Posted on 11/29/2007 11:32:18 AM PST by JZelle
ANNAPOLIS — The legislation that Gov. Martin O'Malley recently signed to provide medical insurance to 120,000 Maryland residents puts the state at the forefront of national health care reform, say members of the Democrat-controlled General Assembly.
However, the plan by Mr. O'Malley, a Democrat, will cost taxpayers at least $283 million a year.
House Speaker Michael E. Busch, Anne Arundel Democrat, said he is not sure how the state will raise the money if voters reject legalized slot-machine gambling, but "if the [slots] referendum fails, we'll get an alternative source of funding."
Mr. Busch said the initiative still keeps Maryland "a leader in health care reform."
"Elected officials are driven by public demand, ... and health care coverage has been an issue that consistently comes back in all the polling that people want addressed. That's why states have taken it on themselves to come up with an answer to the uninsured problem."
The initiative was crafted by Delegate Peter A. Hammen, a Baltimore Democrat who led the plan to a 105-27 vote in the House last week during the special General Assembly session.
Maryland and other states have followed the lead of Massachusetts, which expanded health care coverage to the majority of its residents.
Advocates of national health care reform say such efforts have spurred a "me-too" effect across the country.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
MD is in trouble.
Montgomery Bracing for A Record Shortfall
$401 Million Gap May Mean Tax Increases, Service Cuts
By Ann E. Marimow
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 28, 2007; Page A01
In sobering terms, Montgomery County’s elected leaders began to confront the government’s deepest-ever projected budget shortfall yesterday, warning residents of possible tax increases and tempering expectations for what the county can afford as they try to close a $401 million gap.
County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) has called on departments and agencies to shave 2 percent of existing spending, including $36 million from the public schools, a figure that education officials said would be “extraordinarily difficult to meet.”
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Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett (D), shown in March, is asking departments and agencies to trim 2 percent of existing spending. (By Ricky Carioti — The Washington Post)
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In his call for belt-tightening, Leggett said the numbers suggest that even with spending cuts and tax increases, residents should be prepared for a reduction in public services.
“Our worst fears, as it relates to the housing market and the national economy, are being realized,” Leggett said yesterday. “There may be delays and outright cuts; it means we will not be hiring as readily as we may have anticipated, and it could mean some local revenue enhancements.”
It’s too soon to know which areas would be affected by the shortfall, 9.6 percent of the $4.2 billion in projected spending for fiscal 2009, which begins in July. To cope with a budget gap four years ago, county leaders cut library hours, postponed maintenance on equipment and delayed salary increases for county employees for several months.
Among the big-ticket items in the coming year are the county’s health-care program for uninsured residents, early childhood education, the technology system and funding to put more police officers on the street.
“is not sure how the state will raise the money if voters reject legalized slot-machine gambling, but “if the [slots] referendum fails, we’ll get an alternative source of funding.”
Hmmmm, what would that be?
How can Maryland be a leader if MA already insures everyone?
I don’t know but I’m bracing for the impact.
Oh, I have an idea! I know! Pick me!
Our national mistake is just “holding the line” against socialized medicine. When was the last time any politician proposed De-socializing medicine? Taking the government OUT of the health care business?
If we play a purely defensive game, we will lose, and our health care system will be ruined.
It’s time to go on offense. Ask Republican candidates how they propose to get government out of health care, so that the free market can give quality care to the greatest number of citizens.
What in God’s name is wrong with the people in this state?
Thanks, carry on.
MA doesn’t insure anyone. It only makes criminals out of those individuals that won’t become indentured servants to the insurance lobby.
MA doesn’t insure anyone. It only makes criminals out of those individuals that won’t become indentured servants to the insurance lobby.
I wonder if Peter Hammen is associated with Halsey and Bonnie Frost?
Maryland “Freak State” PING!
Under the Ehrlich administration, I had planned to begrudgingly support the governor’s slots proposals. I don’t believe this is a particularly good way for a state to create revenue.
With O’Malley in charge, I plan to vote against it and I hope to convince others to vote against it, as well. I simply don’t want for this little jerk to get his way.
Under the current administration and it’s hard line tactics, I don’t necessarily believe that the voting process will be legit. So, it may not matter anyway.
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