Not So Special Session

The state legislature is meeting in special session this week in Annapolis.

The stated purpose for the special session is to adopt the governor's redistricting plan resulting from the 2010 census.  In order to dispose of this business prior to the deliberately minimalist regular session that lasts from January to April, a special session every 10 years has become customary and appropriate.

It is proposed the current 6th Congressional district that is now entirely rural and covering the western panhandle across the northern border of the state and into Frederick county will now turn south to incorporate liberal Montgomery County voters and eliminate Republican Roscoe Bartlett.  Whatever you think about gerrymandering, it is a time-honored tactic and despite the disenfranchisement of rural Maryland voters, there's just not much to argue about.

Here's the problem with the Special Session.  It is anticipated the legislature will be presented with opportunities to raise the gas tax to replenish the state's transportation fund.  This should not be allowed to happen.  Here's why:

1. The gas tax was defeated in the regular session under the spotlight of the press and public.  One of the reasons to revisit this in the special session is a perception that it will be easier to sneak past the scrutiny of the press and public in the special session.
2. Annapolis is required to balance the general fund budget.  Since 2007 this has been done by allocating funds out of the transportation and other dedicated funds.  New taxes to replenish the fund simply lets the government off the hook for previous avoidance of tough spending decisions and further delays their accountability for the same.
3. In 2007 a special session was held in which taxes were raised by record levels.  By all accounts this has been disastrous for the Maryland economy as millionaires have fled with all of their tax remissions, small businesses and jobs.  Large businesses such as Hilton and Northrup have relocated to the DC area and chosen business-friendly Virginia over Maryland.

Back in the Spring, I had the opportunity to visit with my state delegation from D-39.  One by one they all acknowledged that anything other than the business of accepting the re-districting plan is inappropriate for a special session of the Maryland legislature.  The brief annual legislative session was designed to heighten focus on the issues that matter most to the people.  Practiced politicians that they are, one by one they also weaseled out of making a commitment.  This position has - that special session is not an appropriate time to consider legislation other than been offered consistently across Maryland Democratic legislators.

Asked specifically, "Would you refuse to consider any other legislation proposed?" All said they would consider whatever is put in front of them.

Please write to your state legislators and ask them to refuse to consider (or to defeat) any legislation put in front of them during the special session beyond the re-districting report.  If there are truly good ideas they would have passed last April and if by some stroke of genius someone came up with a truly brilliant new idea, it will keep until January.