The SOTU and What We’ve Done in Maryland - Part I

Last night the President made a persuasive case for why we must begin to make better choices as a nation. He focused on finding new and innovative ways to cut waste, improve efficiencies, improve education — from Pre-School to higher education — and create jobs.  Here in Maryland, we are already working towards stronger families, stronger communities, and a stronger America.

Better Choices:

Here’s what the President said:

“It’s not a bigger government we need, but a smarter government that sets priorities and invests in broad-based growth.”

And here’s what we’ve done and are doing in Maryland:

By using a fiscally responsible, balanced approach of cuts, revenue and investments, we’ve been able to:

1. Nearly eliminate the $1.7 billion structural deficit that we inherited in 2007
2. Cut more state spending than any other administration in modern Maryland history
3. Make government more efficient, reduce waste and cut red tape
4. Invest in key priorities like job creation and education
5. Maintain our Triple A bond rating and prepare for the future

Click here for an in-depth look at the better choices we’ve made together.

Strategic Investments to Create Jobs:

Here’s what the President said:

“If we want to make the best products, we also have to invest in the best ideas.”

“Now is not the time to gut these job-creating investments in science and innovation. Now is the time to reach a level of research and development not seen since the height of the Space Race.” 

And here’s what we’ve done and are doing in Maryland:

While we’ve recovered over 80% of the jobs we lost during the national recession (we’ve recovered jobs at the fastest rate in our region and the 8th fastest rate in the country), we know that too many moms and dads remain out of work. That’s why job creation remains priority #1. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce ranks Maryland #1 in the nation for entrepreneurship and innovation, but we know we can always do more. Here are a few of the ways we’re working to spur innovation, create jobs and provide our businesses and entrepreneurs with the resources they need to grow and succeed:

1. Promoting targeted tax credits that foster investment in research and development, biotechnology, our film industry and our cyber sector
2. Passed InvestMaryland, the single largest venture capital program in Maryland history
3. Created the Maryland Innovation Initiative with the goal of transferring technology out of the labs and into the marketplace.
4. Reduced paperwork, streamlined government and reformed regulations
5. Launched the Central Business Licensing Program, a virtual one-stop shop for business licensing and registration. Now, instead of it taking up to ten weeks to have an application reviewed, it’ll be reviewed in 5-7 days if not sooner

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