Maryland State Senator Janet Greenip - District 33

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March 12, 2008

Senator Greenip Fights to Halt Excessive Spending in the State Budget

Annapolis: Today, Senator Janet Greenip (R-33) offered three amendments to the $31 billion state budget during the State Senate’s debate. The amendments highlighted some of the unnecessary expenditures that have come to define our state government. “Whether it is paying for gardening on the side of state highways, printing copious amounts of higher education documents in Spanish, to funding pro-abortion groups, we have got to stand against unwise use of taxpayer’s dollars,” Senator Greenip said.

Senator Greenip’s initial amendment attempted to release the Maryland Higher Education Commission from having to print documents, forms, and pamphlets in Spanish. “If a student is going to college, they should, at the bare minimum, be able to understand English. Think of how the thousands of dollars spent on printing in Spanish could be used. We could provide more scholarship money for needy students,” said Greenip.

Also proposed was canceling over $420,000 in state transportation funds used for highway ‘beautification’. “Planting flower beds and spreading mulch are nice things, but with our infrastructure struggling to keep pace with Maryland’s population and a $330 million budget deficit, do we really need to be dedicating funds for gardening on the roadways?” she asked.

Senator Greenip concluded by proposing to strip state funds from any organization that promotes abortion. Apparently there is $12 million in government funds that go to family planning centers in Maryland. While many do not promote abortion, there are a significant number that do. “No taxpayer should have their money used to subsidize something that they believe is morally wrong,” said Greenip.

Senator Greenip’s three amendments were among nine proposed by the Republican members of the Senate. They included funding to repeal the computer tax and a limit on government executive salaries. “Despite the fact that our economy is in recession and the cost of everything is increasing for working families, the O’Malley administration and the Democrats in the General Assembly continue to spend more and more money with no tax relief in sight,” Greenip concluded.

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February 29, 2008

Greenip Supports Terminating Rapist’s Parental Rights, Endorses SB 516

Annapolis: Yesterday, Senator Janet Greenip (R-33) signed onto SB 516: Family Law – Denial of Paternity, Custody, and Visitation as a co-sponsor and withdrew similar legislation, SB 385, that she had filed to terminate a man’s parental rights when rape results in the conception of a child. “I’m supporting SB 516 and withdrawing mine because I believe it offers the broadest protections for both victims, the mother and child,” said Senator Greenip. “It is vital that a mother who has the courage to carry a baby to full term following conception by rape be able to raise that baby without any worry that the rapist will make a parental claim in the future. If the woman chooses adoption, she should not have to fear that her attacker will make any attempt to interfere.”

SB 516, Family Law - Denial of Paternity, Custody, and Visitation, allows a judge to terminate a rapist’s parental rights when the child is a product of the rape, even if the man is never identified. The rape just has to have been documented either by hospital, police, or other reliable sources. “We are walking a fine line anytime we deal with parental rights. This bill strikes the appropriate balance.” Senator Greenip continued.

Senator Greenip had originally introduced legislation that removed parental rights from a father if he was convicted of a rape that conceived the child in question. “After reviewing Senate Bill 516 and speaking with a number of the advocates supporting this proposal, I’ve come to the conclusion that it is a stronger bill,” concluded Senator Greenip. “It provides the most extensive security for women and the children who are the result of rape.”

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February 6, 2008

Greenip Opposes Education Switch from MSDE to DLLR

Annapolis: On Wednesday, Senator Janet Greenip (R-33) expressed opposition to the O’Malley administration’s proposal to switch basic adult education from the more independent Maryland State Department of Education to DLLR. “This proposed removal makes no sense,” said Senator Greenip. “The program is really beginning to pick up steam in the school system. MSDE is doing a good job with adult education and now is not the time to rock the boat again.”

Senator Greenip questioned the purpose of moving an education opponent away from the department that specializes in teaching. “I support the idea of consolidating government programs when there is duplication and overlap,” Greenip continued. “However, that does not seem to be the case in this instance. If DLLR has a duplicate basic education program for adults, then it would be better to shut that down or transfer it over to MSDE, not the other way around.”

“I’ve agreed with other program switches, including changing job training and education in the prison system over to DLLR,” concluded Senator Greenip. “In this situation though, my belief is that basic adult education is best handled by the professionals at MSDE.”

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January 30, 2008

Senator Greenip Congratulates Alicia Appel,
2008 Anne Arundel Teacher of the Year

Annapolis, Maryland

Senator Janet Greenip congratulates Ms. Alicia Appel for winning the 2008 Anne Arundel County Teacher of the Year Award. Ms. Appel teaches English, AVID and creative writing at Southern High School. Her many accomplishments include reviving the school’s Literary Magazine and increasing AVID staff development through out the county.

As a former teacher and member of the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee, Senator Greenip is passionate about ensuring that Anne Arundel’s education system continues to attract the best and brightest of our teachers. Ms. Appel exemplifies these attributes. Senator Greenip would like to publicly acknowledge her sincere gratitude to Ms. Appel for her continuing dedication to the students of Southern High School and the entire education community.

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January 23, 2008

Senator Greenip: O’Malley’s $7 Billion Tax Hike Did NOT Help Working Families

Annapolis: State Senator Janet Greenip (R-33) emerged from Governor O’Malley’s State of the State address and expressed strong disagreement with several of the assertions made in the speech. “I do not believe that working families are better off today than they were one year ago,” said Senator Greenip. “The largest tax increase in Maryland history, a crippling $7 billion over four years that largely falls on the backs of those who can least afford to pay is NOT progress. Now, with a possible recession looming, he wants us to believe that higher taxes plus more government spending is the answer.”

In the speech, Governor O’Malley used the word “priorities” 14 times and “families or working families” 18 times. What we have effectively done is price working families, seniors, and small business entrepreneurs out of our state,” Senator Greenip said. “Why should they stay when they are continually hammered on all sides by an ever-expanding state government? These tax increases were unnecessary to balance our budget and yet, those who spoke out were told that the increases were for their own good.”

“Governor O’Malley talked about how we must make hard choices to support Maryland’s priorities,” concluded Senator Greenip. “The really hard choice is the one that families and seniors have had to make about where to live. Because of out-of-control taxation their choice has been made for them. Our residents are moving to Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Virginia in record numbers. It’s sad that hardworking Marylanders are being forced to uproot their children or, in the case of seniors, leave their families to find an affordable place to live.”

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January 16, 2008

Greenip Celebrates Victory on Illegal Immigrant Driver’s Licenses

Annapolis: Senator Janet Greenip (R-33) was thrilled by the news of Governor O’Malley’s reversal on giving driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants. “Finally, Maryland will no longer be a mecca for illegal aliens,” said Greenip. “For too long, Maryland has been a sanctuary and destination state for the illegal population of the entire East Coast. I am encouraged to see that sanity has been restored at the Motor Vehicle Administration.”

“From a law enforcement and security standpoint, this is a no-brainer as well,” continued Senator Greenip. “People who are breaking the law should not have the privileges and benefits of those who are here legally.”

In 2005, 2006, and 2007, Senator Greenip filed proposals to ban Maryland’s Motor Vehicle Administration from giving driver’s licenses to illegal aliens. In 2007, she drafted SB 184 to bring Maryland into compliance with the Federal Government’s REAL ID Act. “Federal law states that individuals must submit documentation to prove that they are in the country legally,” said Senator Greenip. “The consequences of not complying with the REAL ID Act by May of 2009 are severe.” The bill did not receive a vote in the Judicial Proceedings Committee largely because the O’Malley administration opposed the measure.

If we did not comply with REAL ID, Maryland residents would not be able to use their driver’s licenses as valid, federal identification when traveling to other states. “Simple transactions such as purchasing plane tickets could become a tremendous problem,” concluded Senator Greenip. “Now, the path is clear for Maryland to get into compliance with the law.”

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November 19, 2007

Dear Friends,

Last night, the Senate and House voted on the final tax package after reconciling differences in their versions of Governor O’Malley’s plan. I was proud to cast my vote against this outrageous and regressive tax package.

The Senate tried once again to close down the debate on the floor. It took three tries to break our filibuster. On the third try, one Democrat folded. After thwarting this last attempt to stop the tax package, the State Senate finished passing the largest tax increase in Maryland history at 2:30 AM this morning.

Over the next four years, this tax package nets almost $7 billion more from state taxpayers. This amounts to an average increase of $1,222 for every man, woman and child in Maryland. The worst part is that this has been passed to solve a future deficit without any reduction in the growth of government spending. While some have reported that “budget cuts” have been part of this special session in Annapolis, the final product primarily contains only “language of intent” since we did not have a budget before us. We cannot actually force the Governor to follow through on spending reductions. Many of the cuts were offset by an additional $1 billion in spending on new programs.

Below, I have listed what increases were included in the final tax hike package:

o Sales Tax increase from 5% to 6%

o Raising the Cigarette Tax from $1 to $2

o Business taxes increase from 7% to 8.25%. Gov. O’Malley only asked for an increase from 7%-8%.

o New tax on Computer Services. This is a terrible provision that will extract $200 million from hardworking entrepreneurs and punish small businesses. The only “positive” on this front is that the tax will sunset in five years. Hopefully they will still be in business.

o A 120% increase in the MVA title certificate fee, from $23 to $50, a tax increase of $32 million. Last summer, Gov. O’Malley said this increase was too onerous for working families, but has reversed himself. It was hastily put into the bill last night.

o Three new income tax brackets: 5% for individuals earning $150k-
$300k a year and couples making $200k-$350k, 5.25% for individuals
making $300k-$500k and couples earning $350k-$500K, and 5.5% for
individuals and couples with incomes over $500k.

o No property tax reduction despite Governor O’Malley’s promise to do so.

o The small income tax reductions promised to poor and middle class
taxpayers also went by the wayside.

After all this, we failed in what was the announced objective of the special session, elimination of the structural deficit. Fiscal projections indicate that the massive tax increases mandated by the O’Malley Administration did not completely close the entire structural deficit. There are still projected deficits for Fiscal Years 2009, 2010, and 2011, in spite of the fact that Maryland taxpayers will pay an additional $4 billion over that time period. This is largely because of the $1 billion in new spending pushed through during the special session.

I appreciate how engaged you have been in this process. Thank you for taking the time to contact me with your views on the special session and the tax increases. Despite our disappointment, I am committed to keep fighting against wasteful government spending, and to find a way to reduce the tax burden on families and businesses in this state.

It is my hope that more and more people will come to their senses because of what has happened over the last three weeks and make their voices heard in the upcoming 2008 session and beyond. Please feel free to contact me anytime you have a question or concern. I will do my best to keep you updated on these issues in the future.

Sincerely,
Janet Greenip
Senator, Legislative District 33

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November 9, 2007

Maryland Senate Passes Largest Tax Increase in State History

Today, State Senator Janet Greenip (R-33) voted against the largest tax increase in Maryland’s history. “The State Senate has done the citizens of Maryland a grave disservice today,” said Senator Greenip. “We have approved the largest tax increase in Maryland history to solve a projected deficit for next year, without even slowing down the rate of growth in the state budget.”

Senator Greenip continued, “Reducing our rate of spending is the solution to this budget deficit and the Senate leadership didn’t even allow hearings on proposals designed to do just that.” Senator Greenip believes strongly that the state should handle its budget in the same manner that citizens manage their households. “When families face tough financial times, they look at ways to conserve, reduce their spending, and prioritize their needs. My fellow Republican colleagues and I believe that is the way the state of Maryland should be handling this projected deficit,” said Senator Greenip.

“This whole process reveals a fundamental difference in the view of government and taxpayers rights,” Senator Greenip concluded. “I believe that the taxpayers’ money belongs to them and that the government should take as little as possible. The other side believes that the government knows how to run people’s lives and invest their money better than they do.”

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November 8, 2007

Let me thank everyone for taking the time to contact me and express their views on the current state budget deficit and the possibility of tax increases. Because of the interest in the current special session and proposed tax increases, I wanted to give you an update on the progress of Governor O’Malley’s tax package through the General Assembly so far, and make you aware of some proposed changes.

Unfortunately, the Senate leadership has moved extremely fast to tweak and increase the tax package, raising the income and sales tax package another $14 million, and increasing new taxes on services from $60 million to $300 million. Now they want to force the largest tax hike in state history through the General Assembly in a matter of days. Perhaps even worse, my colleagues and I have not even had access to fiscal notes on the three bills that passed through the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee on Tuesday. Fiscal notes explain the fiscal impact of each bill. In other words, we aren’t being informed of the exact costs of our actions and yet we are asked to vote on these new measures.

The following proposals by Governor O’Malley remained unchanged and will be debated and voted on by the full Senate:

o Sales Tax increase from 5% to 6%

o Raising the Cigarette Tax from $1 to $2

The next list details changes to the package that were approved in the Budget and Taxation Committee.

o New taxes on computer services and landscaping, two very broadly defined categories. The original bill had $60 million in taxes. It now contains $300 million.

o Two new income tax brackets: 5% for individuals earning more than $150,000 a year and couples making over $200,000, and 5.5% for all income over $500,000.

o Elimination of state property tax reduction by 3 cents per $100 of assessed value.

As a Maryland resident and taxpayer, you are entitled to a clear and open view of the budget process. Unfortunately, this entire package is being rammed through at a breakneck pace.

You can count on me to oppose any and all tax increases. Instead, I will be focusing my efforts on keeping government spending under control. Growing government at a slower rate is all that is needed to resolve the budget deficit. If you agree with me, I encourage you to immediately call other legislators to voice your concerns. If you have information that has not been brought to light, send it to me and the chairman of the Budget & Taxation Committee (410-841-3127) immediately.

I will do my best to keep you updated as the debate moves forward. Please contact me anytime you have a question or concern. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Janet Greenip

Senator, Legislative District 33

Please also contact:

Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr., President of Senate

Democrat, District 27, Calvert & Prince George's Counties

State House, H-107 Annapolis, MD 21401 - 1991

(410) 841-3700, (301) 858-3700

e-mail: thomas.v.mike.miller@senate.state.md.us

Michael E. Busch, Speaker of House of Delegates

Democrat, District 30, Anne Arundel County

State House, H-101 Annapolis, MD 21401 - 1991

(410) 841-3800, (301) 858-3800

e-mail: michael.busch@house.state.md.us

Governor Martin O’Malley

100 State Circle, Annapolis, Maryland 21401-1925

410.974.3901 • 1.800.811.8336

Link to online email contact form:

http://www.governor.maryland.gov/mail/

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October 26, 2007
Senator Janet Greenip Op-Ed on O’Malley Health Plan

Governor O’Malley’s new health care proposal is a prime example of what’s wrong with Annapolis and big government in general these days. The governor has proposed expanding Medicaid government health coverage to adults above the poverty level. Did I miss something? I was under the impression that we have a massive projected budget deficit that must be dealt with immediately in a special session. If we cannot meet the obligations we already have, why is the Governor trying to add another expensive mandate to the budget?

The goal of making insurance affordable for everyone is a good one. However, there are much better ways to address the need for affordable health care coverage.

First, at both the national and state level, we need to get rid of burdensome regulations and mandates that are put on employer funded health care. Businesses in Maryland are required to offer the same exact plan to all of their employees, rather than offering appropriate plans tailored to meet their employees’ needs.

Second, we can make health care more affordable by letting individuals control their own health care through health savings accounts. Health savings accounts give individuals and married couples a tax free medical savings account to pay for health care.

You know what is best for you, not the government or the insurance companies. We need to take health care away from the politicians and the insurance bureaucracy and give people more choices and control over their own lives.

The solution is not to make people more dependent on government. The answer is moving to a consumer based health care system that gives people control over their health care choices.

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October 19, 2007

Senator Greenip Decries the Use of Scare Tactics

Senator Janet Greenip (R-33) weighs in on the tax hikes proposed by Governor O’Malley. “The budget deficit we are facing was not a foregone conclusion at the start of 2007,” said Senator Greenip. “In the face of a projected deficit for 2008, the state increased its budget by 11%, and squandered a $1 billion surplus. The good news is that we can close this gap by simply ratcheting down these increases, limiting our budget growth.”

“The hole was dug, not by an economic downturn, or by lack of revenue, but by Governor O’Malley and the legislature’s overspending,” Senator Greenip continued. “That is the reason that I voted against the budget during the 2007 legislative session.”

Senator Greenip decried the use of scare tactics to justify the largest tax increase in Maryland’s history. “We do not have to choose between draconian budget cuts and huge tax increases. Limiting budget growth and spreading out spending increases over time will fix it.”

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October 15, 2007

Greenip Vehemently Opposed to Special Session

Today, Senator Janet Greenip (R-33) announced her firm opposition to a fall special session over the projected budget deficit. “First of all, it is clear that we do not need new taxes or slots to close the projected budget gap,” said Senator Greenip. “Excessive, wasteful spending, and contempt for the state’s taxpayers has gotten us into this mess. Growing government at a slower rate is all that is needed to resolve this situation.”

“Secondly, holding a special session costs Maryland taxpayers anywhere from $35,000 to $50,000 a day, as much or more than many people make in a year,” Senator Greenip continued. “Why not wait until the regular session in January to deal with the problem? Then, we won’t be adding to the projected deficit while we are trying to solve the problem.”

“Most importantly, the people of Maryland are entitled to a clear and open view of the budget process. An appropriate amount of time to weigh in on all the possibilities is of paramount importance.” Senator Greenip concluded. “Ramming huge tax increases through a special session without going through the normal process looks like a shady political deal. The regular three month legislative session would be a more appropriate time.

According to the Comptroller, for the month of August, sales tax receipts increased 2.7%, lottery sales increased 18.2%, individual tax receipts increased 2.3%, and estate tax receipts increased 49.2%.

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September 21, 2007
O’Malley Releases Shell Game Tax Hike

Annapolis: There is good news and bad news in Governor O’Malley’s new tax plan. The good news is that some middle and lower income workers will get a small income tax break. The bad news is that the income tax plan brings no real additional revenue for the state and is accompanied by massive sales tax hikes with very little commitment to long term reductions in budget growth. “The O’Malley tax plan is a sleight of hand shell game,” said Senator Janet Greenip (R-33). “They advertise small income tax cuts for working families then propose increasing the very tax that hurt low and middle income people the most; the sales tax.” Other tax increases such as higher fees for government services, realtor fees, and property tax increases are not off the table.

Senator Greenip continued, “The income tax increase for those making over $200,000 sounds reasonable, until you consider that it includes entrepreneurs whose personal income tax includes their business. This tax increase will hinder small business owners from expanding, investing, and creating more jobs.”

“In addition, people making several hundred thousand dollars a year may well decide to change their state of residence to Florida, Virginia, or Delaware,” she said. “While the income tax plan has some merit, combining it with a 20% increase in the sales tax and other tax increases that are sure to follow is going to offset whatever positive effect that income tax restructuring will have for working families.”

“Once again, the state of Maryland can fix its budget deficit without any new taxes or tax hikes,” concluded Senator Greenip. “All it takes is some fiscal discipline, and the willingness to pass budgets for a couple of years that increase only at the level of inflation. The state budget is just like any family budget, when money is tight, spending should be reduced.”

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September 18, 2007
Greenip Praises Pro-Marriage Ruling

ANNAPOLIS – On Tuesday, Senator Janet Greenip (R-33) praised the Maryland Court of Appeals for their ruling upholding Maryland’s 1973 law that defines marriage as between one man and one woman. “This ruling enables us to settle this issue out in the open,” Greenip said. “Rather than legislating from the bench, the court agreed that this issue has already been decided by the legislature. The court understands that it is not their place to re-write Maryland’s laws; that is what the legislature must do as the direct representatives of the people,” she said.

“Unfortunately, this issue is not going away,” Greenip continued. “The ACLU and other special interest organizations have already said that they are determined to continue the fight against traditional marriage. That is why we need to place a marriage amendment to the state constitution before Maryland’s voters. Allowing the voters to decide how to permanently define marriage will give them the final say.” said Greenip.

“Marylanders have stated clearly that they don’t want marriage redefined,” concluded Senator Greenip. “It is time the legislators of Maryland took a stand for the wishes and interests of their constituents, and send the clear message that this is still a government by and of the people as a whole, not of special interests.”

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August 16, 2007

County Correct to not Employ Illegal Immigrants but Businesses need Help

Annapolis: State Senator Janet Greenip agreed with businesses that it is very hard to comply with federal immigration law. “I agree with County Executive Leopold that Anne Arundel County should not be spending taxpayer dollars on contracts with companies that knowingly employ illegal immigrants,” said Senator Greenip. “However, it is also true that small business owners are often unknowing accomplices in breaking the law.”

“Maryland government allows illegal immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses, something I have been trying to change for years,” Senator Greenip continued. “Additionally, fraudulent document production has become extremely sophisticated. Most small businesses do not have the ability to verify legal status of applicants, plus an illegal alien can present an official driver’s license (legally obtained), and even a voter card.”

“The state of Maryland needs to step up to the plate and halt the practice of awarding driver’s licenses to people who are in the United States illegally,” concluded Senator Greenip. “If a company is knowingly breaking the law then the owners should be held accountable, but our state government needs to stop forcing businesses to play guessing games about a person’s legal presence.”

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August 10, 2007

Unnecessary Spending Plaguing State and County Budgets

Recently, the Capital spotlighted increased construction costs associated with the arrival of mandatory, all-day kindergarten in Anne Arundel County. This is only the tip of the iceberg. Anne Arundel County alone had to add 94 new teachers and had to increase their budget by tens of millions of dollars because of all-day kindergarten.

This spending was made necessary by the state of Maryland’s 2002 Bridge to Excellence Act which mandated that every jurisdiction in the state have system-wide all day kindergarten by fall 2007. Maryland’s current budget troubles can be partially traced to the passage of Bridge to Excellence without a funding mechanism.

Instead of raising taxes that are already too high, legislators need to demand that we allocate state and county resources more wisely. We should scale back unnecessary programs and reduce the rapid increase in spending that got us into this deficit.

Proponents of all-day kindergarten say that children who have all-day instruction go into first grade more prepared than their half-day counterparts. One major study cited in support of all-day kindergarten is the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 1998–99. This study actually shows that all-day kindergarten provides no long-term positive effects for students. Pushing this mandate forward is putting a needless strain on our state and county budgets.

The ELCS study tracked and tested a diverse group of over 22,000 first-time kindergarten students evenly split between full-day and half-day kindergarten. It showed that all-day students were more likely than half-day students to demonstrate advanced reading and mathematical skills by the end of the kindergarten year. This is used to largely justify the push toward mandatory all-day kindergarten.

However, the story doesn’t end there. By the time this same group of students got to third grade in 2003, the study showed that there was no substantive difference between former all-day students and half-day students in reading, math, or social adjustment. Equal percentages of all-day and half-day students showed solid improvement in these areas.

All-day kindergarten costs nearly twice as much per pupil and does not add very much additional teacher-led instruction time. In addition, many parents are upset about having to send their children to school all day before they are ready. Legislators need to take action to remove this unnecessary mandate.

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August 8, 2007

Anne Arundel County Receives Grant to Improve Health Care for Elderly

Annapolis: Yesterday, Maryland Senator Janet Greenip (R-33) congratulated Anne Arundel County’s Department of Aging and Disabilities for being selected to receive a Maryland Access Point grant. “This award recognizes that Anne Arundel County is on the cutting edge of caring for its elderly and disabled citizens,” said Senator Greenip. “Director Wayne Taylor and his staff at Anne Arundel County’s Department of Aging and Disabilities should be commended for their hard work and devotion

The grant money will fund the establishment of a Maryland Access Point site. The site will enable the county and state governments to enhance access to long-term care information and appropriate services for older adults and younger adults with disabilities. Partner agencies include Maryland’s Department of Disabilities, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and Human Resources.

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July 16, 2007

Greenip decries State School Board Ruling on Parents Rights

Annapolis: On Friday, Maryland Senator Janet Greenip (R-33) expressed dismay and disappointment over State Superintendent of Education Nancy Grasmick’s ruling in favor of the Montgomery County sex education curriculum. “The ruling states that the right of parents to have a say in the curriculum is not absolute. It must bend to the State’s duty to educate its citizens” said Greenip. “In other words, Maryland’s school system is telling parents to get lost and let schools teach our children without oversight or accountability.”

“What we see continually from our education bureaucracy is utter contempt for the rights and choices of parents,” continued Senator Greenip. “This new curriculum exposes children to sexual variations in an unscientific and misleading way. Parents should be the ones who do the lion’s share of explaining lifestyle choices and sexual behavior to their children.”

Under this new curriculum in Montgomery County, there is virtually no discussion about the benefits of marriage and family, the dangers of sexually transmitted diseases, or the positive effects that abstinence can have. Schools can only teach that homosexuality is inborn. Despite vocal opposition from local parental organizations, contrary views are to be censored.

“High school and middle school curriculums should be focused on teaching biological facts about human sexuality,” concluded Senator Greenip. “It is particularly egregious to tell parents that their rights are nullified because the state knows what is best for their children. It is crucial for parents to vocally oppose this disenfranchisement of our rights.”

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July 2, 2007

For Immediate Release

Contact: Justin Ready (410) 841-3568

Elections Administrator’s Product Endorsement Inappropriate
Annapolis: On Friday, Maryland Senator Janet Greenip strongly criticized State Board of Elections Administrator and “Lifetime Appointee” Linda Lamone for her endorsement of Diebold Election Systems’ Express Poll 5000, the touch screen voting machine that malfunctioned so badly during the 2006 primary elections last September. “It is unconscionable that an administrator of elections, who is supposed to be vigilantly watching over our election process, would lend her endorsement to a product that she should be overseeing,” said Greenip.

“The voters of Maryland have the right to expect that non-partisan election officials are watching over the voting process and voting machinery with complete impartiality,” Senator Greenip continued. “By allowing her name and quote to be used in a brochure endorsing a private, for-profit company’s election software, it gives the appearance of favoritism towards a product, rather than advocacy for the voters.”

The September 12th primary last year was wrought with problems, blamed largely on Diebold’s e-pollbooks and faulty touch screen voting machines. Senator Greenip has been a longtime advocate for a return to paper ballots and supported legislation in the General Assembly during the 2007 Legislative Session to mandate the provision of a paper trail for electronic voting. The bill, SB 392, passed both houses without opposition and was signed into law.

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June 29, 2007

For Immediate Release

Contact: Justin Ready (410)-841-3568

Free Day Care, Paid for by Taxpayers

Annapolis: In light of the increased talk about raising taxes to pay for the overspending in the state budget, Maryland Senator Janet Greenip (R-33) pointed to one particular reason why Maryland’s budget has become so troubling. “Maryland resident has to be wondering why we need such drastic increases in education funding year after year, particularly at the county level. One of the reasons is that our hard-earned tax dollars are being used to pay for all-day kindergarten,” Greenip said.

“The school system, with our tax dollars, has been required by the state to pay for what amounts to free day care for everyone,” Greenip continued. Making kindergarten an all day affair does not add much additional instruction providing only a half hour of instruction after factoring in lunch, recess, and naps. “These types of expensive, unnecessary programs are a perfect example of the fat that we need to trim from our state budget before we even think about increasing taxes on Marylanders yet again,” she said.

“Instead of raising taxes that are already too high, the residents of Maryland need to demand that state legislators bring an end to what amounts to a day care subsidy,” said Greenip. “The General Assembly can help to ease its own budget troubles by repealing the all day kindergarten mandate.”

The all-day kindergarten requirement stems from the General Assembly’s 2002 Bridge to Excellence Public Schools Act. It mandated that every county in the state offer all day kindergarten by the fall of 2007. Montgomery County Public Schools are spending over $30 million next year just on all day kindergarten. Anne Arundel County Public Schools have had to spend additional tens of millions of dollars each year on school construction and had to fill 94 new staff positions this year in order to adequately staff all-day kindergarten.

The fight over the state budget will continue to be front page news in the coming months. “Because budgets will always be limited, I believe those of us in all levels of government need to look at ways to safeguard the tax dollars we are entrusted with,” concluded Greenip.

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June 8, 2007

Maryland Awarded $18 Million Charter School Grant

Annapolis: Senator Janet Greenip (R-33) is pleased to announce that Maryland will be receiving a three year grant from the U.S. Department of Education worth over $18 million to help create new charter schools and increase the choices that parents have for their children. “This grant is essential to our efforts to get Maryland’s charter school program really moving forward,” said Senator Greenip. “As a long-time supporter of educational choice in our state, I am excited about the new opportunities that this funding will create for fledgling charter schools.”

“When given the chance, charter schools have shown that they can do more with less and drastically improve education for even the most troubled students and communities,” Greenip continued. “I applaud Superintendent Nancy Grasmick for her leadership in securing this sorely needed funding.” Charter schools are independent public schools designed and operated by parents, educators, community leaders, education entrepreneurs and others with a contract, or charter, from a state education agency.

“Because charter schools are exempt from inflexible regulatory requirements, they have maximum flexibility to find the best ways to educate each individual student,” concluded Greenip. “When educational choice is combined with increased accountability, it results in a higher quality education system for all of our children.”

Maryland has only recently begun to allow charter schools to form. The first U.S. public charter school opened in 1992. Today, nearly 4,000 charter schools serve more than one million students in 40 states and Washington, D.C. More information about the Public Charter Schools Program is available at http://www.ed.gov/programs/charter/index.html

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May 29, 2007
Senator Greenip’s Letter to Maryland Congressional Delegation regarding Illegal Immigration Amnesty

Dear Senators Cardin and Mikulski,

Recently, members of the United State Senate have negotiated compromise legislation to allow people who are in our country illegally to be given a path to citizenship. I have a number of problems with this legislation and would respectfully ask for you to oppose this bill when it comes before you.
While I recognize that there is a need for an overhaul of our immigration laws, and perhaps some leniency in dealing with long-time illegal residents, I cannot support even the positive aspects of this bill until the federal government addresses the following concern I and many of my constituents have.

Until our borders are secure and our immigration laws are being enforced, we cannot guarantee that millions more illegal aliens will stream across our borders and then apply for this new amnesty. I cannot stress enough that the federal government must prioritize security of its citizens. Our porous borders and lack of stringent enforcement in the area of work and student visas is going to render meaningless any real reform in immigration. While trying to find a way to document the people who are here now is admirable, the practical reality is that millions more will pour into our country without being recorded or going through the proper procedures.

There are a number of other concerns that this legislation raises. Despite giving incentives for illegal aliens to “come out of the shadows”, it does not provide any additional authority to state and local police to enforce immigration laws on those that continue to flaunt the law.

This bill further penalizes law-abiding, taxpaying citizens and legal residents by forcing them to continue paying for services and benefits for those who are here illegally. Guest workers are allowed up to 60 days of unemployment compensation paid for by taxpayers. Another part of this legislation, the DREAM Act, stipulates in-state tuition rates for illegal immigrants.

Finally, rewarding the people who broke the law by entering the United States illegally is an insult to the hard-working immigrants who have come here legally, played by the rules, and obtained either U.S. citizenship or permanent worker status. We are a nation of immigrants, legal immigrants who come seeking a better life. A foreigner with a legal work visa should not have to compete with an illegal immigrant for the same job.

In closing, I urge you to redouble your efforts to secure our borders. Only then can we begin to realistically address the problem of millions of illegal immigrants in our country.

Sincerely,
Janet Greenip
Senator, Legislative District 33

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May 22, 2007

Greenip Still Accepting Applications for $3,000 Scholarship Opportunity

Annapolis: There are less than four weeks left until the application deadline for the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL) ninth annual Bill of Rights Essay Contest for college-bound young women. The theme of this year’s essay is “Today’s Heroic Women” and the contest is open to young women who are members of the high school classes of 2007 and 2008. Maryland students are eligible to compete for one of seven regional awards, worth $3,000. The deadline for submission is June 19, 2007.

“I would encourage high school graduating and rising seniors to apply for this scholarship,” urged Senator Greenip. “Three of the past four years, Greenip-sponsored students have been scholarship winners.” As the highest-ranking female legislator from Anne Arundel County, and a member of NFWL, Senator Greenip will sponsor the applications of any interested students, whether they are in District 33 or not. Complete information and application forms are available to prospective applicants by calling Senator Greenip’s office at (410) 841-3568/(301) 858-3568, or via e-mail at janet.greenip@senate.state.md.us.

In addition to the scholarship, the winner will receive an all expense paid trip to the NFWL Annual Conference this November, which will be attended by hundreds of women lawmakers from across the United States. The conference will be held either in San Francisco or Hawaii. “This exciting opportunity makes the scholarship definitely worth the effort of applying,” concluded Senator Greenip.

The National Foundation for Women Legislators is a non-partisan organization of state and national women elected officials, both former and current. Founded in 1938, it is one of the oldest professional women’s organizations in the country. It is headquartered in Washington D.C. The National Rifle Association is co-sponsoring the Bill of Rights Essay Contest. for the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL) ninth annual Bill of Rights Essay Contest for college-bound young women.

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To the Capital Newspaper:

Dear Editor,

Your recent editorial entitled “Attack on school board selection process ill-advised” puts forth some questions and accusations that need to be addressed.

For several years, many Anne Arundel County residents have been disappointed with the lack of an elected school board. While the School Board Nominating Convention gave people a voice in the process, the governor was not required to appoint their recommended candidates. There are, however, 18 other jurisdictions in the state that elect school board members directly.

You stated that the elected school board bill that Senator Simonaire introduced and I co-sponsored “never got traction in the county legislative delegation”. That is not true. The bill failed in both the Senate and House delegations by one vote, 3-2 and 8-7 respectively. In both cases it was a straight party-line vote. Perhaps what you meant was that it did not get traction among Democrats.

Actually, a majority of the delegates who actually reside in Anne Arundel County supported the elected school board bill. There are three delegates from District 21 who represent a very small section of Anne Arundel but each get a full vote on the delegation. They all live in Prince George’s County which, coincidentally, already has an elected school board. One of the delegates, Barbara Frush, is the chairwoman of the Prince George’s County delegation. All three voted against the legislation. It is not accurate to say that elected school board legislation never got traction in the delegation.

On the subject of the bill that we are opposing, you say that this new law “makes important improvements in the selection process.” It actually takes a step backwards. This legislation forever codifies an appointed school board process into law. A directly elected school board would give the taxpaying citizens of Anne Arundel County a true voice.

In addition, this current legislation only allows for a yes/no for continuance in office question in the next election. The next election could be up to sixteen months after a board member is appointed. Have you ever heard of a District Court Judge losing a yes/no vote to stay in office?

In closing, let me say that the condescending tone of your editorial is something that needs to be corrected. The Capital is certainly within its rights to criticize our petition drive, but to imply that a petition drive is somehow subverting the process is not accurate. If the citizens of Anne Arundel County are happy with this new law, then they will make their voices heard. Either way, the petition process, as cumbersome as it is, was put into place to give Anne Arundel County residents a real voice in the process. It definitely achieves that goal.

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Senator Greenip urges support for Elected School Board Petition Drive.

Dear Friends,

During this past session, I co-sponsored SB 28 (sponsored by Senator Bryan Simonaire) which would have change the Anne Arundel County Board of Education to an elected board beginning in 2010. Despite my strong support and endorsement for this overdue change in how school board members are selected, this important bill did not receive a favorable report in the Anne Arundel County delegation.

Instead of passing our bill, the Anne Arundel Legislative Delegations passed HB 1114, a bill which puts the selection of the School Board into the hands of a few people. Under current law, the Governor appoints members that are nominated by the Nominating Convention. This new legislation requires the Governor to choose a nominee from a select Commission. The Governor appoints 5 of the 11 members of this new commission, the County Executive appoints one and there are five spots reserved for the Teacher’s Association, one of Anne Arundel County’s Chambers of Commerce, Anne Arundel Community College Board of Trustees, Association of Education Leaders, and the Anne Arundel Parent-Teacher Association. These appointed school board members will only face a “yes or no” vote for continuance in office after they are in place. There is no real electoral say in who represents us and our children on the county school board.

Because of this, concerned citizens of Anne Arundel County, led by Senator Simonaire and myself, are collecting signatures on a petition to place HB 1114 on the ballot for the 2008 election. We want to overturn this legislation and go back to work to get an Elected School Board. We need to give the taxpayers of Anne Arundel County a real say in who is on the school board.

Visit www.voteonschoolboard.com for information and to volunteer for door-to-door and shopping center efforts. Submit your information on the sight, and a local coordinator will contact you. You can also print copies of the petition to sign an pass around your circle of friends and family within Anne Arundel County. However, our primary need is to have volunteers for door-to-door efforts on one or more of the next four Saturdays.

Here are the rules for the petition: The document must be printed on one piece of paper. All signatures must be from Anne Arundel County voters. Do not sign and date the bottom of the page until you are ready to send it in. If these instructions are not followed all signatures on that sheet will be invalid.

We need nearly 19,000 Anne Arundel resident signatures by June 20th, but must also have 10,000 by May 23rd. If you can return them as you fill them it will give us an idea of our progress and how much further we have to go.

Thank you for your time. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Janet Greenip

Senator, Legislative District 33

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April 23, 2007

Recently, there have been reports in the media touting the ineffectiveness of abstinence education. These reports cited a study by Mathematica Policy Research, Inc. of four small abstinence education programs that shows little to no significant results on participants.

The Mathematica study targeted children who were in abstinence programs from ages 9-11. The targeted children are not necessarily too young to absorb the abstinence message, but they receive, at most, a semester of abstinence teaching. There is no follow-up to the original abstinence message[1]. We cannot expect a one-time inoculation to do much good against the onslaught of popular culture and peer pressure.

Other parts of the study do not hold up under scrutiny. Mathematica researched just four programs - a very small sample of the 700 federally funded abstinence education programs. Control groups were chosen from the same schools as the program intervention students. This carries a high likelihood of contamination between the two groups. These basic flaws in the study’s design invalidate any findings in the report.

As for the claim that abstinence has been proven ineffective, approximately 696 federally funded abstinence programs would disagree. The more than 700 federally funded abstinence education programs are required to evaluate their programs and have found them to be successful.

There is a larger point that should be considered. Whether this study has analyzed these four abstinence programs correctly or not, more abstinence teaching is needed not less. Teen pregnancy rates have fallen in the decade since abstinence only teaching was introduced. There is a new awareness among teenagers that the decision to have sex is not one to be taken lightly and that there are potential consequences.

While no one is suggesting that we keep young people in the dark about the ramifications of early sexual activity, or about contraception, we need to hold up a higher standard as a society.

Teenagers and pre-teens are bombarded with contradictory information about sex and family through the media and from their peers. Throughout their school years, students are not taught that monogamy is a societal norm. Indeed, they are encouraged to develop a loose interpretation of the family unit.

Our public schools seem hesitant to coordinate their curriculum with a pro-abstinence mindset. High school literature is often filled with stories of sex outside of marriage and violence. When this happens, both abstinence and sexual activity are pushed at the same time by the same institution. What results from this lack of coordination is a horrible mixed message.

Yet, there is an audacious attitude that suggests “Kids are going to have sex so there is no point in teaching them that they should wait.” This becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Imagine if our schools took the same attitude towards drug use, smoking, or underage drinking? If our public education system would eliminate the mixed messages, the results of abstinence programs would undoubtedly improve.

In our public education system, safe sex programs that were the norm before abstinence teaching also did not emphasize the truly devastating lifelong effects of STD’s such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and herpes. Pre-marital sexual activity and teen pregnancy rates started rising after sex education became a regular part of school curriculum. Safe sex education also did not prepare kids for the emotional impact and connection that sexual intercourse brings.

Abstinence programs teach teens that sex involves commitment, love and intimacy; qualities most likely to be present within marriage and not present in a culture that idolizes casual sex.

Abstinence education is working. It presents young people with an alternative worldview that they are not exposed to otherwise. We need more abstinence education, not less.

Sincerely,
Janet Greenip
Senator, Legislative District 33
Anne Arundel County

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March 23, 2007

Maryland Senate Gives All Felons Voting Rights

On Thursday, the Maryland State Senate voted 28-19 in favor of SB 488, a bill that would give murderers, rapists, child molesters, and other violent repeat offenders the right to vote. “Actions should have consequences,” said Senator Janet Greenip (R-33). “If a person is convicted of a violent crime, they should never be allowed to vote, and certainly not after two convictions.”

If SB 488 becomes law, an individual convicted of any crime, regardless of the number of convictions, will be able to vote once they have served their sentence. They will be able to cast a ballot whether or not they have even paid any court-ordered restitution to the victims. Senator Greenip offered an amendment to strike out these new voting rights for repeat rapists. Senators Mooney (R-3) and Jacobs (R-34) proposed similar amendments for repeat murderers and child sex offenders. Unfortunately, these three amendments were defeated by slim majorities. “Today, the Maryland Senate voted to create new voting rights for criminals convicted of even these most heinous crimes and it is embarrassing,” Senator Greenip said.

Under current law, one-time convicted felons keep their voting rights. “I do not agree with the current law, but we certainly should not be expanding voting rights any further. It is extremely disappointing that we have just given new rights to child sex offenders - while Jessica’s Law, a great law to protect our children from pedophiles- has not even passed out of the Senate,” continued Senator Greenip. “We should be fighting to protect Marylanders, rather than expanding the rights of murderers, rapists, and other violent criminals.”

Coincidentally, the Morgan Quinto rankings for the Most Dangerous States came out yesterday. Maryland moved from the 5th most dangerous to the 4th most dangerous. “This bill will give as many as 120,000 2nd-time felons the right to vote,” concluded Senator Greenip. “When you think about some of the close elections we have had over the past few years in Anne Arundel County and around the state, passing this bill is incredibly irresponsible.”

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Senate Rejects Budget Amendment

Annapolis - On Wednesday, Senator Lowell Stoltzfus (R-38) offered an amendment to the Maryland state budget which proposed smaller increases in the state’s budget and other spending limits to close an approximate $1.4 billion structural deficit for FY 2008. State Senator Janet Greenip (R-33) voted in favor of the amendment. “Since the start of the legislative session in January, all that we legislators have been hearing about is the need to raise taxes next year to balance the budget,” said Senator Greenip. “This amendment clearly lays out a path to solving our structural deficit without having to raise taxes.”

“Maryland residents pay the highest combined tax rates in the country, when you take into account federal, state, and local taxes combined,” continued Greenip. “They have a right to demand that the government use their hard-earned tax dollars wisely, and not spend beyond its means.” The amendment sought to alleviate the budget crisis by spreading out some increases over two years, reducing the rate of increase in a variety of programs, and in some cases, keeping spending levels in government programs the same as they were in last year’s record budget.

“It is actually surprising how easily we can solve the structural deficit by simply slowing our rate of spending,” Senator Greenip concluded. “We in the legislature created this mess by mandating huge spending programs without the ability to pay. Now we need to take responsibility rather than pass the buck to our constituents in the form of tax increases.” Senator Greenip voted against the budget on its final passage. “I cannot support passing a budget that is so fiscally irresponsible,” said Greenip. “Everyone acknowledges that we need to do something to bring our spending and revenue in line with each other, but this budget addresses none of the long-term issues that we face.”

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March 1, 2007

Greenip Advocates Marriage Amendment

ANNAPOLIS – On Thursday, Senator Janet Greenip (R-33) testified in favor of legislation that would allow an amendment to the Maryland constitution defining marriage as exclusively between a man and a woman. If Senate Bill 564 passes the General Assembly, it will put the amendment on the ballot for the 2008 general election, to be decided by the voters.

“The question about whether we define marriage as only between one man and one woman, or as something else, must be answered by the citizens of Maryland,” said Senator Greenip, after her testimony. “Special interests and judicial activists have succeeded in sneaking this issue in through the back door,” Greenip continued. “We need to settle this out in the open. That is why I have supported a constitutional amendment.” Senator Greenip also expressed concern about Maryland’s courts exercising law-making powers. “This is a legislative issue, not a judicial one. The judiciary is not in place to change Maryland’s laws; that is what the legislature must do as the direct representatives of the people,” she said.

Senator Greenip was one of several state legislators who petitioned unsuccessfully to be added to the list of defendants in the 2005 case challenging the marriage law, on the grounds that the case directly affected the interests of the legislature. “The people cannot be disenfranchised like this. A marriage amendment will give them the final say, not the courts,” Greenip said.

During the past ten years, there have been numerous bills to declare out-of-state same-sex marriages invalid in Maryland, but these bills were unsuccessful. “Our constituents have stated clearly that they don’t want marriage redefined. But each year, we get a step closer to doing just that,” said Greenip. “It is time the legislators of Maryland took a stand for the wishes and interests of their constituents, and send the clear message that this is still a government by and of the people as a whole, not of special interests,” she concluded.

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February 22, 2007

Greenip Endorses Legislation to Stop Human Trafficking

Annapolis - On Thursday, State Senator Janet Greenip (R-33) announced her support for Senate Bill 606, a measure designed to make human trafficking a state crime. The bill specifically cracks down on the practice of sex trafficking and forced prostitution. “Here in the state of Maryland we need to send a strong message that this type of practice will not be tolerated within our borders,” said Senator Greenip. “Making human trafficking a state crime will enable Maryland law enforcement to go after predators who exploit the weak and defenseless.”

Federal law already prohibits human trafficking and the FBI has been pursuing large scale criminal organizations that engage in the sex slave trade. However, federal agencies are much less likely to actively pursue lawbreakers in states that do not prohibit human trafficking. The Department of Justice has asked for states to consider comprehensive anti-trafficking laws and has drafted model legislation to guide state legislatures. “Law enforcement must be empowered at the local and state level to ensure that no one in our state is being physically or financially exploited,” Senator Greenip stated.

SB 606 and HB 876, the House of Delegates counterpart, have broad, bi-partisan support and would establish penalties for any business entity, person, or group found guilty of soliciting or attempting to solicit another person for prostitution, a sexually explicit performance, labor, or services. Violation of this law would be a felony criminal offense and subject to a prison sentence of up to ten years and a fine of $25,000, as well as revocation of the entity’s certificate or charter to conduct business.

“Often, the people trapped within the sex trade are minors and orphans from other countries who were tricked into forced prostitution by promises of cheap entry into the United States,” concluded Senator Greenip. “We must do everything in our power to get justice for those who are trapped in this awful lifestyle.”

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February 20, 2007

Greenip Fights Unfair Constitutional Voting Changes

ANNAPOLIS – On Tuesday, State Senator Janet Greenip (R–33) voted against Senate Bill 1, which aims to amend the state constitution to allow voting up to two weeks before Election Day, and permits voters to cast a ballot anywhere in the state, regardless of county or district residence. During floor debate, Senator Greenip expressed concern about removing the constitutional protection from our voting laws. “My problem with this bill is that we are going too far in giving up Constitutional safeguards that ensure fair elections in Maryland,” she said.

Senate Bill 1 would allow a voter to cast a provisional ballot anywhere in the state, for the races in which that voter is eligible to vote. However, the legislation creates no provisions for ensuring that an individual has not already voted at another polling place. The legislation does not even require a person to present photo identification before voting. “How will each person be able to vote for the person to represent them?” Senator Greenip asked. “How will someone in Western Maryland know if a person from the Eastern Shore is who they say they are?”

The bill does not specify where early voting sites will be placed, or how many polling places there will be. “Look at the horrible problems we had last September during the primary election,” continued Senator Greenip. “We really are not showing any foresight by passing this legislation and we are leaving incredible leeway for future legislatures to radically change our voting process with only a simple majority vote.”

After the vote, Senator Greenip stated, “This is not a Republican issue or a Democrat issue – it is a critical issue affecting every citizen. What do we gain by making it easier to commit voter fraud? We are pushing a process that carries great risk and it concerns me to watch us travel down this path.”

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January 29, 2007
Senator Greenip Offers Death Tax Relief

Annapolis— On Thursday, Senator Janet Greenip (R-33) filed SB 182 designed to bring Maryland back in line with Federal estate tax law and give the families of farmers, middle class workers, and small business owners relief from out of control estate tax assessments.

“Real estate assessments are continuing their extraordinary climb despite a leveling off of the actual real estate market,” said Greenip. “Many middle class Marylanders will find themselves with total assets over the current $1 million estate threshold,” Greenip continued. “The Death Tax was created many years ago to tax the ultra rich. Times have changed and middle class citizens should not have to bear this burden,” Greenip concluded. “It is fundamentally unfair and causing us to lose senior citizens, farmers, and entrepreneurs to other states.”

SB 182 would re-couple Maryland with Federal tax law regarding the Estate Tax, also known as the Death Tax. Greenip’s legislation would raise the Death Tax exemption from the current $1 million to $2 million in the first year, and it would increase in following years until it is repealed altogether in 2010. While changes in federal law may not eliminate the tax altogether, SB 182 would still address the accounting nightmare caused by the existing system.

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January 26, 2007

Senator Greenip files REAL ID Bill, Prohibiting Driver’s Licenses for Illegal Aliens

On Thursday, January 25th, State Senator Janet Greenip (R-33) filed SB 184, a proposal to ban Maryland’s Motor Vehicle Administration from giving driver’s licenses to illegal aliens. Joined by 13 of her fellow senators, Senator Greenip drafted SB 184 to bring Maryland into compliance with the Federal Government’s REAL ID Act. “Federal law states that individuals must submit documentation to prove that they are in the country legally,” said Senator Greenip. “The consequences of not complying with the REAL ID Act by May of 2008 are severe.”

Maryland residents would not be able to use their driver’s licenses as valid identification when traveling to other states. “Simple transactions such as purchasing plane tickets could become a tremendous problem,” continued Senator Greenip. “My point is, let’s get into compliance with the law now, rather than wait until our backs are against the wall next May.”

“From a law enforcement and security standpoint, this is a no-brainer as well,” concluded Senator Greenip. “People who are breaking the law should not have the privileges and benefits of those who are here legally.”

State Senator Janet Greenip
321 James Senate Office Bldg
Annapolis, MD 21401-1991
(410) 841-3568, (301) 858-3568
800-492-7122 x3568 toll free
janet.greenip@senate.state.md.us