Marks For Maryland

Dear Friend and Fellow Citizen,

Thank you for visiting my website, please check back frequently as this is a work in progress.  I hope you will find this web-site informative as well as engaging.  You are also invited to stay connected with me through twitter, facebook, and linked through the links on the lefthand side column.

I would also like to thank you for the encouragement and support you have provided me to run for the state Senate.   It is with deep affection and concern for our state, that I am pleased to announce my candidacy for Maryland Senate District 16.  Having spent my entire life in one form or another dealing with or thanking about issues of government, I understand the complexities of today’s challenges.  With over twenty five years of public policy experience at the state and federal level, makes me uniquely qualified for this office.   I am confident that with my background I will make positive contribution to Maryland’s future.   When elected I will put a renewed focus on  providing the best constituent services possible.

As many of you are, I am concerned about Maryland’s future, as we were faced with the largest tax increase  in our states history. Every year our state government is faced with another budget shortfall, because of wasteful spending.  The current leaders have failed to solve our ongoing budget problems, as we continue to spend more than we generate in state revenue.  This failed policy of “tax and spend” is not sustainable for Maryland’s economic prosperity and future.   With the economic challenges facing us, it is time to bring in new leadership that will cut inefficiency and wasteful spending to restore fiscal accountability in state government. Our state government must learn to live with in its means, just as Maryland families have to do.

With the economic challenges facing us today, the citizens of this state cannot afford another tax increase to balance the budget. Raising taxes during a recession would only drive more residents and private industry out of the state.  As recently reported, Maryland raised taxes 6.25% last year, resulting in a decrease in state revenue.  This fiscal year the state’s budget deficit has already grown as high as $2 billion.  Our continuing budget problems are unsustainable, we must find long-term innovative solutions that can provide the greatest amount of stability for Maryland’s future.   As Senator, I will not support any new legislation that does not have a dedicated source of funding.  I will seek out ways that will improve Maryland’s budget process for future years.   The people of this state  deserve to have a government that merits our trust and confidence, a state government that is prudent with its resources.

The people of Maryland are our greatest resource, with an educational system that is ranked among the best in nation, and medical centers that are world renown.   Our state’s leadership should be doing more to promote Maryland business and Tourism.  In today’s market place states have had to become more competitive with other states in there region.  Our focus should be on attracting people and industry back to Maryland, not driving them away.   We need to develop a policy, that will promote Maryland as good place to live, work, and vacation.  According to state information we had decrease of 2.3 %  in tourism revenue, at a time when Maryland celebrated it’s 375 birthday of it’s  founding.

When elected my first priority is to help create a better business environment, that can foster private sector investment and  longterm revenue for the state.  I will seek out proactive solutions, that can solve long term problems.    My hope is to bring a new era of greater  transparency and fiscal accountability to state government.

Whether you are a Democrat, Republican or Independent, your concerns and aspirations are at the hart of my work.   I will be personally committed to working with you, in helping move Maryland forward in a positive direction.   I welcome and encourage your input and suggestion as we face these challenges together.

With Warm Regards!

Meyer Marks

Maryland Senate District 16

meyer@marksformaryland.org

Ph. 240-423-1099

Contribute By Phone: 1-800-932-2946

Health Care

Jan-2010

Now that the Democrats have lost the 60 seat majority to push health care through,  It appears the current proposals are dead.    As I have been advocating before,  the best way to reform health care, is to take it one step at a time, by first addressing the rising cost.  The best solution to reform health care should take place at the state level, by giving them greater flexibility in adopting  a health care package would fit there needs best. Reform at the Federal level would be to inefficient and wasteful.   Regardless of the out come any type of health care reform must be in a bipartisan manor, were the process is open and transparent for all Americans.      I welcome your thoughts and concerns.

By Meyer Marks

Fort Hood Shooting Investigation:

On Monday Nov 15 th The U.S. Senate was to hold hearings to investigate Fort Hood, but President Obama requested to delay hearings.    The Senate Armed services Committee subsequently postponed its scheduled hearing with Secretary of the Army John McHugh and Army Chief of Staff George Casey.   As it should be noted the Obama administration has so for declined to produce Army and F.B.I witnesses requested by the panel.  This has raised many troubling questions for the Committee.      Why is the Administration trying to suppress congressional oversight of intelligence matters.

Foreign Affairs:

The Senate Armed Services hearing on Afghanistan with  Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Defense Secretary Robert Gates Adm. Mike Mullen, Chairman of Joint Chief of staff, time 9:00,a.m. Wednesday location Dirksen Senate office building.

U.S.House Foreign Affairs Hearing on Afghan strategy in Afghanistan time 1:30 p.m. Wednesday 2172 Rayburn House office building

U.S. Economy:

The national unemployment stands at 10.2 % , the highest since the early years of the Reagan Administration.  It has become clear the  $782billion stimulus package enacted in February, has swollen the deficit with out created enough jobs.

The Treasury Department recently reported the public Dept has reached $11.9 trillion, that is expected to raise to $12.1 trillion before the end of the year.  The stimulus package has added $2 trillion to the national dept.    The U.S. is headed towards a train wreck, if we do not enact strict budget caps that limit federal spending on an annual basis.    Adding to the crises,  most state governments that are required by law to balance there annual budget, are facing budget shortfall’s     It has become clear the economy is the most important concern to most American’s today. Should health care reform pass, the unfunded mandate will place an even great burden on state budgets.