From the Parent’s Coalition of Montgomery County, MD blog
http://parentscoalitionmc.blogspot.com/2012/02/state-sen-karen-montgomery-stands-up.html
Consumer Champion
Karen was named as one on the Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition’s “Consumer Champions of 2011” for her strong support for consumer rights during the 2011 session. She earned a 100-perent score on MCRC’s 2011 Legislative Scorecard. See the list at http://marylandconsumers.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=-hAmDpGiOFs%3d&tabid=38
March 2012 Newsletter
Dear Constituents and other friends,
This is an exceptionally busy and contentious session. Issues concerning civil rights, transportation, land use, education and teacher pension issues and of course, the need for funding to pay for things and services that the state and its citizens use, need and see as important.
In fiscal years 2011 and 2012, Maryland reported cuts of 2.2 billion from the budget. Further cuts can cripple our health care, education and safety. There is even a proposal to cut Medicaid. Additionally, the Governor and Legislature are attempting to retire the state’s structural deficit by 2014. Therefore, to be successful, new revenue is needed.
A number of proposals for revenue are before the legislature. They are: a gasoline tax (either at the pump or to the distributers), user taxes on boat owners, cigarettes, etc., a sales tax on internet purchases, income tax increases and possible taxes on such services as accounting, dentistry, etc.
As we work our way through these difficult issues, I want you to know that I do my best to understand all sides of the issues and to weigh the needs against the necessary funding. As my husband and I are on a fixed income ourselves, I do understand the consternation any new expenses cause.
However, to maintain our State’s triple A bond rating, and as is required, to pass a balanced budget, some new income will be required. I will do my best to protect our family budgets.
On a more personal side I have several bills passing through the legislative process. Among them are bills increasing the opportunities for small and minority businesses to access funds through the Small Business Reserve Fund; prohibiting the sale of small flavored (such as bubble gum, cookie and strawberry) cigars, which are increasingly being purchased and smoked by middle school students; preserving the dignity of human remains while awaiting burial; encouraging County Boards of Education to use safer, healthier cleaning supplies, and allowing safe home prepared foods to be sold at special events and farmers markets.
Additionally, our District 14 team is supporting several Bond Bills. They are for the Olney Police Satellite Station, the Muslim Community Center and Woodlawn Barn. The Bond Bills for the Sandy Spring Museum the Maydale Nature Center and the Olney Theatre are time extensions to already approved Bond Bills. As we all know, money is tight, but our team will work for these local Bond Bills.
I thank all of you for your ideas and concerns.
Karen S. Montgomery
The Legislative Session Begins
The 2012 Maryland legislative session is just beginning. I appreciate the ideas, issues and words of support that many of you have shared with me over the summer and fall.
My office staff and I are preparing several bills that have been suggested by constituents. Among them are two bills concerning small business owners and the rental agreements they sign with their landlords. Another is to clarify the conditions under which individuals can sell home prepared safe food products.
Several other proposals concern parents and their children with disabilities. It is difficult for them as they try to move forward through school, work, and housing situations. I will be bringing together capable people in both the Education and Developmental Disabilities Departments to work together to create and follow through meaningful Individual Education Plans (IEP) plans that are best for the children.
A bill to protect the right to farm in the Agricultural Reserve was entered by both me and Senator Garagiola. The proximity of this protected farm land to two large urban areas makes fresh, local food available without large transportation costs. A number of local farmers are growing organic produce or are preparing their land for organic farming.
Maryland is now gaining jobs, even more rapidly than the surrounding states. Our bio-tech education and product development are moving forward. Cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay is still a focus for improvement, but progress is being made. Maryland still retains its triple A bond rating. By and large, the difficult economic situation is lifting. We are trying to maintain the State’s infrastructure, the health, education and well being of our citizens with minimum revenue increases.
For those of you who are concerned about the instillation of natural gas pipelines in your neighborhood, information on the safety and integrity of BGE pipelines can be found here. If you suspect a leak in the pipeline in your neighborhood please call (410) 685-0123 or 1-800-685-0123 and report the suspect problem. Information on how to identify a pipeline gas leak can be found in the link provided above.
National Capital Trolley Museum
It’s a trolley, it’s a boat, it’s a… Blackpool Boat Tram! On Friday, Oct. 14, we attended the dedication of the Blackpool Boat Tram at the National Capital Trolley Museum. Originally from Blackpool, England, this unique vehicle is a recent arrival to the museum’s collection.
What a wonderful resource for those who want to visit with our not-so-distant past and those interested in light rail. The National Capital Trolley Museum is back on track and running strong, after a major fire in 2003 and its recent relocation to accommodate the ICC. The museum is one of the “secret” treasures of Montgomery County that shouldn’t be a secret. Visit it on the web at http://www.dctrolley.org and then come visit in person at their new location: 1313 Bonifant Road, Colesville, MD 20905-5955. 
Last Saturday’s Rally in Silver Spring
I want to express my thanks to all those who were able to make it to the Early Vote Rally in Silver Spring 10/23. For Those who could not, here a a few photos.
Thank you again for voting for me in the primary.
As we move forward to the general election, I hope you will take advantage of early voting. It’s convenient–try it!
You helped me win a difficult election so that we can enact a progressive legislative agenda in Maryland. But if we don’t win the governor’s office, our work will have been for naught.
The governor signs or vetoes legislation that we pass in the General Assembly, and if we want progressive legislation signed into law, we must reelect Gov. O’Malley.
The differences are stark. Where Gov. O’Malley froze tuition for four straight years at the University of Maryland, brought real professionalism to the executive branch through the State Stat program, and became one of the nation’s leading environmental governors, former Gov. Ehrlich oversaw record hikes in college tuition in our state, hired and unleashed a political hack to fire and demote hundreds of fine public servants because they were not Republicans, and moved to sell off public lands to private entities. It is critical that Gov. O’Malley be re-elected!
But we must get out the vote if we are to defeat Bob Ehrlich. Turnout in the Maryland primary election in September was only 24%, which means that 76% of the people did not vote! We can’t let that happen in the general election.
I hope you will join me in downtown Silver Spring on Saturday, Oct. 23, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. for a Street Festival to support Gov. O’Malley, kick off early voting, and enjoy a fun day with other highly engaged Democrats!
The Street Festival features all sorts of great events–check here for details and an entertainment schedule. Gov. O’Malley will speak at 1:30 p.m.
With your help, we can turn the progressive ideals we hold In common into legislative victories. We can keep our schools number one, create quality jobs, protect the environment, improve transportation, and save taxpayers money through responsible budgeting.
Let’s not turn back the clock. Please help ensure that Gov. O’Malley is reelected so that he can sign into law the kinds of progressive measures we have fought for in District 14.
I ask for your vote again, for senate, and for the rest of the District 14 team–Ann Kaiser, Eric Luedtke, and Craig Zucker for delegates.
Join me in Silver Spring next Saturday–and let’s reelect Gov. O’Malley!
Sincerely,
Karen S. Montgomery
General Election Early Voting -
Friday, October 22, through Thursday, October 28, 2010 – 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. Closed Sunday
Gubernatorial General Election Day – November 2, 2010 – 7 A.M. to 8 P.M.
The Maryland State Board of Elections approved the five (5) Early Voting Centers for the Montgomery County Board of Elections for 2010 Gubernatorial Elections.
The five (5) Early Voting Centers are:
Bauer Drive Community Recreation Center, 14625 Bauer Drive, Rockville 20853
Germantown Recreation Center, 18905 Kingsview Road, Germantown 20874
Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center, 14906 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville 20866
Montgomery County Executive Office Building, 101 Monroe Street, Rockville 20850
Silver Spring Civic Building, 8525 Fenton Street, Silver Spring 20910
Benefits of a Furry Friend
Campaigning and door-to-door visits certainly take lots of energy, and when I can, I enjoy relaxing at home. My favorite canine, Thomas, always greets me with unconditional love and affection. Like many other District 14 residents, he takes great pride in loudly expressing his opinions. Although his views are focused more on an empty food bowl or a deer in the backyard, than on education, jobs or tax reform, Tom makes sure his voice is heard.
Tom is diversity on four furry legs. His heritage is uncertain, a background of mixed lineages. He represents a multicultural, multi-ethnic heritage rolled up in one ball of fur. And Tom contributes so much more than he takes. Companion, protector and friend, Tom is a cherished reminder of what’s right with the world.
