http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2009/01/22/news/local_news/newsstory1.txt

Carroll Lawmakers: Budget a short-term fix

Carroll County Times, Beth Ward, January 22, 2009

ANNAPOLIS - Although the governor introduced a balanced budget Tuesday, some local legislators say it isn't getting at the root of the state's financial issues.

"It's still a shell game," said Sen. David Brinkley, R-District 4, a member of the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, which reviews bills related to the state's budget. "It's just moving money around."

Gov. Martin O'Malley's proposed $14.4 billion operating budget for fiscal year 2010 closed a $2 billion projected shortfall through level funding of some programs, cuts to others and the layoffs of about 700 state employees. It also involves tapping into the state's reserve account in the comptroller's office.

Sen. Allan Kittleman, R-District 9 and minority leader, said he had not examined the entire budget, but his first impression was that it was a one-year fix.

"My concern is that it doesn't address the budget problems in Maryland. It's a stopgap solution this year and let's hope we do better next year," Kittleman said. "You look in the out years and we are still showing deficits."

Kittleman said the state needs to restructure its spending and provide more flexibility in the budget. One way to do that is to examine mandated spending, which includes the formulas for determining funding going to community colleges, libraries and other areas. The state's requirement to fund teachers' pensions would also fall under mandated spending, he said.

Del. Nancy Stocksdale, R-District 5, is a member of the House Appropriations Committee, which reviews bills related to the state's operating and capital budget. She said the group intends to examine mandated spending, which made up about 79 percent of the fiscal year 2009 budget, she said.

"We are going to look at these formulas for mandated spending and see if some need to be changed," she said.

Brinkley agreed that taking a serious look at the formulas is needed but questioned whether the legislature is willing to make the changes if needed.

"There are so many mandates. Which one will be sacrificed on the altar of fiscal responsibility?" Brinkley asked.