ANNAPOLIS (August 14, 2009) – Governor Martin O’Malley today released thousands of suggestions submitted by the public to continue reforming Maryland’s State government. Governor O’Malley called for public comments after cutting $280M from Maryland’s state budget in mid-July. Over the last few weeks, the Governor has received thousands of suggestions from individuals and families throughout Maryland as he continues to make Maryland’s State government more accountable and more effective. By Labor Day, cuts to Maryland’s state budget will exceed $4 billion – bringing state spending below FY 2007 levels.
“Together we have chosen to restore fiscal responsibility, reduce the size of government and reform long-neglected state agencies so that they can more effectively provide critical services to the people of our State,” said Governor O’Malley. “We have made real progress together to improve our quality of life in Maryland – even as we have weathered one of the most severe economic recessions in our nation’s history.”
“I am grateful for all the suggestions we have received over the last two weeks. We are in the process of reviewing all of the suggestions and each suggestion has been forwarded to the appropriate state agency for review and consideration; and I have asked that state agencies respond to all suggestions by September 15.”
The budget suggestions can be found on a new webpage, www.governor.maryland.gov/budgetcuts.asp, which introduces a new web-based discussion forum that allows the Citizens of Maryland to continue discussing ways to make Maryland’s government more efficient and effective. “I hope the people of Maryland will continue to offer feedback on ways we can continue reforming Maryland’s state government,” stated O’Malley.
In addition to providing a full list of the thousands of suggestions, the website highlights the most frequently made suggestions, outlines the latest budget cuts, highlights the impact of the national recession on Maryland, and compares Maryland’s fiscal circumstances to other states.
Source: Office of Gov. Martin O'Malley