Annapolis Update #1 – Jan. 27, 2010

Greeting from Annapolis!

Normally, I would have done an Annapolis Update prior to this, but this Session seems to be moving slower than past Sessions and nothing of real substance, at this point, has “hit the fan.”

In my committee, which is the House Economic Matters Committee, we have had a briefing on the unemployment insurance problems with the Fund. The Fund has a major shortfall due to the economic downturn and the State’s formula to resolve that shortfall requires the employer’s contribution to go from 5 percent to 13 percent, which, in my opinion, could cause even greater job loss, due to the additional financial burden being placed on businesses that are struggling to make payroll now. I believe a one-year increase of 2 percent would be enough to replenish the Fund without causing additional job losses. Unfortunately, the federal government is offering Maryland stimulus money to help fund the shortfall, but with that money, strings come attached, which will have a negative effect on business down the road.

Today the Economic Matters Committee had a briefing from EDF, the French company that is building the new nuclear power plant at Calvert Cliffs. I was quite impressed with their testimony. The only downside that I could see is that, according to EDF, among the countries of France, Britain, China and the United States, the U.S. is the most business unfriendly because of the long delays and expenses to start up a new nuclear power plant. EDF also spoke of their project to recycle and reuse spent nuclear rods, with plants designed to do just that, moving us in the direction of resolving what to do with nuclear waste. In a sidebar conversation with one of the French representatives, he agreed with my position that in a short period of time, nuclear waste will become a nuclear commodity that is traded on the open market for future uses.

The Governor’s State of the State address continues to be postponed which, to me, means that the numbers continue to come in making the state’s problems worse on a daily basis.

And, finally, each year we do a survey, asking approximately 10 questions that are important issues in Annapolis. We will be sending that survey out in the upcoming weeks, to get your opinion and to allow you to see how others feel about these issues. This year, I am doing something a little different. If you have a question that you believe should be on the survey, please send it to me. I can’t promise that we will be able to place them all on the survey, but we will review them all and pick the ones that seem most timely and fit with the hot topics that we will be dealing with in Annapolis this year.

If you have any questions, or if you would like to contact me personally, please don’t hesitate to call.

Rick Impallaria
Delegate, District 7
410-841-3334 (Annapolis office)
rick.impallaria@house.state.md.us

Impallaria newsletter

Annapolis Update – Planned Legislation for 2010

I have two interesting pieces of legislation which I plan to introduce in the 2010 session. The first one is a direct result of bad legislation which I fought against, and voted against last session. In their infinite wisdom the General Assembly, over loud objections from myself and other members of my party, felt it was time to allow convicted felons released from prison to have the right to vote. Yes, this includes murderers, rapists and child molesters.

I find it offensive that these people would ever be allowed to have the right to vote, let alone, in many cases, to have the right to walk among us in society. On the floor of the House I asked the sponsor of the bill, Delegate Cardin, whether a convicted felon who had raped and murdered one of my loved ones and who was released from jail could be standing next to me in the voting line. Del. Cardin first attempted to dance around this yes-or-no question, but when pressed for a direct answer, admitted that it is possible, even probable. I was offended by the answer, offended that this bill passed, and even more offended that I am now forced to introduce this very important legislation to help mitigate some of the damage the General Assembly will cause by this law.

My legislation will ban anyone who regains their voting rights after committing a felony from ever voting at a polling place. They will have to register with the State Board of Elections as a restored voting rights felon who will only be permitted to vote by absentee ballot. I realized the importance of this step during the last election when, to reach the voting booths, I had to walk past a day care class. I realized that many polling places are located at schools, churches, and recreation centers — all places that sexual offenders are forbidden to go, except for this loophole created by the General Assembly’s passage of this absolutely stupid legislation allowing felons to vote.

The second piece of legislation has arisen due to the bad economy. State employees have been forced to take furlough days. While furloughing employees may at times be preferable to layoffs, I think it is also absolutely appalling for the State to force furloughs on the employees, while elected officials are exempt. It is especially reprehensible in a year in which the State of Maryland, through its budget, has increased its spending. It is wrong to ask State employees to take home less money this year, when the State has refused to make the same sacrifice by curtailing spending. And elected officials are not even required to take furloughs.

So my legislation simply is that the State of Maryland cannot force furloughs on State employees in a year that the State budget has increased compared to the previous year, unless the Governor calls an emergency session to reduce the State budget to the prior year’s funding. Then and only then should they be allowed to furlough State employees. At the same time, those furloughs should be mandatory on everyone who receives a State paycheck, including elected officials.

Needless to say neither of these bills would have been necessary if, first, the State had not given voting rights to convicted felons and, second, they had held to a flat-line budget equal to or less than last year’s.

I would like your comment and support on these ideas. Thank you.

Rick Impallaria
Delegate, District 7
rick.impallaria@house.state.md.us

Delegate Rick Impallaria email

NOTICE OF POSTPONEMENT – Flag Waving for 9-11 Remembrance

Delegate McDonough and I have decided to postpone the 9-11 Flag Waving.

The weather makes this very advisable. We are thinking of the health of the participants, who would be standing in the pouring rain, and the safety of drivers on I-95, who will have enough to concentrate on in the rain, without the added distraction of our activity.

We apologize for any inconvenience to you, but believe postponing the event is in the best interests of all considering that the weatherman predicts rain all day.

Take time during the day to remember and pray for the victims who died today in 2001.

UPDATE
Pat McDonough later sent this email:

FROM: DELEGATE PAT McDONOUGH
SUBJECT: CANCELLATION OF ANNUAL 911 TRIBUTE – 8TH ANNIVERSARY DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER

Delegate McDonough regrets to inform you that due to inclement weather, the
9-11 Flag Waving Tribute has been cancelled and will not be rescheduled until 2010. We were very concerned about the Rt. 95 road conditions, especially with the heavy rain and high winds.

Thank you for your dedication to this country and to the 9-11 victims and their families.
Pat

McDonough newsletter

REMINDER

FROM: DELEGATE PAT McDONOUGH
SUBJECT: ANNUAL 911 TRIBUTE – 8TH ANNIVERSARY

PUBLIC WELCOME

Delegate Pat McDonough and Delegate Rick Impallaria, along with volunteer firefighters and community groups, will host a flag-waving remembrance tribute to the victims and families of 911. This is the 8th Anniversary of that tragic day in New York City.

The annual event is open to the public and will take place on the Route 152 overpass at Interstate 95. There will be plenty of free parking at the Park and Ride on Mountain Road (Route 152).

Delegate McDonough stated, “We encourage people to bring their families, friends, and flags on FRIDAY, Sept. 11th from 4 to 6 in the afternoon.”

Steve Jackson is the founder of the event.

For additional information or an interview, you may contact Delegate Pat McDonough at 410-238-0025 or send an e-mail to Patmcdee@comcast.net.

Pat McDonough newsletter

Dear Friends,

I am sending you an article written by the editor of the Harford County Dagger in which he refers to people about being passionate regarding the free speech issue. The article speaks for itself.
If you feel that you should not be referred to as an “angry mob,” let Mr. Goodman know your opinion. Here is Brian Goodman’s e-mail address:
tellus@daggerpress.com
Thank you once again. Delegate Pat McDonough
(Continue reading…)