talbot County instituted a TAX CAP after a similar hugely unacceptable tax increase to Wicomico County incensed the voters to action. From 1978 until 1995 ballot questions were put before the voters to remove the TAX CAP. Finally, in January of 1995 a Coalition of SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS - Board of Education, Chamber of Commerce, PTA, NAACP, League of Women Voters, and other individuals SUED to overturn the TAX CAP and they won! The TAX CAP was ruled unconstitutional.

Do you think VOICE should have gone for a TAX CAP? That certainly would have been an easy 'knee jerk' thing to do in light of the Court's decision.

After the TAX CAP was ruled unconstitutional in January 1995, The Talbot County Council in May raised the property tax by 46%. That's right; they raised property taxes by almost 50 percent! But they - SPECIAL INTERESTS - didn't have enough! The next year, in 1996 they raised it another 46.3%!!! And we - Wicomico Residents - think 23.7% is bad. Now let's try and add this up . . .what's 46.1% and 46.3% over two years. Let's hold the math until the end of this lesson.

The Talbot voters were so incensed they searched for a way to stop these run-a-way politicos and came up with the Revenue Cap concept. The voters rallied to get it on the ballot and it was passed in 1996 by 72.21% of the voters! It stands as law today in that County. Even after MANY attempts to have it removed . . .VOICE used the EXACT wording in their petition as was in Talbot County’s revenue cap referendum. It's exactly the same language that is in law in Talbot now.

So what have we learned today. Hopefully we've learned that from the time a TAX CAP was ruled unconstitutional and was replaced by a REVENUE CAP in Talbot County - (1995 - 1996) - property taxes wen up 92.4%!!! Actually that would not be entirely accurate as I'm told that before the REVENUE CAP could become law the actual true tax increase was 113.8%.

The next question is a bit more subjective - after this current events history lesson - is the Daily Times staunch reason for objecting to the REVENUE CAP and now touting a 5 cent real property tax increase . . . .do you now feel the VOICE proposal's are not well thought out?

If your property tax increased by 113.8% would the difference be greater or less than your recent pay raise?

"THOSE WHO IGNORE HISTORY ARE DESTINED TO REPEAT IT"

Salisbury City Council Passes a Prudent Budget

We watched in amazement as Shanie Shields refused to join the other members in amending the budget, as proposed by the mayor, to achieve goals that will greatly benefit City residents and property owners – more police presence, less furlough days for City employees, etc. This is real budgetary responsibility that has not been seen since before the infamous “Dream Team” and Barrie Tilghman played havoc with the budget every year, which resulted in the tax rate increase four years ago.

Finally, a Council that can compromise in a civil manner to reach a reasonable result, even if Ms. Shields is too dense to see that.

Tacitus is a Salisbury resident and frequent contributor to SbyNEWS.

Dog In Need of a Good Home

Dog in need of good home -

3-year old Mastiff and Staffordshire Terrier mix.

He is in good health, has his shots, and has not been neutered.  He is good around children, and is a great watchdog....loves to run and is kennel trained.

Please help keep this dog from being put down as we fear he will be if taken to the Humane Society.

For more information, please call:  410-546-4135

Thanks for your consideration.

SCHOOL BOARD VACANCIES


The Wicomico County Republican Central Committee is accepting applications for two Republican positions on the Wicomico County Board of Education. Appointments are by the Governor for five-year terms, beginning in July. Those interested should submit a completed Request for Appointment Consideration Biographical Information Form (which includes a resume) to the Governor’s Appointments Office with a copy to Wicomico County Republican Central Committee, P.O Box 252, Salisbury, MD 21803. The Form and additional information is available by calling 410-974-2611 or by email at WiCoGOPChair@Yahoo.com. Applicants will be contacted concerning interviews beginning at 7:00 pm on June 20.

BROADWAY IN SALISBURY ANNOUNCES 2011 – 2012 SEASON

(Salisbury, MD)  We are thrilled to announce the 2011-2012 Broadway in Salisbury season line-up! The best of Broadway and live entertainment will be returning to the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center for another exciting season. This season will feature four world-renowned productions including three memorable Broadway hits and an international dance phenomenon.

The 2011-2012 Broadway in Salisbury series is once again bringing top-quality touring Broadway productions direct from New York to the Eastern Shore.  This season’s line-up features Mamma Mia!, CATS, Young Frankenstein and Riverdance.  Season tickets are on sale now at affordable prices, with packages starting as low as $130. Those subscribing by June 24 will receive an early bird savings of $10 per package, so call today!

Subscribers enjoy these great benefits:
·         The best seats at the best prices.
·         Guarantee the same great seats for every show.
·         Save over $50 versus single ticket prices and services fees.
·         Avoid online per ticket service charges.
·         Top priority to renew same seat location or to request an exchange for next season.
·         Step to the front of the line: Enjoy exclusive offers for other shows added to the broadway series.

To become a subscriber or to renew your current subscription, call (888) 610-BWAY (2929). Current subscribers have until July 8th to renew their orders.

2011-2012 Broadway in Salisbury Shows
Mamma Mia!                                                         Sunday, December 11, 2011 at 5:00pm
CATS                                                                       Monday, March 5, 2012 at 7:30pm
Young Frankenstein                                             Monday, April 16, 2012 at 7:30pm
Riverdance                                                            Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 7:30pm

Currently, only season tickets are available. Tickets for individual shows will go on sale closer to the show dates.

Two Florida Teenagers Arrested For Sexting

So teens get charged with a felony and Weiner has a press conference to admit what he did and he goes back to Congress?  Really?  Is that how our system is suppose to work?

A 15-year-old boy and girl have been arrested after teachers found that the girl had texted a topless photo of herself.

Police were called after the boy told a teacher at the school in Brooksville, Florida, that he had forwarded a cell phone picture of the girl’s breast.

Both were charged with transmission of pornography by electronic device and taken to Hernando County Jail before being released on bail.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1394192/2-Florida-teenagers-arrested-sexting-girl-sent-boy-topless-photo.html#ixzz1OYAE24Yj

Salisbury Book Artists Show

Salisbury Book Artists are having a show this weekend at Poplar Hill Mansion.
The opening reception is Friday night from 5-7.

Hours on Saturday from 10-4, and Sunday from 1-4.
Admission is free.
You are invited to come and meet the artists.

Lots of interesting handmade books. Selection may include altered books, Coptic binding, secret Belgian binding, a can book, traditional case bindings, and others.

Ed Rollins to Run Michele Bachmann’s Presidential Bid

As she prepares to enter the race in Iowa later this month, Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann has signed on high-profile political strategist Ed Rollins to run her presidential campaign, according to two sources close to Bachmann.

Rollins, who was Mike Huckabee's national campaign director in the 2008 campaign, is an experienced political operative with a well-earned reputation for his tough tactics and willingness to play hardball. He's probably best known for running the 1984 Reagan-Bush reelection campaign, which Reagan won in a landslide.

Rollins will run a campaign that already has a number of experienced advisors on board, including Brett O'Donnell, who advised George W. Bush and John McCain and is considered the best debate coach in politics. Bachmann also has brought on Bob Heckman, who is prominent in the conservative movement.

from CBS News

Note – Rollins was also the author of the “Reagan Democrat” strategy which proved key in the 1980 campaign. – Ed.

Medicaid Cost Cuts Rejected by Delaware Legisltature

Potentially painful Medicaid cuts proved too painful Monday for members of the Joint Finance Committee, who overwhelmingly rejected Gov. Jack Markell's effort to rein in costs by reducing benefits in the health insurance program for the poor.

The budget-writing panel voted 8-4 to restore $5 million to the $589 million program, rejecting proposals to limit Medicaid recipients to three trips to the emergency room each year, implement co-pays for visits to doctors or therapists, and temporarily cut payments to physicians and radiological services.

Sen. Brian Bushweller, D-Dover, labeled the administration's proposed cuts and possible alternatives as "arbitrary" measures that would hurt hospitals.

"None of these plans actually reduce emergency room costs. They shift the cost from the state to the providers," he said.

The committee's 8-4 vote to reject the cost cuts was accompanied by a separate proposal to set up a task force to study ways to cut Medicaid costs without harming delivery of services or placing an undue financial burden on patients or health care providers.

READ MORE …

Heather Glen Community Yard Sale

Heather Glen, off Parker Road between Old Ocean City Road and Salisbury Christian School, is hosting their community yard sale on Saturday, June 11 from 7AM until …

Come one. Come all.

For directions, CLICK HERE

13 Virtual Programs Can Teach in Virginia

Thirteen virtual school programs have earned the state's stamp of approval to offer online courses to multiple divisions.

The approved providers, announced Monday, offer full-time virtual schools, supplemental instruction programs and "blended-instruction programs" that have an online teacher and an on-site mentor, according to a news release. They include for-profit companies and public school systems.

The Virginia Department of Education reviewed providers seeking to serve students in multiple divisions to ensure that their teachers are state-licensed and that their instruction aligns with the Standards of Learning.

Gov. Bob McDonnell pushed for the expansion of online learning during the 2010 General Assembly session.

"No Virginia child's future should be limited by the walls of a particular school building or the boundaries of an attendance zone," McDonnell said in a statement. "Virtual schools create additional choices and opportunities within our public education system."

The approved providers are: Apex Learning, Brigham Young University Independent Study, Chesterfield County Public Schools, CompuHigh, Connections Academy, Edison Learning, EdOptions Online Academy, Education2020, Florida Virtual School, Giant Campus of Virginia, K-12 Virtual Schools, Virtual High School Global Consortium and York County Public Schools.

from Hattie Brown Garrow @ the Virginian-Pilot

Maryland Slots Revenue Dips

The Maryland Lottery says the state's two casinos generated more than $13.2 million last month, marking a decline for the first time this year.

The Casino at Ocean Downs took in $3.69 million last month, up from $3.51 million in April. However, that wasn't enough to offset a $446,000 drop at the Hollywood Casino Perryville. The 1,500-machine casino took in $9.61 million in May, down from roughly $10 million in April.

Overall, the casinos generated $13.29 million in May, a decline of about 2 percent from April.

State officials and analysts say the drop isn't necessarily a cause for concern, as they are more focused on longer-term trends.

The Casino at Ocean Downs has seen revenue increase each month and is expected to continue climbing as summer tourist season begins.

from the Associated Press

PA Court to Rule on Releasing EZ-PASS Records

A Commonwealth Court panel is weighing an open-records case that would force the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission to turn over details of employee use of the E-ZPass electronic toll system.

The Patriot-News of Harrisburg had requested the records under open-records rules. The commission initially denied the request but a state office ruled in December the records could be released with personal information redacted.

A turnpike lawyer argued before the three-judge panel on Monday that special records are not kept and information about employee travel should be exempt.

The Patriot-News contends the turnpike must have a way of knowing not to charge employees' accounts.

A former turnpike official said last year that turnpike workers get free access to the highway for business or personal use.

from the Associated Press

Virginia Inmate Sues for State-Funded Sex Change

Crouched in her cell, Ophelia De'lonta hoped three green disposable razors from the prison commissary would give her what the Virginia Department of Corrections will not — a sex change.

It had been several years since she had felt the urges, but she had been fighting them for weeks. But like numerous other times, she failed to get rid of what she calls "that thing" between her legs, the last evidence she was born a male.

Months after the October castration attempt, De'lonta filed a federal lawsuit Friday claiming the state has failed its duty to provide adequate medical care because it won't give her the operation. She says the surgery is needed to treat her gender identity disorder, a mental illness in which people believe they were born the wrong gender.

If she wins, De'lonta would be the nation's first inmate to receive a state-funded sex change operation. Similar lawsuits have failed in a handful of other states, and lawmakers in some states are trying to ban the use of taxpayer money for the operations.

READ MORE …

NC Could Require Knowledge of Nation’s Founding to Graduate

Republicans legislators believe the survival of the American republic may require North Carolina students to study the Founding Fathers to graduate.

The House Education Committee will take up a bill today that would require public high schools to teach and students to pass at least a semester course on the philosophical foundations that established the United States.

Teenagers will be tested on what they learned about the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and its amendments, the Federalist Papers, and the writings of the founders.

The same committee plans to consider requiring public school principals to ask parents whether an enrolling student is a U.S. citizen, and if not to learn the child's immigration status. The legislation says the information would not deny admission.

from the Virginian-Pilot

Note – It’s ironic that the MSM isn’t critical of every tree-hugging, kumbaya requirement that has come down the pike to date.  However, require a dose of real American history and they get snide about it.  “Environmental Education” is OK.  Knowing about the founding of the greatest nation on earth is evidently cause for ridicule – Ed.

Today's Survey Question

Come Have Lunch Courtesy of “Salisbury News”

Come on down to Pani Pit Pizza on Tuesday, June 7th between 11AM – 1PM.  SbyNEWS will be giving away free slices of pizza.

Take a break.  Come on down to Pani and enjoy some great pizza and meet some of your neighbors.

Pani Pit Pizza is located at 2657 N. Salisbury Blvd.  It’s in the same shopping center as Old Navy and Bed, Bath, and Beyond.  Just a couple of doors down from Coldstone Creamery.

First come, first served.  So don’t miss out.

In-State Tuition Advocates Applaud Court Action

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Attention Nithsdale Owners


This Thursday at 3:55 PM I will be selling 27134 Scotland Parkway at PUBLIC FORECLOSURE AUCTION. I strongly believe that neighborhoods like Nithsdale are being extraordinarily affected by this type of event. I have Invited Senator Jim Mathias, Delegate Norm Conway and Delegate Charles Otto to this event to see EXACTLY WHY this foreclosure system does not work. This is a hot button topic for our elected officials and I see some steering away from the problem. With any luck, these gentlemen will attend and with your help, I can show them the faces, in real time, of the people being affected by foreclosure events.

I will be able to answer questions about the proposal I have delivered to our Governors office after the auction. The foreclosure system is based on post depression era mind set and if we have any chance of finding the bottom of the market we must prove to Annapolis that Maryland’s foreclosure system is not working.

Facts. 1. Personal Bankruptcies in MD rank in the top ten of the Nation. (many people file bankruptcy to stop my foreclosure auction)
2. MSNBC claims Maryland leads in discounting property to get it sold.
3. Loan modifications and mediation are dragging down values faster than anticipated. There were 9,000 foreclosures last year, less than 3% of the properties actually sold. Causing banks to “buy in” the property and then price it to “blow it out the door” , causing massive comparable problems in communities.

My proposed solution.

A. Allow families in foreclosure to enroll in a voluntary program to turn over there house if they cannot afford the one they are in.

B. Provide special financing for those losing a home to purchase one they can afford.

C. Allow lenders to sell foreclosed homes on site with home inspections and government bond backed mortgages.

D. Provide a $10,000 tax credit for ANYONE who purchases a foreclosed home.

E. Allow Realtors to represent buyers and earn a commission at foreclosures.

Summary: Being involved with bankruptcy, foreclosures, voluntary auctions, and the traditional brokerage world, I see the problems that are in this system. If we implement the above referenced ideas I could almost guarantee that we could funnel the current real estate demand to these homes that are being handled so ineffectively.

Doug Marshall

How To Save 12 Cents A Gallon At The Gas Pump

WASHINGTON - You may be missing out on easy savings at the gas pump. And, it comes down to tire pressure.
 
Most people don't know properly inflated tires can save you 12 cents a gallon at the pump.
 
Dan Zielinski, a tire safety expert, recommends getting your own tire gauge because the one at the gas station has probably been thrown around a few times. It may not be entirely accurate.
 
"Use the correct pressure. Don't look on the tire sidewall. Look for a vehicle label that's on the driver's side door or check the owner's manual ," he says.

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Steve Jobs Reveals New Apple Software

Multisource political news, world news, and entertainment news analysis by Newsy.com

Apple unveiled its newest technology at the World Wide Developer’s Conference.

Ongoing Crisis And Liberal Blindness

The double dip of this crisis is upon us. The latest data agree: the housing market has been in full double-dip mode for five months as home prices keep declining. The foreclosure disaster keeps increasing the combination of homeless families and empty homes. Think capitalist efficiency. Unemployment rose back above 9 % again. The average length of unemployment is now 39.7 weeks, the longest since these records began in 1948. Investments by businesses are decelerating and governments keep dropping workers. 

Over 20 million workers are unemployed or underemployed. Over a quarter of the nation’s productive capacity remains unutilized, gathering rust and dust. Annual output of $ 1 trillion is lost by wasting these resources. Think capitalist efficiency again.

The so-called “recovery” benefitted US banks, larger corporations, and the stock market. It bypassed everyone else and is now over. Still wondering what hit them, victims of the crisis – the mass of working people – now face paying for that recovery.  “Their” government borrowed massively to bail out the corporations. That boosted the national debt. And that now “requires” cutting government spending by “absolutely necessary” reductions in government jobs, services, social security, Medicaid and Medicare.
What money the government saves by cutting public services it can then turn over to the corporations, the rich, and the foreign governments (led by China) who lent it the funds to produce that short-lived recovery (for them).

Paul Krugman is better than most mainstream economists. He pushes his liberal views against most of that mainstream. But Krugman shares the classic liberal blindnesses. Accounting for today’s economic wreckage he worries about “fatalism.” The problem for him is subjective.  People – Krugman likes to obliterate differences with that term - accept that “recovery from financial crisis is usually slow.” Krugman admits that previous governments similarly responded to crises slowly because of their shared “fatalism and learned helplessness.” What he proposes instead is the usual liberal set of economic solutions as “obvious”: aggressive fiscal policy (bigger deficits), aggressive mortgage debt reduction (mechanism unspecified), and so forth. The people should do these things because not doing them is “simply crazy” and because “fatalism…is the main enemy of prosperity.”

BREAKING NEWS:MAYOR TO MAKE BUDGET ANNOUNCEMENT AT BATEMAN/ONLEY ROAD

Mayor James Ireton, Jr. will make an announcement regarding his veto of the 2011-2012 Budget for the City of Salisbury. The announcement will be today at 2:30 P.M. at the corner of Bateman/Onley Road in Salisbury.

This Caller Is Incredibly Unhappy With Movie Theater's No-Texting Policy

There are few things more annoying than someone so selfish she thinks it's perfectly okay to text in the middle of a dark movie theater. On the flipside, there are few things more amusing than when said texter gets kicked out of the theater and later calls back to leave a lengthy, profanity-laced rant on the theater's voicemail.

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Salisbury Police Department Press Releases

On June 3, 2011 at approximately 6:25 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the office of Shore Transit on Calvert Street for the report of a malicious destruction of property. Upon arrival the officers met with the complainant who advised that he had been on one (1) of the buses when the bus was approached by a single suspect who used a stick to break the glass window out of the door. The witness gave the officers the description of the suspect who had walked away from the scene. The officers were able to locate the suspect, listed below, who was positively identified by the witness. There were no injuries and the motive for the destruction is unknown.

ARRESTED: Granville L Miller, 59 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Malicious destruction of property

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100021510

On June 3, 2011 at approximately 11:14 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police were on routine patrol in the area of West Isabella Street and Catherine Street and observed the below listed suspect trespassing on posted property on West Isabella Street. The officers detained the suspect, and as the officers began to check the suspect for weapons, the suspect attempted to flee from the scene on foot. The officers caught the suspect, after the foot chase, and arrested the suspect for trespassing. A search of the suspect incident to arrest revealed a quantity of suspected marijuana and a loaded small caliber handgun. The handgun was located in a front pants pocket. The suspect was checked and was found to have a previous felony conviction, which prohibits the suspect from firearm possession.

ARRESTED: Tynisha Roshay Cornish, 23 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Trespassing
Possession of a handgun
Possession of a handgun after a felony conviction
Obstructing and hindering an investigation
Resisting arrest
Failure to obey a lawful order
Disorderly conduct
Possession of marijuana
Possession of CDS/Paraphernalia

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100021562

On June 4, 2011 at approximately 5:48 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the area of Williamsport Circle in reference to the report of a disorderly subject. Upon arrival the officers located the below listed suspect staggering in the middle of the roadway, obstructing traffic. The officers arranged transportation home for the suspect, and attempted to calm the suspect, who was yelling and screaming obscenities. The suspect refused to comply with the officers and struck one of the officers in the chest area.

ARRESTED: Nathan Justice Downes, 31 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Second degree assault
Resisting arrest
Obstructing and hindering an investigation
Disorderly conduct
Failure to comply with a lawful order
Intoxicated endangerment

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100021586

On June 4, 2011 at approximately 2:27 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Walmart Department Store on North Salisbury Boulevard for the report of a shoplifter. Upon arrival the officers met with store security who advised the officers that store employees had observed the below listed suspect take clothing from the store without making payment. The clothing was recovered and returned to the store.

ARRESTED: Troy (nmn) Waters, 38 years of age Fruitland, Maryland

CHARGES: Theft (under $ 100.00)

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100021629

On June 4, 2011 at approximately 5:07 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Walmart Department Store on North Salisbury Boulevard for the report of a shoplifter. Upon arrival the officers met with store security who advised the officers that store employees had observed the below listed suspect take sports equipment and videotaped movies from the store without making payment. The property was recovered and returned to the store.

ARRESTED: Michael Steven Cotterman, Jr., 26 years of age Sumter, South Carolina

CHARGES: Theft (under $ 100.00)

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100021636

On June 4, 2011 at approximately 8:51 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Sears Department Store at the Centre at Salisbury for the report of two (2) shoplifters.
Upon arrival the officer met with security personnel who advised the officers that store employees had observed the below listed subjects taking clothing from the store without making payment. The clothing was recovered and returned to the store.

ARRESTED #1: Jeremy Scott Taylor, 43 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Theft (under $ 100.00)
Contributing to conditions for minor

ARRESTED # 2: Juvenile, 13 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Theft (under $ 100.00)

DISPOSITION:
Suspect # 1 released to Central Booking
Suspect # 2 released to booking
CC # 201100021652

On June 4, 2011 at approximately 12:18 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police were on routine patrol in the area of Lake Street and Burton Avenue and conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle operated by the below listed suspect # 1 for traffic violations. At the beginning of the stop, the officers observed that the vehicle did not have any state registration. As the officers approached the vehicle the front passenger, below suspect # 2, fled from the area on foot. After a considerable foot chase, suspect # 2 was caught and taken into custody. During the arrest, the suspect resisted and fought with the officers. Suspect # 1 stayed with the vehicle as requested and was arrested without incident.

ARRESTED #1: Jesus (nmn) Rosario, 35 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:;
Driving unregistered motor vehicle
Driving uninsured motor vehicle
Driving without registration

DISPOSITION: Released upon signing citations

ARRESTED #2: Juan Tomas Gomes-Torres, 22 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Disorderly conduct
Failure to obey a lawful order
Resisting arrest
Assault on a police officer (2 counts)
Obstructing and hindering an officer

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100021622

From A 15” Snapping Turtle To 16” Bass – Annual Fishing Derby Reeled In Big

Over 200 Children and Families Participated in Saturday’s Annual Event

(Salisbury, MD) Over 200 anglers came out to Salisbury City Park Saturday morning (June 4) to take part in Wicomico Recreation, Parks & Tourism’s free, Annual Youth Fishing Derby.

Each child was given the chance to cast their rod to compete for a variety of different awards.  While all participants enjoyed themselves, the beautiful weather, free lunch and the chance to win a variety of door prizes -- the following youth were also awarded trophies for their day’s catch:

Most Fish Caught by a Boy – Ryan Driden (26 fish)
Most Fish Caught by a Girl – Summer Martin (20 fish)
Biggest Fish – Christian Aravanis  (16.5” Bass)
Most Unusual Catch – Taylor Corron  (15“ Snapping Turtle )
Youngest Fisherman – Logan Jarrett (1 years Old)
Most Outstanding Fisherman - Jonah Corry

The Annual Youth Fishing Derby was brought to you by Wicomico Recreation, Parks and Tourism.  If you would like to learn about programs, classes and events offered by Wicomico Recreation, Parks and Tourism (including next year’s fishing derby) sign up for Recreation email announcements at www.wicomicorecandparks.org

MISSING DOG

Hi Joe,

      A friend of mine has lost her dog, she is a smaller black and white dog looks like a boarder collie with short legs, answers to Chloe with a pink collar...she is missing from around where Upper Ferry Rd and Pemberton Drive cross over. If you have any information please contact 410-251-0438 (Joy)

Thanks so much!!!

Governor O’Malley Announces Study of Marcellus Shale Drilling

Governor signs Executive Order establishing task force to include science, business, environmental advocacy, local representatives

ANNAPOLIS, MD, (June 6, 2011) – Governor Martin O’Malley today signed an Executive Order (Order) establishing the Marcellus Shale Safe Drilling Initiative. The Order requires the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in consultation with an advisory commission made up of a broad array of stakeholders, to undertake a study of drilling for natural gas from the Marcellus Shale in Western Maryland.

“While we are mindful of the potential economic and energy benefits that could arise from the production of natural gas from the Marcellus Shale reserves in Maryland, we are also very concerned about an array of issues that have been raised regarding the use of hydraulic fracturing to extract this fuel,” said Governor O’Malley. “Our decisions must be guided by scientific knowledge about the effects of this type of drilling to ensure that we protect public safety and health, groundwater, surface water, and the rural lifestyle and natural resources in Maryland.”

Under the Executive Order, the study will be conducted in three parts:

  • A presentation of findings and related recommendations regarding the desirability of legislation to establish revenue sources, such as a State-level severance tax, and the desirability of legislation to establish standards of liability for damages caused by gas exploration and production.  These findings and recommendations will be made by December 31, 2011.
  • Recommendations for best practices for all aspects of natural gas exploration and production in the Marcellus Shale in Maryland by August 1, 2012.
  • A final report which will include findings and recommendations relating to the impact of Marcellus Shale drilling including possible contamination of groundwater, handling and disposal of wastewater, environmental impacts, impacts to forests and important habitats, greenhouse gas emissions and economic impact.  This report will be issued no later than August 1, 2014.

The Study will also include a review of available results from studies on the issue being done by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Interior, the U.S. Department of Energy, the State of New York, and the Delaware River Basin Commission, among others.

Membership in the advisory committee is designed to ensure that the study includes individuals from the drilling industry, Western Maryland where Marcellus Shale reserves are located and members of the environmental community.  The advisory commission will include: an expert on geology or natural gas production from a college or university; a private citizen from Western Maryland; representatives from the gas industry and an environmental organization; and representatives from Western Maryland local governments and business.

“I applaud the Governor and his administration for taking this step toward insuring that any drilling in Marcellus Shale or the use of ‘fracking’ techniques in Maryland will be safe for our citizens,” said Maggie McIntosh, Chair of the MD House of Delegates’ Environmental Matters Committee.  “While I acknowledge that the extraction of natural gas is important to our state and country, we must also understand that oil and gas activities, including hydro-fracking, are exempt from many federal environmental laws.  Experiences in nearby states have demonstrated that the Departments of Environment and Natural Resources and the legislature must set standards to protect our drinking water, land and air when drilling in Marcellus Shale.” 

“Fortunately, Maryland is taking the time to ensure drilling occurs only after proper safeguards are in place. Given that our drinking water and other natural resources are at risk, and given Pennsylvania’s checkered experience with fracking, we applaud the Governor for his leadership on this issue. Maryland has the opportunity to get it right,” said Kim Coble, MD Director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

The Marcellus Shale is a geological formation that underlies a large area of the northeastern United States, including portions of Western Maryland.  It is believed to contain significant amounts of natural gas, which when burned to produce electricity produces lower greenhouse gas emissions than oil and coal.

The production of natural gas from the Marcellus Shale involves deep wells with long horizontal sections and a process known as hydraulic fracturing. Advances in technology have helped spur a dramatic increase in the use of this process in the United States. Exploration for and production of natural gas from the Marcellus Shale in nearby states have resulted in injuries, well blowouts, releases of fracturing fluids and methane, spills, fires, forest fragmentation, road damage, and evidence of contamination to groundwater and surface water.  Other states have revised or are reevaluating their regulatory programs for gas production or assessing the environmental impacts of gas development from the Marcellus Shale.

State law allows MDE to specify conditions that the Department deems reasonable and appropriate in a permit to ensure that an operation fully complies with the law and to provide for public safety and the protection of the State’s natural resources. Maryland law requires that the proposed activity be subjected to a formal public review and comment process prior to any permit decision.

Delaware Issues 'Code Orange' Alert For Tuesday

DOVER, Del. (AP) -- Delaware is issuing a statewide "code orange" air-quality alert.

Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control officials say ground-level ozone concentrations on Tuesday may be unhealthy for people in sensitive groups. Those groups include children, people with asthma or other lung diseases or heart diseases, and the elderly. Officials are urging people to avoid strenuous activity outdoors.

Tuesday is expected to be the first of several days of poor air quality.

Source

Wicomico Council to Meet This Evening

The Wicomico County will hold their monthly night meeting at 6PM in the council chambers of the GOB.  Prior to the their meeting, the council will hold another budget session at 4PM.
 
AGENDA
COUNTY COUNCIL OF WICOMICO COUNTY, MD
Room 301, Government Office Building, Salisbury, Maryland
LEGISLATIVE SESSION 2011-11
June 7, 2011 6:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m. Gail M. Bartkovich, President
Call meeting to order
Opening Prayer
6:03 p.m. Approval of Minutes of May 17, 2011
6:05 p.m. Matthew Creamer: Council Administrator:
1. Resolution 71-2011-Terminating the School Construction Savings Plan
2. Resolution 72-2011-Confirming the re-appointment of Nancy McCaig to the Adult Public Guardianship Review Board
3. Resolution 73-2011-Confirming the re-appointment of Rachel White to the Adult Public Guardianship Review Board
4. Resolution 74-2011-Approving the schedule of fees and charges for services provided by the Wicomico County Mosquito Control
5. Resolution 75-2011-Approving the schedule of fees and charges for services provided by the Wicomico County Department of Public Works, Solid Waste Division, for minimum tipping fees
6:15 p.m. Public Hearing: Constant Yield-Patricia Petersen, Director of Finance

6:30 p.m. Edgar A. Baker, Jr., County Attorney:
1. Public Hearing and Adoption: Legislative Bill 2011-05-To amend Chapter 197, titled “Streets and Addressing System” by the addition of Article VI, titled “School Zones and Speed Monitoring Systems” sections 197-36 titled “School Zones” and 197-37, titled “Speed Monitoring Systems” to permit the establishment of school zones and to authorize the use of speed
2. Public Hearing and Adoption: Legislative Bill 2011-06-An act to amend Chapter 90, entitled “Tax Exemptions” Section 90-5, titled “Homestead property tax credit” to reduce the homestead credit percentage for the taxable year beginning July, 2012 pursuant to the power and authority contained in Section 9-105 of the Tax-Property Volume of the Annotated Code of Maryland (1986 Volume as amended)
7:30 p.m. Public Comments-Please limit all public comments to five minutes or less; any presented material may be submitted to Council members-Please include eight copies.
7:40 p.m. Council Comments
7:45 p.m. Council President’s Comments

1,000 Maryland Doctors Sign Up for Electronic Medical Records

More than 1,000 Maryland doctors have signed up to adopt electronic medical records, state officials said today.

The primary care physicians are using records through a state network called the Chesapeake Regional Information System for our Patients (CRISP). They will receive state and federal incentives for using the computerized records.

Hundreds of other doctors are also using electronic records but may not have signed onto the state exchange.

Lt. Governor Anthony Brown made the announcement during a visit to the Charlestown Retirement Community in Cantonsville.

Governor Martin O’Malley and Brown have a goal to create a a health information exchange by the end of 2012 and encourage widespread use of electronic medical records. The records are also being pushed under federal healthcare reform.

Maryland has received nearly $27 million in federal funds to assist in the expansion of electronic records.

Advocates of the records say that patients will get better care because physicians have better access to the drug and medical history of the patients. They also say it will cut down costs. There are some concerns over privacy in using the digitized systems.

CRISP was formed as a not-for-profit collaborative in 2009 by Erickson Living, Johns Hopkins Medicine, MedStar Health, and the University of Maryland. CRISP received a federal grant of $6.4 million in 2010 to help electronically connect at least 1,000 healthcare providers.

from Andrea Walker @ the Baltimore Sun

Maryland Spending Growth Ranks Fourth Highest In Nation

Only three states grew their budgets faster than Maryland for the upcoming fiscal year.  Tax revenues are not adequate to fund an 11% growth in state spending.  It was made possible only by robbing dedicated funds like the transportation and open space funds and increasing a whole bunch of fees and the alcohol tax.  In addition, the legislature resorted to funding operating expenses with bonds.  All of this just kicks the can down the road and ensures that Maryland taxes will have to go up to pay for this profligate spendingWhen Maryland families and businesses are struggling to survive, it is outrageous that our elected officials continue to party like there is no tomorrow.

Maryland spending boost among largest
Study finds budget assigns 11% more despite $1B deficit
Washington Times 6/6/2011

Maryland’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year includes some of the country’s largest spending increases, a study has found.

Despite a $1 billion structural deficit, the state will increase its general fund spending by about 11 percent in fiscal 2012, which starts July 1. The increase is the fourth-largest of any state, according to the study, sponsored by the National Governors Association and the National Association of State Budget Officers.

The report details how most states are increasing spending on their paths to economic recovery for the second year in a row after two years of shrinking budgets.

It also warns how such short-term growth could be threatened by rising health care costs and the federal government’s far less stable financial situation.

“While these numbers hopefully mark a turning point in states’ recovery, their fiscal health is not likely to return to prerecession levels for some time,” association Executive Director Dan Crippen said.

Maryland's General Assembly in April passed a $34.2 billion budget, which includes $14.6 billion in general fund spending — an increase from last year’s $13.2 billion.

The general fund is composed of state revenues used for education, medical programs, state government operations and local government aid. It does not include federal funding and some state revenue sources.
Maryland and Virginia did better than most states during the recesssion because of their proximity to Washington and the federal government, which was not forced to cut jobs as was the private sector.
Three states — Florida, Minnesota and Iowa — will have larger general fund increases this year. Nationwide, general fund spending is expected to increase by 2.6 percent.

Maryland legislators clashed over the budget as Republicans unsuccessfully pushed for deeper cuts to a plan that trimmed some spending while increasing the state’s alcohol sales tax and many fees.

Legislators have indicated that more tax increases could be enacted during this fall’s special redistricting session.

Maryland Business for Responsive Government, which assesses the state’s business climate, said the study is indicative of a tax-and-spend approach.

“While other states tighten their belts, Maryland continues to spend,” said Kimberly M. Burns, the organization’s president.

She said the governors association report “serves as yet another reminder that our state doesn’t have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem.”

Although conservatives often accuse the state’s Democratic majority of reckless spending, Maryland was one of 12 states that decreased general-fund spending last year. Ten states did so this year.

Maryland lawmakers this year were able to eliminate nearly half of a $2 billion structural deficit, although many Republicans wanted a larger cut.

The study also points out that Maryland might not be in as bad of shape as many other states, considering it has the country’s sixth-largest rainy-day fund and was one of 27 states that did not have to institute midyear budget cuts in the past year.

Democrats have argued that a measured approach without drastic cuts has served the state well.

“I think we’ve done a good job,” Delegate Norman H. Conway, Wicomico Democrat and chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said during the legislative session.

“You can talk about taking all the deficit at one time, but when you get into it, nobody can do that. You need to work on it in a planned approach.”

Maryland spending growth ranks fourth highest in nation
·  Washington Examiner

Maryland state spending is projected to increase at the fourth-highest rate in the nation next fiscal year, according to a report released Thursday.
A study by the National Governors Association and National Association of State Budget Officers shows that general fund spending will increase 11.2 percent from this fiscal year in Maryland, trailing just Florida, Minnesota and Iowa, respectively. Virginia ranks 21st with a 5.6 percent growth rate, while the nationwide average is just 2.6 percent.

State budgets have been hammered in recent years and have yet to recover to pre-recession levels, as many legislatures were forced to significantly slash spending to account for dwindling revenue.

Critics, however, say the report shows that Maryland is not doing enough to tighten its belt amid economic turmoil.

"Maryland continues to spend," said Kimberly M. Burns, president of the Maryland Business for Responsive Government. "With the special session scheduled this fall, the NGA report serves as yet another reminder that our state doesn't have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem."

State officials are expected to devote millions of dollars more to the state's ailing transportation network during the special session.

However, some said it was unfair to ignore recent concessions made by state lawmakers in closing a $1.6 billion shortfall for next fiscal year.

The Maryland General Assembly approved a $14.6 billion budget for the general fund that raises alcohol taxes and relies on a wide range of fee increases, as well as reducing employee pension benefits, to fill the massive gap.

"Unless the income increases, we're not going to be increasing the outgo that much," said state Sen. Karen Montgomery, D-Silver Spring, dismissing the report and adding that Maryland is facing "huge needs for transportation" that will require more taxpayer dollars.

Scott Pattison, executive director of the National Association of StateBudget Officers, said spending changes should be measured against population growth and per capita budgets, among other factors, to determine whether states were "being profligate or not."

"The bottom line is, there are going to have to be tough choices made moving forward by elected officials, because money's going to be tight," he said.

The report cited Medicaid growth, state-mandated funding for certain categories -- Maryland law requires local jurisdictions to spend the same amount per student as the year before, for example -- and unfunded mandates as areas most likely to cripple state budgets in the near future.

Evaporating federal stimulus money also is a threat to state coffers, the study found.
Nationally, spending is expected to rise next year by 2.6 percent after rising 5.2 percent this year, the study found. The nearly $670 billion in state spending is expected to be $19 billion lower than fiscal 2008, a nearly 3 percent decline.

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley's office was unable to comment on the report by Thursday evening.

However, the Virginia governor's office said the study showcased a clear distinction between the commonwealth and other cash-strapped states in tackling budget crises.

Virginia has cut billions of dollars out of its budget over the past several years, butwas able to restore some funding during the 2011 General Assembly session when lawmakers marked up the state's two-year, $80 billion spending blueprint.

"While some states have sought to survive this economic downturn by hiking taxes on their citizens and job creators, Governor McDonnell and Virginia have taken a different approach," said spokesman Tucker Martin. "The governor and legislators have worked together over the past year and a half to reject tax hikes and responsibly reduce state spending. These fiscally conservative steps produced a budget surplus, and have positioned the commonwealth well for the years ahead."

David Sherfinski contributed to this report.