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House recommends $500M in cuts
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Annapolis (Map, News) - Delegates who found $1 billion in non-transportation tax increases difficult to pass Saturday struggled Monday to come up with budget cuts to make up next year’s $1.5 billion budget shortfall.
Ultimately, the House Appropriations Committee approved an additional $178 million in reductions. Gov. Martin O’Malley had proposed slowing the growth in spending by $320 million. Altogether, the House committee will recommend about $500 million less in spending for fiscal 2009.
“We are the point where some very, very tough decisions have to be made,” Appropriations Chairman Norman Conway said. “This is not easy. There are always items in the budget that each of us have worked very hard for.”
“I don’t have anybody who comes in that asks me to cut anything,” Conway, D-Wicomico, said.
Del. Gail Bates, a Howard County Republican, called the exercise “a sham,” since there was no budget actually before the committee to be worked on and these were only nonbinding recommendations to O’Malley on the budget he must submit in January.
Some of the new cuts included deferring cost-of-living increases for community providers in health and juvenile services ($24 million), slowing growth in reimbursements to Medicaid providers ($15 million), maintaining limits on hospital stays ($18 million) reducing the commission to lottery agents ($8.6 million), cutting the historic structure tax credit ($10 million), and paying for some equipment with bond money rather than operating funds.
Appropriations subcommittees rejected hundreds of millions in other cuts for education, health care and other services as too severe.
Members of the House’s Ways and Means committee voted to match changes to the public education funding formula known as Thornton with amendments already approved by the Senate. O’Malley proposed freezing an inflator that has pushed the price of public education faster than lawmakers expected when they adopted the program in 2002.
The budget cuts and slowing the growth in mandated spending formulas for education will be taken up today on the floor of the House.
After fairly swift action by the Senate last week, Monday’s pace in the House slowed as hearings were delayed and a meeting of the full House put off.
A gaming subcommittee began working on the slots machines proposal Monday evening, including a proposal for a new slots location in the White Marsh area.
“We’re going to consider everyone one’s amendment,” said Del. Frank Turner, D-Howard, the subcommittee chair.
llazarick@baltimoreexaminer.com
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Examiner Reader said:
We need slots M'kay.
6 agree | 5 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
We need slots in Maryland that is all. Thank you.
7 agree | 6 disagree
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david m snyder said:
Allegany County has enough slot machines now! The Republican governor wanted slot machines and they were not wanted..."fork-tongued" politics.
117 agree | 115 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
This is a measure of desperation. Maryland doesn't need slots; and the politicians know it. Thats why there is this sudden rise in taxes all of the sudden, to influence the outcome of the voters decision in the favor of the businessmen. Sure we're in debt as a state. But it's always been that way. What wasn't always the case though is marylanders being pimped out by the government. In any other time of decision making, it would be illegal to drastically influence to outcome of the vote. And by raising taxes and cutting our states budgeted spending, that is exactly what is going on here. Why has no one else noticed the "coiencidental" timing of the tax increases and how they will effect the voter's decision to allow slots into our state. As a gambler mtself, I love to play slots. And I just never thought that our state's government would stoop to such a low level as to sell us out to outside businessmen. There has gotta be a journalist from the examiner willing to cover this story
141 agree | 139 disagree
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examiner reader said:
You are right, Slots need to occur for the horse racing industry to survive and be competitive with other states. That really has been a well known fact for some time now. Many of my friends go to DE to play the slots and where are you tonight? not at home, right? In NJ gambling, when you could be in MD doing the same. Change is good in some aspects, slots are needed in MD.
151 agree | 153 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I agree! With the Preakness, you get national sports coverage world wide! A guaranteed World Series envirement every year. Great for the city and state of Maryland. The Orioles probably won't get to world series for another 50 to 100 years. The Ravens, I'll be generous and say 20 years. That's not good business to let a Charm like that to leave Baltimore! My man Frank will let everyone know after this years Preakness, that slots have to happen. And if they don't come, Preakness 134 will be the Last!
145 agree | 143 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
The people in your state are funny! The Colts wanted a new stadium, Baltimore said no, So the colts got a new city! Racing needs what others have. So the Preakness will get a new city as well? I guess they want Racing in Maryland to be as crappy as the Orioles and Ravens. I also assume thats what the fans in Maryland are used too!
134 agree | 133 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Horse Racing in Maryland is dying because every state around us that races more than 35 days a year has slots. If those states never had slots, Maryland Racing would not need them. I will give you people an analogy if you had an ice cream store and could only sell vanilla and chocolate cones, and your competitor across the street can sell 31 flavors along with milk shakes, who will get the most costumers? In the horse racing world horses are costumers and without the horses, there you have no racing. Not everyone likes horse racing, but this industry is a very important industry in Maryland. It employs more people than every sporting team including vendors etc. in the this state! These jobs are all year round not season like the orioles and ravens.
159 agree | 157 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
u gamble, no different w/slots, well maybe, slots do not have hoofs. LOL
148 agree | 139 disagree
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Ms. Dog said:
Do not know how to hit big, I leave it to you.
143 agree | 134 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Wish was there w/u, hit big, u deserve it.
174 agree | 144 disagree
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eddie said:
Speaking of slots,if they'd paid I when I hit for the 52thousand dollars and no white nor slave came to pay I at the Altlantic City,NJ facility down from the old COnvention Cnt.where from 1996 when I hit the jackpot and no one came to pay I,until the time I went back for I monies knowing they should of had a camera of the winnings and why they didn't pay I instantly is all racism my dear and whitey keeping I properties from I again,to why over so much time and whitey keeping monies from Royalty's hands,Hi.I'm Royalty Eddie,that their is going to wars and rumors of wars and putting slots in and no Civil Rights for BLACKS first isn't established,is ludic,and why put in slots why not bedding for the homeless or something and be a good example for the children some point of a 39yrs of ruining millions of people's lives and livlihoods,with racism and racist tactics as it's front to scheme deprived people with no rights of their life,being forced into unwarranted wars for money,for re
147 agree | 129 disagree
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Ms. Dog said:
Remember, No Politics on the Holiday THE ROSE Some say love, it is a river that drowns the tender reed. Some say love, it is a razor that leaves your soul to bleed. Some say love, it is a hunger, an endless aching need. I say love, it is a flower, and you it's only seed. It's the heart, afraid of breaking, that never learns to dance. It's the dream, afraid of waking, that never takes a chance. It's the one who won't be taken, who cannot seem to give. And the soul, afraid of dying, that never learns to live. When the night has been too lonely, and the road has been too long, And you think that love is only for the lucky and the strong, Just remember in the winter far beneath the bitter snow, Lies a seed, that with the sun's love, in the spring becomes a rose
128 agree | 128 disagree
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Marylander Against Taxation W/O Representation! said:
horse racing is a dying industry and it does not need my money! slots are not the answer! the money promised to save the horses will only pad the pockets of Mega Entertainment, and the brown nosed maryland politicrooks in Annapolis. Wake Up Voters, all you have to do is see that Thorton has not come close to fixing the education nightmare here in Maryland! Dont believe the Hype! Vote No for Slots! It is just one more step closer to financial corruption and moral devestation! If you want to return this state to its once proud stature, cut the pork! Cut corporate tax rates, cut property taxes, and cut the sales tax. Make Maryland more appealing and the Employers will follow! What has happened during the special session is anti business and soon you will see coporations leave and take their jobs with them. Slots are going to save this state! Mark my words people!
138 agree | 136 disagree
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e-reader said:
7:11 & 7:15, are Psalm 91. We are friends, believers in God and union. Not to worry no agenda not anyones property. "I love you too, honey.
140 agree | 142 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
"We both walked away a long time ago, I do not know why you care??" I am supposed to believe this?? I care because I love you as a friend. Anything else will have to come from above, or a box of chocolates, which I love also!
128 agree | 131 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
"If you are the genuine one I must have seen a spirit in, then walking papers. I want the agenda of why you care??" Does caring mean that you have to have an agenda? No it does not, only someone with an suspicion attitude would look at it that way. Only caring about you as a person, no agenda.
148 agree | 133 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
This is not the way to pull the state fiscal irresponsibility. why are my tax dollars paying for others for health care. mine is outrageous and hardly covers anything. So i can hardly afford mine but I have to pay for others that are not spending anything on it! omalley you stink!!
130 agree | 134 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
A person is not property
135 agree | 133 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
If you are the genuine one I must have seen a spirit in, then walking papers. I want the agenda of why you care??
175 agree | 129 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
We both walked away a long time ago, I do not know why you care??
146 agree | 130 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Well, I suggest that we both need to pray about our lives; I need it for direction. I am not one to offend a friend and would much rather just walk away fro a situation that appears to be "not working." However, under the life is not your own circumstances I cannot do that as often as I would like too. I care in a divine way, meaning a deep godly concern and would like not too but have beed hindered from letting go. However, the one who walks away will set the other free in that type od situation. According to a conversation yesterday I believe had occured, correct?
148 agree | 132 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I want God blessing, and I wsnt it to be the right thing.
174 agree | 139 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
There is only "one" God, for me and if you have given you life to him through Christ, then your life is no longer your own. Meaning I can not choose my own way in life, which is hard to deal with, a lot. Sometimes God's design does not fit our design and this aspect causes a lot of conflict in a believer's life, agree?
147 agree | 129 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
There is a god, no man is a legend, a person is only gods property, so dont play god or fairy tails.
146 agree | 154 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I agree, but it a legend means a fairy tail, how does that relate to "a person is not property?"
212 agree | 169 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
What is the issue about everyone being a legend?
182 agree | 146 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I do not know, do you?
144 agree | 132 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Where to go from here?
160 agree | 142 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
"You are all Legends in your own minds." you appear to be the one who is drunk and out to make yourself a legend, KING of the Examiner Posting BOard!
131 agree | 148 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I should not have disrespected you like I did. I owe you an apology. Again, I spoke in anger, something that i cannot take back. I am totally responsible. i let the VA thing go, my choice. and I don't care if it comes back to me; I do not want it to. My heart was never i it and it was known, I did not hide that. the fact that there was another interest was made known always, no hiding it, just like no hiding it from you.
132 agree | 135 disagree
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Romans 1-3 (New American Standard Bible said:
Romans 1-3 (New American Standard Bible
150 agree | 151 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I am not sorry and I will not pretend, If you re the genuine one this was a blessing,no one is perfect, you know me and if you were loyal you would not hide,I asked fo nothing more.
157 agree | 134 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
"I need a genuine joke." You need God.
140 agree | 143 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
To God. I am not committed to no man.
155 agree | 152 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
You would know, if your heart was not so filled with anger. I am sorry that this happened.
138 agree | 147 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Are you genuine???
131 agree | 135 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Have a nice holiday, I will be out of town until Sunday. it is unfortunate hatred, bitterness, and revenge consume you to the point where you mock the bible, however it is your choice, my friend. Take care
133 agree | 138 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I now know I am Jewish!
141 agree | 145 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
OMALLEY needs to be taken for a ride in a convertable in texas!!
185 agree | 162 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
If the slots come to md. I want to play the bible slots so I can match all three bibles! And win a trip to heaven. Pimlico race 2: box 3 and 4
146 agree | 150 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
"Virginia is for lovers, do they have slots? Theh race tracks are going to be a part of our all time history and we dont share do we?" No, we do not share,a good woman knows how to reserve herself; this I have kept sacred. believe it or not, Romans 3:3&4, What if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God Forbid, let God be true but every man a liar... Doubts that slots will come to MD have surfaced many times, but this one thing I am not guilty of, is disloyalty, believe it or not.
151 agree | 124 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Examiner Reader said: "Take a long, hot bath before going to bed. This helps relax and soothe your muscles" Wish you could be with me. :~(
151 agree | 143 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I don't blame O'Malley. I blame our delegates and senators for putting him before their people. Where's the leadership? What are they there for? Nathaniel McFadden, Lisa Gladden, Verna Jones, Joan Conway---you all suck! Delegate Maggie phony MacIntosh, Anne Marie Doory, Sandy Rosenberg, Nathaniel Oaks, Cheryl Glenn, Talmadge Branch, Shawn Tarrant, Barabara Robinson, Caroltyn Krysiak: You suck too! Who I like: Senator George Della, Delegates Jill Carter, and Delegate Pete Hammen too, although he's not great on voting, he's a little more honest than the rest.
166 agree | 151 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Take a long, hot bath before going to bed. This helps relax and soothe your muscles. Showers, on the other hand, tend to wake you up. Insomniacs should avoid showers in the evening. Good night until noon
137 agree | 130 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Slots and horses are smarter than MD people, they do not bet or belong in MD.
145 agree | 136 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I have another joke. How do you know when O'Malley is lying? You don't, because he's in a closed door meeting. Again, the joke is on us. I'm so mad that I was dumb enough to buy a home in this state, now i'm stuck here for at least a couple years. But believe me, i'll be out as soon as it's reasonably possible.
187 agree | 183 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I need a genuine joke.
159 agree | 136 disagree
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Brian said:
A joke to ease the pain; a thief, liar and cheat walk into a bar. The bartender looks up and greets the three friends, “hello Mr. O’Malley, Mr. Miller, Mr. Busch”…well the jokes is us (and it's not funny), all the hard working Marylanders. You think this is bad? This is only the beginning!
184 agree | 185 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Can I have my get out of jail free card now??
138 agree | 154 disagree
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