Gov. Martin O?Malley delighted many Democrats in his first State of the State address by repeating pledges to clean up the environment, fund education and expand healthcare coverage.
But Republicans accused the Democratic governor of growing government and unfairly criticizing the previous administration for taking necessary measures to balance the state budget.
“I think he laid out aframework for what he sees over the next four years,” said House Speaker Michael Busch, D-Anne Arundel. “He?s going about the work in a deliberative fashion ? and he?s trying to have an adult conversation.”
Busch said the governor needs to find ways to cut unnecessary spending “or we are going to have to find revenue sources” for the new initiatives.
“I was surprised he faced up to the problems Baltimore City faces and the state faces,” said Del. Emmett Burns, D-Baltimore City. “We?re a strong state but we have the fifth highest murder rate, and a huge structural deficit.”
“None of us are naïve enough to think we can do all this without additional funding,” said Sen. James Robey, D-Howard.
Unlike some of his fellow Democrats, Senate President Thomas Mike Miller repeated his earlier criticism of O?Malley that the governor is moving too slowly.
“It would be better if we dealt with it this year rather than next,” said Miller, who also said the governor should “stop agonizing” and push for the legalization of slot machines. “But I think he?s a person who can lead on this issue.”
Republicans were rankled by references O?Malley made to Ehrlich?s use of the state?s transportation fund and open space program to balance the budget.
“I don?t think we needed to go back and attack the last four years,” said Senate Minority Leader David Brinkley. “We?re expected to cooperate ? but we?re going to be at odds on some philosophical things.”
“Everyone has to remember that Ehrlich took over at a difficult time and he dealt with it the best he could,” said Del. Wade Kach, R-Baltimore County.
“I think it?s regrettable that these issues would be brought up ? but I think we have to put these remarks behind us and work together.”
Listen to the speech, courtesy of Gov. Martin O’Malley’s office.
