Democratic Senators Offer Their 2 Cents on Filling the Budget Hole

Sunday, July 15, 2007; Page C04

Agroup of the Maryland Senate's more liberal members -- many of them from the Washington region -- are angling to have a greater say in fixing the state's budget woes. They argue that the process presents an opportunity to invest in schools, health care and the environment.

"We are concerned that too much of the recent debate has focused on the needs of the government, rather than on the needs and aspirations of our people," the senators say in a draft of a letter they plan to send to Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) this week. As of Friday afternoon, 13 of the chamber's 33 Democrats had signed on.

A smaller group, organized by Sen. Paul G. Pinsky (D-Prince George's), met last week with O'Malley to share its concerns in what both sides characterized as a positive meeting.

"We want to change the discussion," Pinsky said. "It should be about our priorities, not just filling a hole."

The hole the state is facing in next year's budget is nearly $1.5 billion, and most lawmakers say they almost certainly will need to raise taxes to help fill it. As they do, Pinsky and other lawmakers say they should make sure wealthy residents and corporations pay their fair share.

The plan should also ensure "adequate funding to meet the needs and priorities of Maryland's families," which include education, heath care, the environment and traffic, the draft says.

Besides Pinsky, those who met with O'Malley include Sen. Brian E. Frosh (D-Montgomery), Sen. Richard S. Madaleno Jr. (D-Montgomery), Sen. Jamie B. Raskin (D-Montgomery) and Sen. James C. Rosapepe (D-Anne Arundel).

-- John Wagner