With the downfall of the economy, Democratic Governor O’Malley, predicts hope to the General Assembly for the upcoming years in distinct reference to the newly elected President Barack Obama. In his 30 minute speech O’Malley states, “Our great challenge for this session is to redouble our efforts, doing all we can to stand up for Maryland families and to power through the other side of this recession ahead of every other state,” O’Malley said. “The very good news is that we actually have a president and a Congress who, rather than looking at government as the enemy, are committed to moving us forward.”

Attending the speech, Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon, questioned whether the governor was relying too heavily on the president to incline the states operating budget.

However, with a re-election around the corner O’Malley sought to make changes in the proposed budget for the fiscal year. In efforts to compensate for his original plans for layoffs of state workers, O’Malley predicts that the Federal stimulus package would help to prevent painful cuts.

O’Malley’s vision intends to protect safety net programs, reduce the cost of education spending, and put demise to the death penalty. He plans to reach out to the community through harsh times by hosting town hall meetings to discuss the issues of economy and the public educational system.

For more information please contact: Selena Britton at sbritton@afscme67.org