The Maryland
General Assembly
Session 2012
Dear neighbor,
The Maryland General Assembly meets in Annapolis each year for 90 days to act on more than 2300 bills including the State's annual budget. The 430th Session began January 11, 2012 and adjourns April 9, 2012.
This year the session has been dominated by proposals from Governor O’Malley to increase taxes a litany of taxes and fees, build windmills off the coast of Ocean City, and to pass same-sex marriage. In my opinion this agenda misses the mark on what I believe should be the priority of our state government at this time.
While there are several indicators that the economy is improving, Maryland still needs to recognize that times are tough for many Maryland families, senior citizens, and young people looking for employment. This is why I have teamed up with Delegate Steve Schuh. Our “Better Maryland Plan” includes several key proposals that I believe could dramatically improve our economy including immigration reform, tax relief, being tougher on crime, and better government including term limits and reform of our legislative redistricting process:
- HB355 - Employment and State Procurement - Use of the Federal E-Verify Program (Better Maryland - Immigration Reform)
- HB429 - Sales and Corporate Income Tax Relief (Better Maryland - Tax Relief)
- HB 430 - Public Safety - Handgun Permits - Repeal of Finding Requirement (Better Maryland - Right of Self Defense)
- HB 451 - Election Law - Legislative Districting and Apportionment Commission (Better Maryland - Nonpartisan Redistricting)
- HB 458 - State Officials - Limitation of Terms (Better Maryland - Term Limits)
In addition to this plan, I am opposing all attempts to raise taxes and fees. With all due respect to Governor O’Malley, he obviously has not filled up a gas tank lately. With gas prices surging and no relief in sight, it is an incredible hardship to propose a 6% sales tax on top of the taxes already built into the price.
Finally, I am totally committed to representing your interests, listening to your concerns, and to answer any questions you have about legislation. Please do not hesitate to email me at or call (410) 841-3421.
Yours truly,
Nic Kipke
Nicholaus R. Kipke
State Delegate