Gov. Martin O'Malley charted a course for the state through a national recession yesterday, pledging to protect safety net programs, freeze college tuition and eradicate childhood hunger.
The Democratic governor laid out the vision in his third State of the State address before a joint session of the General Assembly, which must approve many of his plans. In a 30-minute speech, O'Malley said he "never felt more energized" despite bleak economic times, and repeatedly invoked President Barack Obama's name, drawing applause in the overwhelmingly Democratic legislature.
"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."
The governor insisted that Maryland remains "strong enough to overcome the very challenging times at hand," and used his platform to reach out directly to worried voters a year before he faces re- election. He ticked off his accomplishments and read letters from two Marylanders in financial straits who sought help from the state.
In a nod to the coming political season, he has announced plans to hold a series of town hall meetings to discuss the state economy and the public education system. O'Malley's campaign committee also used the occasion to send an e-mail to supporters yesterday, calling attention to his redesigned Web site that gives people "better tools" to speak out through posting opinions on the governor's legislative agenda and other issues.
Republicans, who hold a minority of seats in the House and Senate, faulted the tone and content of the speech. Senate Minority Leader Allan H. Kittleman described the address as "the most partisan speech I have ever seen from the State of the State." Del. Warren E. Miller, a Howard County Republican, called the address "heavy on partisan rhetoric, light on relief for our taxpayers."
O'Malley came into this legislative session needing to close a $2 billion budget shortfall. He has proposed a budget that would be balanced, in part, by laying off 700 state workers and reducing aid to school districts.
