Republican leaders wasted little time in criticizing Gov. Martin O?Malley?s second State of the State address, saying the governor?s initiatives do little to protect the wallets of Maryland?s working families.
GOP lawmakers cited $1.4 million in tax increases, plus hundreds of new state jobs and $1.8 billion in spending growth in O?Malley?s proposed 2009 budget unveiled last week.
“He seems to understand the suffering of the citizens of Maryland, but what he didn?t point out is that they are suffering because he passed the biggest tax hike in Maryland history,” said Del. Christopher Shank, the Minority Whip from Washington County. “Clearly, he is out of sync with the citizens of Maryland.”
Democratic leaders praised O?Malley for focusing on the basics of government ? affordable college tuition, fighting crime and reducing energy costs ? saying fundamental services will boost the governor?s fledgling approval ratings.
O?Malley?s proposed budget falls within growth recommendations of the state?s Spending Affordability Committee and cuts future spending by $550 million. Most of his initiatives are politically neutral and carry a modest price tag, such as a $1.7 million expansion of DNA sampling and a $1 million monitoring system for juvenile offenders.
“The issues he mentioned ? affordable health care, green buildings and green schools, reducing energy costs ? those are important to the citizens,” said Del. Dan Morhaim, a Baltimore County Democrat. “He?s talking about good policy, and good policy will improve his numbers.”
Recent polls showed O?Malley?s approval ratings had dipped below 40 percent following the tax increases approved during the November special session he called to address a structural deficit.
O?Malley said the state?s inherited budget woes are compounded by a national economic downturn, calling Marylanders? frustration “totally understandable.”
Democrats said O?Malley can?t be blamed for national issues like soaring energy costs, rising gasoline prices and foreclosure. Former Democratic Gov. Marvin Mandel, who attended the address, said O?Malley?s public image will improve as long as he continues to focus on the fundamentals.
“It will take care of itself,” Mandel said. “The question is just a matter of time.”
Still, Republican leaders said they will push for the repeal of some tax increases, including an extension of the sales tax to computer services, and further reductions in the cost of government. The state, said Upper Shore Sen. E.J. Pipkin, also needs to limit new programs.
“Somebody?s got to tell the governor to stop digging,” Pipkin said.
Examiner staff writer Len Lazarick contributed to this story.
