Legislature braces for stark session

Leaders will focus on job creation but avoid new spending programs

The winter could get even colder for college students, state employees and the prospects for new laws when the General Assembly comes back into town in January.

The General Assembly can only cut from the budget O'Malley proposes, and legislators hinted at several possible outcomes, including further layoffs and furloughs for state employees.

http://www.hometownannapolis.com/news/gov/2009/12/20-44/Legislature-braces-for-stark-session.html

Owings News Conference Scheduled for January 6th

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/annapolis/2009/12/owings_expected_to_enter_prima.html

Not sure what Ehrlich is going to do yet .. sure wish he'd make up his mind.

Merry Merry and Happy NY

Just brief break to recoup from surgery and celebrate Christmas.  Come January, I hope y'all are up to the challenge of keeping up with what's happening in Annapolis.  It is going to be important that we collectively as a group, keep tabs on anything that is going to affect us as state workers.

Have a safe New Year's and here's hoping that we don't get dumped on too badly in 2010.

12/21 State-Liberal Leave ... 12/21 Feds-Closed

State of MD - Liberal Leave tomorrow.

[url]http://www.dbm.maryland.gov/employees/Pages/WeatherRel.aspx[/url]

Federal Government closed tomorrow.

[url]http://www.opm.gov/status/[/url]

Here's Hoping

Here's hoping that ALL of the unions that represent Maryland state workers will take this as a sign that perhaps, just perhaps, it is time for change. It's time to re-evaluate, who they feel is going to do the best for their members when they begin to endorse legislators in the coming elections. I do not understand how any of them can endorse in good faith, legislators who are working against them and not with them.


http://www.corridorinc.com/component...e-for-governor

BLOG: Union “shocked and disappointed” over pay hike for governor

Batten down the hatches ... rough ride ahead

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bal-md.revenues17dec17,0,6297428.story?track=rss

O'Malley and lawmakers say many options are on the table next year, when a further $2 billion budget shortfall looms. They are expected to consider aid cuts to local governments as well as layoffs and furloughs of state employees. They also are expected to debate tuition increases at public universities.

Governor Other Officials Pay Raise?

http://www.corridorinc.com/corridor-news-mainmenu-119/special-reports-mainmenu-157/3276-governor-other-officials-should-get-pay-raises-panel-says?fontstyle=f-larger



http://www.hometownannapolis.com/news/gov/2009/12/16-21/Should-state-lawmakers-get-a-raise.html


You guys have that slap mark on your faces too?  What a slap it is.

2010 MD Legislative Issues Paper

http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/misc/2010_IssuePapers.pdf

Page 14:  The U.S. economy has been in recession since December 2007. This recession has


resulted in substantial reductions in Maryland’s projected general fund revenues. The

September 2009 revenue estimate projects $12.3 billion in general fund revenues, which

is $2.4 billion less than projected in September 2008. In response, $429 million was

withdrawn from agency fiscal 2010 general fund appropriations by the Board of Public

Works in July and August of 2009. Additional reductions are expected in

November 2009. The reductions were necessary in spite of federal stimulus funds, which

total $1.1 billion in fiscal 2010. A $2.0 billion cash deficit is projected in fiscal 2011, even


with $898 million in federal stimulus funds. The fiscal 2012 cash deficit increases to


$2.5 billion as federal stimulus funds end. This deficit is so large that revenue growth


alone will not address the general fund shortfall, thus a multi-year approach combining


spending and revenue actions and the use of reserves will be needed.

City of Hagerstown - Furloughs/Pay Cuts

http://www.herald-mail.com/?cmd=displaystory&story_id=236126&format=html

Some of the items proposed by the budget plan are subject to contract negotiations with the relevant unions. The elimination of step increases and a cost of living adjustment, as well as the proposed work stop days and furlough days, are all subject to contract negotiations.

Pension Pulse

http://pensionpulse.blogspot.com/

Very interesting articles about pensions around the US.  A friend of "ours" suggested these sites and I'm posting them for you. 

http://www.zerohedge.com/article/moodys-cuts-calpers-calstrs-rating

Montgomery County Council Being Sued by Employees' Union

The union that represents Montgomery County employees has filed a civil suit against the County Council to compel action on a controversial early buyout program.

http://www.gazette.net/stories/12142009/polinew180719_32561.php

Thornton

http://www.herald-mail.com/?cmd=displaystory&story_id=235931&format=html

All of the recommended cuts to the pending 2010 state budget paled in comparison to Del. Richard B. Weldon Jr.’s suggestion that the state halt the Thornton funding plan for public schools in Maryland for a year. Weldon, unaffiliated-Frederick/Washington, said it would be the single most effective cut to spending, saving the state more than a billion dollars.

A little humor

Christmas Time in Washington


The Supreme Court ruled there cannot be a Nativity scene in Washington, D.C. this Christmas. This isn't for any religious or constitutional reason, they simply have not been able to find three wise men and a virgin in the nation's capitol. There was no problem however finding enough asses to fill the stable.

Make sure you check your pay stub

When I printed my paycheck yesterday, imagine my surprise when I noticed I was only paid for 72 hours.  I knew I had not taken a furlough day so I called downtown.  It turns out they charged me a furlough day for Thanksgiving day because of a typo ... 60 is holiday which was on my time sheet but it was keyed in as 66 a furlough day. 

Lucky me, my check is short over a hundred bucks right before Christmas.

I was told that they do not notice this unless someone calls ... so make sure you verify that they are charging you the proper time for furlough days ... they screwed up my bosses check by not charging furlough time off and then having to take it all at the end of the FY last year. 

I realize mistakes happen.  I'm not a happy camper that it happened right before the holidays.  I will get the money in the 12/23 check.

O'Malley is holding an online town hall meeting this Weds. Evening

http://www.martinomalley.com/page/content/onlinetownhall/

You need to go to the above website and sign up in order to be sent directions on how to attend this online meeting.

Next Fiscal Year May Bring Layoffs to Montgomery County

Local budget picture remains in free fall

http://www.gazette.net/stories/12022009/montnew183401_32525.shtml

City Told to Gird for More Budget Cuts

Continuing drops in revenue, rising pension costs

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bal-md.budgetdec02,0,757827.story

Taxes Fall Short - Worcester County

http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20091202/NEWS01/912020396/1002/rss

Channel 13 this morning: Mike Miller

There was a 30 second story on Channel 13 this morning about the budget figures coming in for the State and it is $1.5 billion for 2011.  At the same time they reported that Mike Miller has stated there will be no new tax increases and they will not be taking money from teachers.

Where's it going to come from?

1.  State workers
2.  Baltimore City and localities (no way around it)
3.  the Health Department

Your guess is as good as mine.  Looks like January 1, 2010 is going to bring to us the year from hell when it comes to our work situation.  Anyone who though 2009 was bad, this is a reminder that the budget deficit we're facing next year is twice what it was this year.

Lawmakers May Push for Flat Budget Growth

Tax collections, however, expected to grow 3.4 percent

http://www.gazette.net/stories/11302009/polinew174117_32533.shtml

Politics colors budget debate - Effect of spending cuts lies in the eye of the beholder

http://www.hometownannapolis.com/news/gov/2009/11/23-20/Politics-colors-budget-debate.html

MD Income tax Payments to Localities Plunge

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bal-md.taxes28nov28,0,6583640.story

Looks likie Baltimore and Montgomery Counties are going to need some creative accounting skills to make up these losses!

Hogan Appears Close to Gov Bid

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/bal-md.hogan28nov28,0,896027.story?track=rss

Ewwww BARF BUS?

http://www.diamondbackonline.com/news/dots-says-vomit-policy-meets-state-standards-1.945741
DOTS says vomit policy meets state standards
But state and union say investigation will continue

"Barf Bus": UMD Drivers Raise Health Concerns Over Drunks On Buses:
http://www.wusa9.com/rss/local_article.aspx?storyid=94121

O'Malley's Cuts Don't Address Entire Budget Situation

http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2009/11/28/community_times/perspectives/opinion/doc4b0c542230ac5677983110.txt

While O’Malley has avoided destructive moves in shrinking the budget, he hasn’t been willing to impose Draconian reductions in anticipation of continuing weak revenue collections.


So Maryland has undergone a modified version of the Chinese water torture: Every few months, the governor announces more spending cuts for state agencies. Drip, drip, drip.

Happy Turkey Day

Despite all of the BS and bad stuff we've been dealing with, we all do have alot to be thankful for.  Have a good and safe Thanksgiving.

O'Malley: Public funds shouldn't be used to buy out Friedgen

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/terps/bal-sp.terpsfoot25nov25,0,5896248.story

Gov. Martin O'Malley waded into a brewing controversy over football coach Ralph Friedgen's contract at the University of Maryland, saying that public money shouldn't be used to buy out his contract if that's what officials in College Park decide to do.

O'Malley declined to define what he meant by "public funds," saying he didn't want to weigh in on a "hypothetical" situation. The university, which receives state funding, also could fund a buyout in the form of a loan from the school's endowment or with private funds. Friedgen earns $2 million annually and has two years remaining.

State budget cuts hit health care, roads, counties

http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2009/11/25/community_times/news/stories/doc4b0c4ac04ae90441770112.txt

The State Highway Administration is to save close to $15 million by reducing costs for mowing, litter pick-up, spraying, maintenance, sweeping, pavement repair, line striping and consultant services.


 
 

Let's Help If We Can ... OFF TOPIC

http://mddailyrecord.com/2009/11/22/no-recovery-in-sight-for-regions-food-charities/

This is off topic but I feel a worthwhile cause.  There are many unemployed people in Maryland who are having a difficult time, some of whom could be our co-workers, family members, etc.  As the holidays approach, despite the state of things with our jobs and the budget, let's try to be a little giving towards those who are worse off.  There are many canned good and dry foods collections going to be coming out ... give a canned good and help those that are struggling if you can.

Politics Colors Budget Debate

http://www.hometownannapolis.com/news/gov/2009/11/23-20/Politics-colors-budget-debate.html

But for Del. Steve Schuh, R-Gibson Island, the problem extends beyond a "misleading" slide in a PowerPoint presentation.


For him, the accounting discrepancy demonstrates a dangerous policy decision. By using temporary stimulus dollars to prop up long-term program commitments, Schuh said, the state is continuing to outstrip its means.

"Another option (with the stimulus) would have been to spend it on increasing programs or projects that would have a finite life," he said. "When that money runs out, we are going to be left with an incredibly difficult choice."

Survival

I hope y'all survived the cuts.  I've not heard if anyone from the Sun thread or here has been laid off but I assume we all escaped this particular set of cuts. 

Please take the 35.5 hour work week fairly seriously and prepare for that in event it occurs.  I'm hearing it from people who would know and am being told it would be effective July 1st if approved by the legislature.  It would be a huge pay cut for everyone so it is something people who can retire should consider and those who can't need to plan financially.  Just a word of advice.  A 2 billion dollar deficit is not going to leave us unscathed and it makes sense for him to do it this way.  He wouldn't be laying off ... the employees would be choosing to leave or stay. 

Hopefully, the job market will perk up a bit prior to next July and those of us that want out, will be able to get out.

Would Maryland Government Workers Threaten a Strike?

http://marylandpoliticsblog.wordpress.com/2009/08/04/would-maryland-government-workers-threaten-a-strike/

Can someone please explain to me what the writer of this articles means by this:

The problem AFSCME faces is they can’t stand up for state employees without hurting county employees and vice versa. The only consistency is that AFSCME has buckled every time before the budget ax, and you will be struck by lightening before Pat Moran approves a strike.

Let's Hope This Doesn't Happen to Us

http://www.times-news.com/local/local_story_300224852.html

Insurance change upsets workers

The Official Post from Today's Sun on the BPW Meeting Today

O'Malley planning more ways to close budget gap
Taxes from BGE deal, job cuts, layoffs, fund transfers part of deal

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bal-md.budget18nov18,0,992403.story

Dozens of layoffs to be announced today

That was the announcement on Channel 13 this morning.

The unions have been and are lying to workers.  The unions have no power to stop any of this but say they are saving jobs and negotiating.  Thats BS.

I knew it all along and kept saying it.  This proves it and yes, I am gloating.

The Rumor Mill

There was an article in the paper today that O'Malley was not going to have a press conference ahead of the BPW meeting tomorrow.  I also read an article that 3 loads of disabled individuals showed up at a school where Franchot was going to be today but Franchot was and hour and a half late due to traffic on I70 (ya think?  or, do ya think he was warned they were there?)

The disabled are very worried they are going to get hit again and I am sure that O'Malley doesn't want them wheeling people in wheelchairs into the meeting tomorrow although I do think there will be some there because they were there 8/26th when I was there.

I know for a fact there are going to be layoffs ... I do not know the extent of them.  I doubt whether that will change overnight ... but I spoke with someone in the know today and they are coming.

I need to tell you that you cannot believe anything that any of the approved unions are telling you ... they lie.  We will know tomorrow and, I am telling you what we have been told by the union and what was in the newspaper over the weekend was a lie.  If I am proven correct I will certainly be gloating about it at the sunpaper thread. 

It's going to get worse before it gets better.  There is a 2 billion deficit for 2011 and I am hearing between 10-12% in pay cuts for us.  I also heard that would be in the form of reducing the work week back to 35.5 hours ... just rumors.

State Tax Collections Still Sliding

But October data show improvement over September

http://www.gazette.net/stories/11162009/polinew173422_32535.shtml

STATE WORKERS TOWN HALL MEETING

FOR ALL STATE EMPLOYEES


TOWN HALL MEETING

THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO SPEAK OUT

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009

5:00 – 7:00 P.M.

DBM AUDITORIUM

300 W. PRESTON STREET

*LIGHT FARE WILL BE SERVED



Our second furlough day for the 8/26th cuts is Wednesday, November 25th in case you forgot why your paycheck is less than it used to be.

The Latest Rumor

Today I heard a rumor that for FY 2011 they are discussing putting us back on a 35.5 hour workweek.  JUST A RUMOR.  I did the math.  That is almost a 12% decrease in pay.

I'm telling y'all if you can retire, I'd do it now rather than later.  If they do a permanent across the board pay cut, your pensions are going to be affected.  Up until this point, none of this has affected your pension.

Ban Government Employee Unions

Examiner Editorial November 16, 2009

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/Ban-government-employee-unions-8528271.html

Good Luck This Week

I just want to wish each and every State worker viewing this blog good luck this week.  I hope none of us are on the lay off lists.  I pray that my feeling that there will be lay offs is wrong and if it isn't, I pray that anyone losing their job this week is given some kind of assistance in transitioning to unemployment.

That being said, it is rumored that there will be layoffs.  It is rumored more cuts in pay.  You all know the drill about the rumors.  They are hard to endure. 

We, as State employees, some of whom have been serving the public for well more than 20 years, are not being treated like the human beings we are.  That, on top of everything else, makes the situation less tolerable and more stressful.

We State workers have been dealing with these issues since November of last year.  We were then told if slots didn't win, there would be layoffs and furloughs.  Slots won and there were still furloughs, which became our Christmas gift in 2008.  A few months later, they took away COLA, Increments and match to 401K.  We were hit again in August with not only furloughs but layoffs.  We are to be hit again this week.  Every hit that comes our way hurts yet another human being working for the state, a co-worker of ours.  Some of our co-workers have had utilities turned off, you know, the people working for near poverty level wages who are single parents.  Some are hanging by a thread and whatever hits that come our way this week, could just be the hit that breaks that thread for them.

I am very disappointed that not more people are willing to speak up about this.  It is disheartening to say the least.  By not speaking up, you are hindering any ability that we, as a group, might have to get someone to listen to our plight.

Once again, good luck to all this week.  We will all need it.  Sadder days are ahead for us unless you're willing to speak up.

Despite Setbacks Organized Labor Sticks with O'Malley

http://www.gazette.net/stories/11132...22_32523.shtml

"We certainly don't hold Governor O'Malley responsible for the state of the economy," said Fred D. Mason Jr., president of the Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO. "Unfortunately, he has had to make some hard choices."
...
The head of the union that represents 70,000 state workers hopes that no news is good news. AFSCME Maryland Director Patrick Moran said Thursday he had not yet been notified of any pending reductions hurting state employees, and he normally would have heard something at this point.
....
More recently, O'Malley succeeded in passing a so-called fair-share bill requiring nonunion members to pay dues to be represented by labor groups in contract negotiations. He also pushed through increases in penalties for employers who misclassify employees as independent contractors.

If the governor can build on that resume next year, he can alleviate criticism about the decisions to impose furloughs and lay off workers, said Sean Dobson, executive director of Progressive Maryland, an organization with strong ties to labor unions.

"He's built up a lot of credibility with the labor movement, and all it will take is one more good session for labor to be fired up and work hard for him for re-election," he said.
..
Cuts to community service providers have been deeply troubling for members of SEIU Local 500, but O'Malley has used federal stimulus dollars wisely to avert more catastrophic budget actions, said Anna E. Oman, communications director for the group that represents 18,000 workers.

"We understand these are difficult times, but these are programs that have been underfunded even in good times," she said of the cuts to developmental disabilities programs. "It's time now to take a look at a systemic approach to fixing the structural problems of human services funding so that when times do improve we have a long-term solution that appropriately funds services for our most vulnerable."
...

AFSCME Maryland members understand that the national recession has forced the governor's hand, even if that doesn't make it any easier to stomach, Moran said.
_______________________________________

BS PATRICK! Keep on sucking up to management and your days will be numbered in Maryland. The unions are making up excuses for what is happening when every single person on this forum knows that fruitless spending is a big part of it. I'm furious right now. When Patrick Moran speaks he is speaking on behalf of AFSCME and his over $100,000 salary, he is not speaking for that office clerk whose now forced to pay agency fees thanks to our management to a do nothing union who is kissing up instead of protecting workers and services.

With Budget, Third Cut is the Deepest

http://www.gazette.net/stories/11132009/polinew194221_32522.shtml

"[O'Malley] has to stop this charade of state employee furloughs," he said. "It does nothing in the long run to fix this problem and it causes pain for very little gain."


An earlier round of cuts ordered up to 10 furlough days for state employees and laid off 200 other state workers. O'Malley is rumored to be considering further cuts to the state work force.

FYI Regarding the Budget Post Below

The link in that post is a memo from 2008.  Most of the budget cuts in that memo are cuts that have already taken place.

I received the contents of that post from someone in my work email and had not clicked the link.  I have not been able to figure out if the beginning part are new cuts or old.  I wanted to pass it onto y'all.

Americans for Prosperity

http://www.americansforprosperity.org/maryland

Budget Cuts

Summary of Gov. O'Malley's potential budget cuts


• Briefing memo from Sec. of the Dept. of Budget & Management>>

• Full list of potential budget cuts>>

Here are some of the $396.6 million in cuts being considered by Gov. Martin O’Malley to help close a budget gap. Because of reserves, the state will have to cut about $250 million to balance its books this year. The Board of Public Works is set to consider the decreases on Wednesday.

• $48 million: six-day furlough for state workers.

• $37.9 million: 50 percent reduction in education subsidy for high-cost jurisdictions.

• $26.3 million: reduce health care provider rates by 50 percent.

• $20 million: abolish 400 vacant positions statewide.

• $16.4 million: level-fund aid to community colleges.

• $8.4 million: reduce aid to private colleges.

• $6 million: lower payments to local jails by 25 percent.

• $5.3 million: freeze enrollment in child care subsidies for working poor, serving 2,500 fewer children.

• $4.5 million: hiring freeze for Maryland State Police troopers.

• $2.9 million: eliminate 283 vacant correctional officer positions.

• $1.8 million: level-fund local health aid.

• $1 million: reduce BRAC grants from the Maryland Higher Education Commission for literacy and regional higher education.

• $505,000: level-fund local police aid.

• $25,000: cut Historic Annapolis Foundation grant by 5 percent.

State Revenues May Finaly be on the Rise

http://mddailyrecord.com/2009/11/11/...e-on-the-rise/

Stronger state revenues could mean Maryland will not have to make more cuts to the fiscal 2010 budget after $300 million in scheduled reductions are announced by the Board of Public Works later this month.
...
Now the state faces serious challenges as it prepares to draft the fiscal 2011 budget in the upcoming legislative session.
...
“The bottom line is there’s not going to be a lot of room for original thinking in the next capital budget. …. It’s truly a zero sum situation,” said Deschenaux.

For instance, spending dropped by about $200 million on capital projects and roughly $170 million on state agencies, while K-12 education grew by almost $1 billion.

Nearly 60 percent of the money for K-12 education went to fund the Thornton school reform plan, which was originally passed in 2002 to equalize educational opportunities across jurisdictions.

Thornton needs to be rethought. Tuition freeze needs to be lifted. Maryland now is listed as having one of the lowest in state tuitions around. Time to keep up with the "Joneses".

State Transportation Secretary to Lead MDOT Spending Plan Discussion

http://www.gazette.net/stories/11112009/montnew182204_32533.shtml

State transportation secretary to lead MDOT spending plan discussion
Future budget cuts could mean fewer resurfacing projects, pothole repairs

Received this in facebook ... I think its a good idea and funny at same time

______ invited you to "Martin O'Malley Annapolis Protest Planning Meeting" on Thursday, November 19 at 7:00pm.




Event: Martin O'Malley Annapolis Protest Planning Meeting

"if you're planning on protesting his band show in Annapolis..."

What: Informational Meeting

Start Time: Thursday, November 19 at 7:00pm

End Time: Thursday, November 19 at 9:00pm

Where: Victory Lounge

10/29/09 - layoffs from 8/26th decision began

State budget cuts will mean layoffs this week for 40 Maryland state employees.


The filled jobs are among more than 800 mostly vacant positions eliminated because of this year’s budget shortfall.

Gov. Martin O’Malley’s administration says the layoffs Wednesday will include more than 20 jobs in the Department of Transportation.

Seven of the 40 people being laid off make more than $100,000 annually.

The employees were given two weeks’ notice, four weeks severance pay and four months of health benefits

Dems, GOP Get Into It Over State Budget at Chamber Conference

No new taxes in 2010, Miller says; O'Donnell says budget uses too much stimulus money

http://www.gazette.net/stories/11092009/polinew172354_32537.shtml

This is what Americans are up against

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQ1NJaCtIkM

In Obama's own words I might add.

Pat McDonough Running for Governor

It appears that Delegate McDonough has thrown his hat in the ring for Gov.  He says if Ehrlich runs, he will step down.  In the meantime, let's try to do a little research and see what we can come up with on Delegate McDonough ... what legislation he favored, etc.

Here's his thoughts on illegal immigration and the English language.

http://www.patmcdonough.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=42&Itemid=38

12% Pay Cut for State Workers - Rumor

I received a rumor in my email ... that the Gov is considering a 12% pay cut for all State workers ... it seems farfetched and outlandish ... however, I wanted to post the rumor as a rumor.

If you figure out what you have given back to the State since December, 2008 when the first furlough days were announced, including no increment and no cola, you will be shocked at the total.  Mine comes to a little more than 10%, 14 furlough days in 18 months, $600 match to 401K, no increment, no cola....equals at least 10% of my yearly before tax salary.

So, in those terms, considering there will be a 3 billion dollar deficit for 2011, 12% cut is not that far fetched.

Scary to say the least.

Independents could hold key to future elections. Ehrlich continues to evaluate rematch with O'Malley.

http://www.gazette.net/stories/11062009/polinew200708_32530.shtml

Now it is getting interesting!

Poll Shows O'Malley Unpopular With Voters

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/local/Poll-shows-O_Malley-unpopular-with-voters-8491672-69342372.html

Maryland voters are giving Democratic Gov. Martin O'Malley low marks for not holding down taxes, creating jobs or managing the state budget effectively in a new poll that shows only 39 percent of voters want to see him re-elected next year.

O'M to create Commission on Small Business

http://mddailyrecord.com/2009/11/05/omalley-to-create-commission-on-small-business/

Maryland's Black Hole Gets Bigger (Our Pension)

http://maryland-politics.blogspot.com/2009/11/marylands-black-hole-gets-bigger.html

This is a grim financial reality and will no doubt fuel more calls to pass down pension costs to the counties. But that ignores a central fact: the state’s pension fund is in trouble because of decisions made by the state government on benefits, contribution rates and investment allocations. Making the counties pay for the state’s mistakes is patently unfair. But regardless of which level of government has to fix the mess, one or both of two groups will get hit at the end of the day: public employees or the rest of us.

Our Stimulus Money At Work ;)

After a flurry of stimulus spending, questionable projects pile up

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/po...-68709732.html

The $787 billion stimulus bill was passed in February and was promised as a job saver and economy booster. Here is where some of the money went:

Here's just a few, see the link above:

- $11 million for Microsoft to build a bridge connecting its two headquarter campuses in Redmond, Wash., which are separated by a highway.

- $430,000 to repair a bridge in Iowa County, Wis., that carries 10 or fewer cars per day.

- $2.5 million in stimulus checks sent to the deceased.

- $300 apiece for thousands of signs at road construction sites across the country announcing that the projects are funded by stimulus money.

DRUM ROLL PLEASE:

- $300,000 for a GPS-equipped helicopter to hunt for radioactive rabbit droppings at the Hanford nuclear reservation in Washington state.

Interesting proposed legislation

http://www.eastcountytimesonline.com/psimparr.htm

The second piece of legislation has arisen due to the bad economy. State employees have been forced to take furlough days. While furloughing employees may at times be preferable to layoffs, I think it is also absolutely appalling for the State to force furloughs on the employees, while elected officials are exempt. It is especially reprehensible in a year in which the State of Maryland, through its budget, has increased its spending. It is wrong to ask State employees to take home less money this year, when the State has refused to make the same sacrifice by curtailing spending. And elected officials are not even required to take furloughs.


So my legislation simply is that the State of Maryland cannot force furloughs on State employees in a year that the State budget has increased compared to the previous year, unless the Governor calls an emergency session to reduce the State budget to the prior year's funding. Then and only then should they be allowed to furlough State employees. At the same time, those furloughs should be mandatory on everyone who receives a State paycheck, including elected officials.

Needless to say neither of these bills would have been necessary if, first, the State had not given voting rights to convicted felons and, second, they had held to a flat-line budget equal to or less than last year's.

AFSCME Proposing Cuts To Keep Center Open

http://www.baltimoresun.com/health/bal-md.afscme05nov05,0,3300907.story

Union proposes cuts to keep mental health center open
Chestertown's Upper Shore facility had been marked for budget axe

ATTN PUBLIC SAFETY EMPLOYEES - H.R. 413

Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2009 - Provides collective bargaining rights for public safety officers employed by states or local governments. Directs the Federal Labor Relations Authority to determine whether state law provides specified rights and responsibilities for public safety officers, including: (1) granting public safety employees the right to form and join a labor organization which excludes management and supervisory employees, and which is, or seeks to be, recognized as the exclusive bargaining agent for such employees; and (2) requiring public safety employers to recognize and agree to bargain with the employees' labor organization. Requires the Authority to issue regulations establishing rights and responsibilities for public safety employers and employees in states that do not substantially provide for such public safety employee rights and responsibilities. Directs the Authority, in such cases, to: (1) determine the appropriateness of units for labor organization representation; (2) supervise or conduct elections to determine whether a labor organization has been selected as an exclusive representative by a voting majority of the employees in an appropriate unit; (3) resolve issues relating to the duty to bargain in good faith; (4) conduct hearings and resolve complaints of unfair labor practices; and (5) resolve exceptions to arbitrator's awards. Grants a public safety employer, employee, or labor organization the right to seek enforcement of Authority regulations and orders, as well as prohibitions against lockouts or strikes, through appropriate state courts. Prohibits public safety employers, employees, and labor organizations from engaging in lockouts or strikes.


http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-413

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http://www.opencongress.org/wiki/Dale_Kildee

Dale Kildee from Michigan (go figure) is sponsoring this bill. Check out the campaign donations and who they are from.

Air Line Pilots Assn $ 10,000

American Assn for Justice $ 10,000

American Federation of Teachers $ 10,000

American Postal Workers Union $ 10,000

Carpenters & Joiners Union $ 10,000

Credit Union National Assn $ 10,000

International Assn of Fire Fighters $ 10,000

Intl Brotherhood of Electrical Workers $ 10,000

Laborers Union $ 10,000

Machinists/Aerospace Workers Union $ 10,000

National Assn of Realtors $ 10,000

National Education Assn $ 10,000

Operating Engineers Union $ 10,000

Teamsters Union $ 10,000

United Auto Workers $ 10,000

GOP Success Could Pave Way for Ehrlich Run in 2010

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/bal-election1104,0,1939946.story

Ehrlich called the victory of New Jersey Republican Chris Christie, who beat Democratic incumbent Gov. Jon Corzine, a "signpost" on his own path to a possible run next year to reclaim the job he lost to O'Malley in 2006.


"It's not dispositive. It's relevant," said Ehrlich, who has been conducting what he described as a "discussion tour" around the state, including stops in the Baltimore area and the Washington suburbs.

Mont Co's Budget Tighter Than First Thought

http://www.gazette.net/stories/11042009/montnew192601_32523.shtml
Andrews: Budget even tighter than first thought
Says raises for county workers would be ‘irresponsible'
Montgomery County cannot afford pay raises for any of its 10,000 government or 22,000 school system employees in fiscal 2011, according to Montgomery County Council President Philip M. Andrews (D-Dist. 3) of Gaithersburg.

Interesting

There is an item on the agenda for today for approval of giving a $1,300,000 grant to renovate the McCormick Goodhart Mansion to be used as a multi service cultural center for CASA.


Interesting what you find when you actually read the agendas.

Republicans Win in 2 States

My wish came true.  I told myself that if people begin to vote for Republicans for Governor, it means that people are tired of the way things are going.  Two out of Three States did just that yesterday ... states which are normally Democratic, like here in MD.  It sure does give me hope for us!  I hope it also makes our current Governor think long and hard about how he is handling the financial crisis that we are now in.  The next year ought to be interesting to watch unfold.

http://biggovernment.com/2009/11/03/gop-sweep-new-jersey-called-for-republican-christie/

November 4th BPW Meeting

I checked the agenda ... state budget is not on it for tomorrow.

However, I found it very interesting that they already have an agenda item for the April 21, 2010 meeting.  Guess what that item is ?????

STATE SALES TAX.

Naive citizens crying for layoffs don't realize their taxes are going to be raised whether there are lay offs or not.  After all, the unions are asking for it right?  ha!  As if they have anything to do with it.  They have their noses so far up management's butts they stink.

Many of the Democratic lobbyists who frequented the White House this year are also among the highest earning lobbying firms in 2009, including power player Steve Elmendorf of Elmendorf Strategies (five times), Tony Podesta of the Podesta Group, the fourth highest earning lobbying firm so far in 2009 (five times) and his wife Heather Podesta of Heather Podesta and Partners (three times.)


The most frequent visitor? That would be Andrew Stern, who has been to the White House a grand total of 22 times this year so far. Stern is president of the Service Employees International Union.

http://www.politicsdaily.com/2009/11/02/on-obama-white-house-visitor-log-lobbyists-movie-stars-and-bai/ 

Andy Stern, Mr. Radical himself.  Who would of thunk it!  By the way Obama Admin was taken to Court for the release of these records ... they didn't just voluntarily do it.

Election Day in a Few States Tomorrow - Ehrlich

The rumor I have heard and read about is that Ehrlich has been waiting until the outcome of the election tomorrow for Governors in two states to decide if he is going to throw his hat in the ring again for Governor of Maryland.  The races in two States, one is Virginia and I don't recall the other, are being followed closely, especially by Obama.  There is good chance encumbent Democrats will lose to Republicans ... its being predicted.  I feel that if that occurs, Ehrlich will run.  We shall see.

It's All About Endorsements and Campaign Money

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FK_ODo2f4NY

A Reminder of How "We" Came to "Be"

http://nrtw.org/en/free-tagging/afscme

The alarming trend of politicians forcing workers into union ranks continues in Illinois as Governor Pat Quinn -- in order to win Big Labor's political support -- is resurrecting the sordid legacy of disgraced Governor Rod Blagojevich (and Gray Davis of California) subverting workers' rights to benefit forced dues-hungry union bosses.


Quinn recently signed an executive order arbitrarily reclassifying state-reimbursed in-home health-care providers as state employees -- thereby opening them up to forced unionism under state law. Service Employee International Union (SEIU) and American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) union organizers, armed by the state with the addresses of Illinois's nearly 3,500 in-home health-care providers, are competing to corral home health-care providers into compulsory union membership by going door-to-door to solicit support for their respective unions.

Pam Harris, a mother who stays home to take care of her son with special needs, was visited by two aggressive out-of-state SEIU organizers at her front door. Understandably, Ms. Harris is worried that the Detroit-style labor relations that destroyed America's auto industry could also destroy her right to care for her son as she wants. (To say nothing of the union dues she will be forced to pay for the "privilege.")

Forced fees is just the beginning.  WE MUST pay attention to what is in the legislature this year!!!  Last year there was a bill which would have eliminated "special appointment" positions and turned them into forced agency fee paying members of AFSCME!  Fortunately, we do have a few legislators that care about us and that bill was passed but will be grandfathered in so it would not affect anyone currently listed as a special appointment. 

I foresee the unions trying to get this type of legislation snuck in and passed like they did with the fair share bill.  It was backed doored.  WE CAN'T allow the unions to dictate to management legislation that will ultimately force us to pay the unions for absolutely nothing.  WE HAVE TO BE ALERT THIS COMING SESSION!

Boeing's S.C. jobs a setback for unions - SOME UNION NEWS

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/29/AR2009102904835.html

Kudo's to Boeing ... this article gives me hope that all is not lost yet!

Boeing's decision to open a second assembly line for its 787 jetliner in South Carolina is another blow for organized labor, experts say, signaling that major manufacturers are increasingly willing to look for non-union workforces during a time of economic stress.

Furloughs Unlikely for Montgomery Employees, Leggtt Says

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/local/Furloughs-unlikely-for-Montgomery-employees_-Leggett-says-8457975-67354262.html

"Furloughs unlikely for Montgomery employees, Leggett says:

Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett probably will not force county employees to take unpaid leave during the current fiscal year, and instead is suggesting the county hire fewer police officers, raise fees for monthly bus passes and buy fewer office supplies to help save $30 million for the budget-deficient county.
Leggett's proposed savings » $124,440 by reducing the frequency of repainting parking lot lines.
» $247,000 by eliminating tree-planting program for fiscal 2010.
» $200,000 by reducing road and bikeway maintenance.
» At least $185,290 by reducing printing and office supply costs.
Source: County records
Leggett warned in July that furloughs could be necessary to help bridge a projected budget gap of $370 million during the next fiscal year. But spokesman Patrick Lacefield told The Examiner on Thursday that Leggett now believed the county could find better ways to save money, barring future cuts in state aid that are unexpectedly large.
"The county executive does not intend to do furloughs in [fiscal] 2010," Lacefield said. "[Fiscal] 2011 is another matter."
Public employees around the state are being forced to take up to 10 days off without pay this fiscal year to address budget gaps, but Lacefield said the savings generated by furloughs wouldn't be worth the disruptions it would cause in county services.
Instead, much of Leggett's wide-ranging savings plan, which must be approved by the County Council, calls for delaying new hires and putting off major purchases, including marked and unmarked police cruisers and cars for the fire department.
"There are few 'easy' reductions left to make," Leggett told the County Council in a memo, echoing what's become a common refrain in the county during the last few rounds of budget-making decisions. "We must roll up our sleeves and begin to make the difficult decisions now."
Leggett's plan also includes increasing the price of a monthly bus pass from $25 to $30, cutting cleaning services at county-owned parking lots to a point where customers "will notice lower standards of cleanliness," and cutting 24 percent of the county library's budget for new books and magazines, according to county records.
The plan would also eliminate the county's tree-planting and weed eradication program for the rest of the fiscal year, which ends in June, for a projected savings of $269,000. And the county would trim its budget for tree maintenance and stump removals by $75,000.
Leggett is proposing the county also reduce the incoming police recruit class from 47 to 36. County records show that fewer police are leaving the force because of a deferred retirement incentive program and a poor economy, reducing the number of new officers needed.
Other proposed cuts to public safety include reducing the police budget for uniforms, ammunition and other supplies by $400,000, and cutting $51,300 worth of BlackBerry and mobile phone service, psychological consultants, and other expenses at the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation."

FURLOUGH OWE'MALLEY ELECTION 2010 BUMPER STICKERS

IF YOU WANT THEM, WE GOT 'EM FOR YA!

Email me at mdus09@yahoo.com if you're interested and I will see that they get to you.

I'm going to lunch at my fav lil tavern near work tomorrow which is a Friday thing for me and my coworkers and the man that owns the joint is always talking about Obama and Owe'Malley.  I'm taking him a stack of bumper stickers tomorrow to start circulating to his customers!

Thanks

I just want to thank you all for signing up as followers.  Doing this blog and managing that stupid thread for all of these months has taken a good bit of my time.  It is nice to know I can count on my friends, my coworkers, yes, you guys, to share the pain with me.  I never knew any of you until I met you on the thread.  There may only be a few of us right now, but that is how lifelong friends are made.  When things get tough, like what we are all enduring right now, that is how you find out who your friends are and I just wanted to take a minute to thank you because all of this really has disgusted me, especially the whole fair share thing.

The Rumor Mill

You know how it goes ... you hear something, it makes you mad and then it never happens.  However, I am starting this particular post for anyone who hears a rumor related to the budget to post it here.  Please post it as a rumor unless you know for sure it is occurring otherwise we'll create a panic.

The rumor I have been hearing is that they (the unions) are negotiating for a 2.5% across the board pay cut for the state workers that they represent.  I do not know if that is on top of what we are already paying back for FY2010 or if that is what they are going to do to us in lieu of furloughs in FY 2011.

I am also beginning to hear layoff rumors and I know for a fact that Director of the department next to mine has met with each of his Chiefs to discuss if and when it comes to layoffs, who could they do without. 

This is all I have heard for now but look at this post particularly for any rumors as to where we are going to go from here with the budget.

One Snowstorm Away from Financial Calamity (Western MD)

http://mddailyrecord.com/2009/10/27/harsh-weather-to-be-harsh-on-western-md-budgets/

Moyer said although his workers are under a union contract, “the county has the right to schedule the work day, so we make adjustments.”


That plan could reduce overtime payments by up to $300,000 this winter, according to Glotfelty.

Other counties, such as Allegany, are unable to redefine overtime because of union restrictions.

I imagine this is going to be the scenario all of the State should a heavy snow storm occur this winter.  I wonder if they took that into consideration when they recalculated the budget.  If not, the first snow storm we get, we'll be doing more furlough days to pay for.

Fair Share, Budget and Everything Else

I know that we State workers have alot to worry about right now as does anyone who is working for a government locality in MD, Montgomery, PG County, Baltimore City, etc.  All government workers are taking the brunt of budget cuts and it appears that that will not end anytime soon.  Maryland faces at $300 million dollar deficit for FY 2010 and a nearly $3 billion deficit in FY 2011.  How are they going to fix this and what is going to happen to the workers?  That is the typical question being asked in State Offices and I am certain it is being asked all over Maryland by workers who are worried about the stability of their jobs.

It is time for government workers to wake up, to speak out and to try to do whatever they can to help themselves because if you depend on someone else to do it, you are not only disappointing yourselves but you will be disappointing that person that sits next to you, your friend at work. 

I'm not sure what we can do but I do know that to do nothing is to allow yourself to become a victim of all of this.  The only way that WE will survive this is to be there for each other and to get involved in the legislative session that begins in January and keep abreast of all legislation that will affect us.  This is something that I never did until last session when I heard about the Fair Share Bill.  Fair Share for what is what I ask, what is being done for us?  We cannot depend on unions to do it, we must be vocal and we must keep updated on that which is going to affect us.

Management needs to stop spending and start cutting the fat in the State system and in all of the localities.  Anyone who works for a government entity knows that there is much waste.  For the State to spend money it does not have right now to purchase land is ridiculous and I, for one, do not appreciate having to take a furlough day to pay for that.  For the City to buy a theatre with money it does not have is ridiculous and firemen and policemen should not have to do a furlough day to pay for it when it is their jobs to protect citizens.

I am open for any suggestions.  We need each other right now.

SB 264 and those who voted for it

Senate Bill 264: http://mlis.state.md.us/2009rs/chapters_noln/Ch_187_sb0264E.pdf

Find your Senator and how he or she voted on SB 264: http://mlis.state.md.us/2009rs/votes/senate/1262.htm

Find your delegates and how they on SB 264: http://mlis.state.md.us/2009rs/votes/house/1321.htm

Remember this when you go to the polls in 2010!

The Sun Paper Thread

Those of you who are familiar with the Sun Paper thread that about 5 of us have clung too since March, probably are aware that I had the thread locked last night.  It was not my intention to do that but the in-fighting was just getting too bad and comments by Aboutwell were never backed up and I felt that all of that was not helping our cause any.

The purpose of this blog is to keep in touch with one another on what is happening with our jobs and the budget.  Feel free to give the addy out to any government worker who may be interested. 

The Fair Share is not forgotten and that is something I will fight tooth and nail til the end.  However, there are much worse worries for us at the moment.

Thanks.

Too Rich for Furloughs

http://maryland-politics.blogspot.com/2009/10/too-rich-for-furloughs.html

Andy Harris is anti-spending except when the state’s money is headed into his pocket. Like Pipkin and McConkey, he has not given back furlough days to the state last year or this year.

Some legislators who have not given back furlough days say they will donate their pay to charity instead. Delegate H. Wayne Norman (R-35A) made that argument while comparing his state government to the bankrupt General Motors. There are two problems with that position. First, payment to a charity is inherently unverifiable unless the legislator produces a copy of a canceled check. Second, conservatives like Pipkin, McConkey, Harris and Norman rant endlessly about the need to reduce government spending. Paying a charity rather than returning furlough money redirects spending rather than reducing it. It’s a hollow argument with little credibility given that the legislators’ wallets are involved.

So why make excuses? Act like a conservative, give back the money and cut the budget. Otherwise, these fellows are conservatives only with regard to other people’s needs and are free-spending liberals when it comes to their own.

Comptroller’s report: Retail, finance firms would have paid more

http://mddailyrecord.com/2009/10/27/comptroller%e2%80%99s-report-retail-finance-firms-would-have-paid-more/

Combined reporting, a controversial corporate income tax proposal now under study by a state panel, would have had a broad effect on businesses around Maryland had it been in effect in 2006, creating thousands of corporate “winners and losers,” according to a report issued this month by the state comptroller’s office.