We need to amend our list of recommended budget cuts. We found another $25 million ? at least ? to add to the list: Every single legislative pet project added to the State Capital Budget Bill.
In a time of fiscal crisis,it hardly seems prudent of Sen. Douglas Peters and Del. James Hubbard, Democrats from Prince George?s County, to sponsor bond legislation to give $20,000 to the Belair Swim and Racquet Club so its members can enjoy a renovation that will “enhance the safety and appearance of the pool by providing a smooth durable pool surface.” Isn?t that what members pay dues for? Who outside of its members will get to enjoy the new pool surface?
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Or how about $325,000 to the YMCA of Central Maryland thanks to the largesse of Del. James Malone and Sen. Edward Kasemeyer, Democrats representing Baltimore and Howard counties, so that it can improve its facilities? How will all of the state?s taxpayers benefit from having better yoga rooms at the Catonsville Y? Or even those in Catonsville who belong to for-profit health clubs?
Even more dubious are grants to organizations whose boards of directors include sitting legislators. State ethics laws do not prohibit legislators from sitting on boards of charities or fundraising for them. But should taxpayers go into debt to finance legislators? personal causes? It may be easier to sponsor legislation than to fund raise the old-fashioned way, but it does not make it right.
A preliminary investigation by The Examiner found at least two instances in which lawmakers sponsored bond legislation to direct money to organizations with which they are affiliated. Neither of their relationships were listed in documents supporting the bills. Del. Carolyn Krysiak, a Democrat from Baltimore City, sponsored a bond bill that will give $150,000 to St. Vincent de Paul, which lists her as a member of the board of directors on its Web site. Sen. Catherine Pugh, D-Baltimore City, sponsored a bill that will direct $50,000 to the Center for Urban Families, whose Web site lists her as a member of the board of directors. Del. Krysiak said she discloses the information in separate forms, noted her affiliation publicly to fellow House members andhas never hidden her support for St. Vincent de Paul. Sen. Pugh did not return a phone call seeking comment.
We are sure many of the recipients of state aid are worthy causes. But taxpayers must not be forced to finance groups whose missions are not part of the core duties of government, especially in a time of “fiscal crisis.”
Gov. Martin O?Malley should veto all “pork.” It would be better to return the $25 million to we the people to decide how to use that money. And in the spirit of full disclosure, legislators must list their affiliation with groups they seek to fund through bonds in bill documents to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest.
