Dear Friend,

From May 14-16, 2012, the Maryland General Assembly convened to avert the implementation of the “doomsday budget,” and passed an equitable and balanced budget that does not unfairly burden low-income and working families.

For Fiscal Year 2013, Prince George’s County will receive the following:

• $38,292,762 for our public school system
• $1,327,693 for community colleges
• $2,169,477 for health disparity needs
• $3,760,902 for crime prevention efforts; and
• $9,628,702 for supplemental grants, including teacher retirement.

Additionally, Senatorial and Delegate scholarships were fully funded and a four-year phase in effort was set for counties to share the cost of funding teacher retirement pensions at increments of 50-65-85-100%, respectively.

The Maryland General Assembly also voted to increase income taxes on the more wealthy individuals and families in Maryland. Income taxes will increase for individuals making more than $100,000 and joint filers making more than $150,000. For individuals earning $100,001 to $150,000, cost increases can range from an additional $250 to $375 per year. For joint filers earning $150,001 to $225,000, cost increases can range by an additional $375 to $563 per year. Overall, these increases will affect about 14 percent of Marylanders by one-quarter to three-quarters of a percentage point in their current tax rate.

The income tax increase is projected to add $247.3 million to the State revenue. The phase out of personal exemptions for individuals making more than $100,000 and joint filers making more than $150,000 is also projected to add $31.4 million to local revenues.

As you can see, difficult decisions were made this week. Despite the budgetary challenges, this is a balanced budget that delivers for all.

During the interim, please keep in touch with me via e-mail at victor.ramirez@senate.state.md.us or phone at (301) 858-3745.

Sincerely,

Senator Victor Ramirez

Eligible students must be District 47 residents and attend a college or university in Maryland. These scholarships can be used for either undergraduate or graduate study. The application and all supporting documents were due by April 27, 2012. We will let all students know their awards by mid-June. Good luck!
Scholarship Application Come and stop by my booth on Saturday, May 12 from noon to 5pm for Cheverly Day. We will have lots of community information on housing, redistricting and the alternative sound barrier that may go up on Forest Rd with community approval. I look forward to seeing old and new friends, talk to voters and answer questions. As always, the fireworks are the best in the Maryland.