Press Release - Office of the Governor

Governor O'Malley Issues Executive Order Calling for Special Session

Calls on General Assembly to Act Now and Pass Consensus Budget Plan to Solve State’s $1.7 Billion Structural Deficit 

ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 15, 2007) – Governor Martin O’Malley, joined by Lieutenant Governor Brown, today signed an Executive Order calling a Special Session.  By Article II, Section 16 of the Maryland Constitution and Laws of Maryland, Governor O’Malley proclaimed and convened a Special Session of the General Assembly that will commence on Monday, October 29, 2007 for the purpose of passing legislation to address Maryland’s $1.7 billion structural deficit. 

“Over the last four years, our state government has failed to act – and chose to defer our State’s $1.7 billion deficit.  Last year, the people of Maryland got tired of the bickering and the delay, and made a change,” said Governor Martin O’Malley.   “Now it’s time to take action – in a special session – starting on Monday, October 29.  The cost of waiting is too high.  It’s time to pass a consensus budget plan, solve the problem, and move our State forward.”

“Governor O'Malley has proposed a responsible, comprehensive and fair budget solution,” said Lt. Governor Anthony Brown. “We are asking our partners in the General Assembly to come together, form a consensus and help us to keep moving Maryland forward.”

Over the last few weeks, Governor O’Malley has presented his comprehensive solution to business leaders and community groups across the State.  The Governor’s budget plan includes:

• Reform the income tax to make it more progressive and fair.
• Reduce property taxes.
• Close corporate loopholes.
• Invest in Maryland by raising the corporate income tax 1%, and splitting it between higher education and transportation.
• Protect education by making the Thornton law sustainable.
• Make healthcare more affordable and reduce smoking by increasing the tobacco tax $1 to invest in reform.
• Help seniors by doubling the senior income tax exemption – and create a new sales tax rebate.
• Modernize the sales tax – so it’s still in line with surrounding states.
• Recapture slots revenue, once and for all
• And do it now, in a special session, or we’ll add $500 million to our $1.7 billion problem, endangering our investment in education, public safety and healthcare.

[ View Executive Order - Listen to Audio mp3 ]