I’d like to take a moment to wrap up the 2011 legislative session.

As you know Maryland like many other states has over spent for decades. As result, we continually run a deficit and accumulate additional debt.

I believe the budget should have been the focus of this legislative session however; the battle over same sex marriage, cross dressing legislation and illegal immigrant tuition discounts, consumed much of this year’s session.  It is my belief that these issues were in fact a smokescreen and a distraction to deflect attention away from the looming budget crisis. Unfortunately, the budget crisis was overshadowed by social issues.

State Budget

Once again, the O’Malley administration and the majority party passed a 34 billion dollar budget this year. This equates to over $1 billion more than last years budget, yet you have undoubtedly heard Governor O’Malley say that he cut the budget. Included in the budget is $1.4 billion in new spending, a 10.6% increase. 

Fees and Taxes

This budget is balanced with tax and fee increases, including:

• Vehicle Titling Tax doubled  $50 to $100
• Vanity Plate Fee doubled from $25 to $50
• Land Recording Fees – doubled  $20 to $40
• Birth Certificate Fees – doubled from $12 to $24
• Increase in Hospital Assessments adding 2.5% to rates
• Increasing Nursing Home Tax from 4% to 5.5%

The budget included a reduction in prescription benefits to retired state employees, now living on a fixed income. Because of the Governor’s failure to address the real problem of gross overspending, and failure to look for real solutions to the budget crisis, I committed once again to voting against the budget.

SB1213 raises tax on alcohol from 6% to 9% by July 1, 2011. When this bill was first introduced it was billed as a dime a drink increase with the funds going to assist the developmentally disabled citizens of MD, with the increase in sales tax gradually over several years. As it became certain that the votes were there, the bill was amended quickly to remove the allocated funding to the disabled, and to apply the increase at once. When we attempted to debate the increase, the Speaker of the House shut down debate and forced a vote on this bill. This tax will have a decidedly negative effect on many small businesses throughout the state. Bar and restaurant owners are unfairly singled out for taxing, and those especially hard hit will be Maryland businesses located on the borders to Pennsylvania and Delaware, where Marylanders will travel to buy alcohol.

In addition, many other new or increased taxes were proposed, including a gas tax and grocery bag tax. I voted against and strongly opposed all of these tax proposals.

Tuition Discounts for illegal immigrants

 SB 167/ HB 470 this bill grants in state tuition rates to illegal immigrants residing and working in MD. Despite the fact that this inclusion will cost taxpayers money, will guarantee Maryland’s place as a premier “ sanctuary state” and will undoubtedly result in a federal lawsuit due to its unconstitutionality; was passed by a vote of 27- 19 in the Senate and 74-65 in the House of Delegates. Click the links to see how your Representative voted!

 I voted against this and will continue to stand against benefits and rights to those residing here illegally at any rate, and especially at the cost to taxpaying citizens.

Same Sex Marriage

As you know I have been the general on the battle field of marriage in the state of Maryland for nearly 8 years now.  As result, I have seen many futile attempts to legalize same sex marriages in our state.

This year that all changed.  This legislative session the skid was greased by special interest and same sex marriage legislation was slated to pass. SB 116 passed easily through the Senate by a vote of 25-21 and then unexpectedly hit the brakes in the House of Delegates as the citizens came to the defense of marriage in MD by calling and visiting legislators to make their voices on this issue heard.

 Much to the surprise of the homosexual activist and the Democrat leaders, after a full week, they were unable to secure the 71 votes needed to legalize same sex marriage in Maryland.  In a procedural move, the bill was sent back to committee where it would rest peacefully.  This maneuver prevented the Democrats from having to be on record on a vote that would most likely effect the outcome of the 2014 elections. See who voted for the bill in Judiciary Committee by following this link: Committee Votes

Pro – Life

It has been a bitter sweet session regarding the life of the unborn.  Though not one of our 11 Pro Life bills made it to the full House or Senate for a vote, I am heartened because there were 11 Pro Life bills introduced by a variety of individual lead sponsors. We have 28 legislators recognized as “Pro Life” who are committed to the issue of defending the life of the unborn.

 I am heartbroken that the pro life members have failed to advance even one piece of pro life legislation to the House or Senate floor.  For this reason I initiated the new formation of the pro life caucus this session. The members of this year’s caucus are willing to fight the fight for the life of the unborn. To view the list of this years abortion bills, follow this link: Pro Life Bills

Its important to note that many of the bills, such as HB 23 and HB 187 simply require abortion clinics to be regulated and licensed. these were also killed in Health and Government Operations Committee, some without even getting a vote. These bills can only help preserve the safety of women in Maryland, and yet the bills do not even see a fair committee vote.

I am committed to starting a war on the issue of abortion as I have on the issue of marriage. It’s high time we stop the innocent murder of the unborn while we as a culture want to preserve the life of convicted murderers.

I have done my best to represent the values and views of those who sent me back to Annapolis to represent them.  I have never wavered from my beliefs and convictions on many issues and I have never allowed political correctness to get in the way of the truth.

To this end, I rest in the belief that you will continue to allow me to represent you in the Maryland General Assembly.

Constitutionally yours,

Don H. Dwyer, Jr.

Delegate

 We have a hearing date for the Marriage Bills. Delegate Dwyer’s bill, the Constitutional marriage Amendment will be heard as well as the Same Sex Bills on Friday, February 25 at 1pm in the House Judiciary Committee room.

 To read Delegate Dwyer’s bill: http://mlis.state.md.us/2011rs/bills/hb/hb0963f.pdf 

 There are two same sex marriage bills being heard that day and they are HB 55 : http://mlis.state.md.us/2011rs/bills/hb/hb0055f.pdf

And HB 175: http://mlis.state.md.us/2011rs/bills/hb/hb0175f.pdf

 Delegate Dwyer is asking for people willing to testify, either as a group, or individually, representing yourself as a citizen or if you represent a church or other organized group. You can testify for the Constitutional Amendment as well as against the same sex marriage bills.

 Please contact me as soon as possible so that I can help with testimony and sign in. If you have never testified in Committee before, below are FAQs to help familiarize you to the process. Please feel free to call if you have any further questions or need further clarification.

 If you are providing written testimony- you will need to bring 40 copies of your testimony. I will not have the manpower to make the copies here.

 This is a crucial part of the legislative process, having a strong showing in support of, or in opposition to any bill can and does make a difference. Appearing in Annapolis before the committee sends a much stronger message than emails, please bring your friends and family. Also please note, the push is on in the gay community to pass same sex marriage this year- they will be here in force.

Again, thanks for your committed support, I look forward to seeing you on the 25^th.

 Best Regards,

Louisa Baucom

Legislative Aide to:

Del. Don Dwyer, Jr.

Anne Arundel County

District 31

410-841-3047

www.delegatedwyer.com

Testifying in Annapolis FAQ

Q: How much time will I get to speak?

A: 3 minutes, more if members of the Committee wish to ask questions or ask for further testimony or explanation.

Q : How much notice will I get of the hearing date?

A : Unfortunately, it could be weeks or days in advance, or it could be a short as a day.

Q: How much time should I plan on being in Annapolis?

A: Again, this depends on variables such as; number of bills being heard that day, order of bills being heard, and number of people  testifying on each bill. The rule of thumb is to plan on spending the day if you can or spending the amount of time you are able.

Q: Can I testify as an individual citizen?

A: yes

Q: Where do I park, and driving directions

A: park in any of the garages in Annapolis or at the Navy Stadium and ride the shuttle in. You can email don.dwyer@house.state.md.us or call our office at 410-841-3047 to request driving directions and parking information be sent to you via email or regular mail.

Q: Where do I go to testify?

A: Committees are located in the Lowe House Office Building at 6 Bladen Street. Contact me to confirm the committee (Marriage Bill will be in Judiciary, Personhood will be in Health and Government Operations)

I am honored to have been elected by my colleagues to serve Anne Arundel County as the Vice Chair to the Delegation.

Over the next few week I will be posting updates regarding both my legislative priorities as well as issues brought before the Delegation which will affect residents of District 31, and the County as a whole.

As always, please feel free to contact me by phone, email or stop by for a visit. I am looking forward to hearing from you about the issues that concern you!

Please note: Our office has moved to Suite 216 in the Lowe House Office Building.

The Declaration of Independence recognizes the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Without the right to Keep and Bear Arms, we the people would have no defense against a tyrannical  government. Additionally, without the right to bear arms, we would not have the ability to protect ourselves, our lives, or our property as the Founders so clearly intended.

I have always campaigned with the Second Amendment as one of my core issues.  I not only campaign on gun rights issues, but also sponsor the right to carry legislation in Maryland. In 2007 I welcomed the opportunity to meet and collaborate with Dan Reiley (a Democrat) regarding the Right to Carry legislation. Dan urged me to let him sponsor the bill and gather democrat support for the bill.  From 2007 until now, Dan and I worked with Delegate Smigiel to do our best to pass right to carry legislation in Maryland.  Unfortunately, Dan lost the Democrat primary and as result, I will work closely with Delegate Smigiel and Maryland’s gun community to determine our strategy for the upcoming legislative session.

Constitutionally yours,

Delegate Don Dwyer, Jr.

You tell me what you think happened. Oh well, I will keep fighting and the Democrat Leaders will keep teaching me lessons

HB673

Sponsored By Delegates Dwyer, Aumann, Bates, Beitzel, Boteler, Burns, Costa, DeBoy, Eckardt, Elliott, Frank, George, Haddaway, Howard, Impallaria, Jameson, Jennings, King, Kipke, Krebs, Love, McComas, McConkey, McDonough, Minnick, Montgomery, Norman, O’Donnell, Schuh, Serafini, Shank, Shewell, Smigiel, Sophocleus, Sossi, Stocksdale, Stukes, Stull, Vaughn, Waldstreicher, Weir, and Wood

Entitled Hunting and Fishing – Veterans – Complimentary Licenses
Unfavorable

HB1078

Sponsored By Delegates Dwyer, Aumann, Bates, Boteler, Burns, Costa, Elliott, Impallaria, Jennings, King, Kipke, Krebs, McConkey, Miller, Minnick, O’Donnell, Schuh, Shank, Shewell, and Stocksdale

Entitled Maryland Personhood Amendment
Health Committee
Unfavorable

HB1079

Sponsored By Delegates Dwyer, Aumann, Bates, Beitzel, Boteler, Burns, Costa, Eckardt, Elliott, Elmore, Frank, George, Haddaway, Jenkins, Jennings, King, Kipke, Krebs, McComas, Myers, Norman, O’Donnell, Schuh, Serafini, Shank, Shewell, Sossi, Stocksdale, and Stull

Entitled Maryland’s Marriage Protection Act
Committee Assignments House: Judiciary
Unfavorable

HB1080

Sponsored By Delegates Dwyer, Beidle, Costa, Frush, George, King, Kipke, Love, McConkey, Pena-Melnyk, Schuh, and Sophocleus

Entitled Anne Arundel County – Drug-Free Zones Pilot Program - Recreation Areas

Committee Assignments House: Judiciary
Unfavorable

HB1156

Sponsored By Delegates Dwyer, Anderson, Barnes, Beidle, Boteler, Bronrott, Carter, Conaway, Costa, Dumais, Eckardt, Frank, Heller, Hubbard, Jennings, Kach, Kelly, Kipke, Kramer, Krebs, Levi, McComas, McConkey, Olszewski, Pena-Melnyk, Riley, Robinson, Rosenberg, Schuh, Shank, Shewell, Simmons, Smigiel, Sophocleus, Sossi, Valderrama, Vallario, Waldstreicher, and Wood

Entitled Victims’ Rights – Fatal Vehicular Accident – Suspension of License

Committee Assignments House: Judiciary Passed / Senate Passed
The Governor killed it at bill signing

HB1306

Sponsored By Delegates Dwyer, Costa, George, King, Kipke, McDonough, and Schuh

Entitled Property Tax Credit – Property Leased to Nonprofit Schools

Committee Assignments House: Ways and Means Unfavorable

HB1307 

Sponsored By Delegates Dwyer, Beidle, Kipke, Love, Schuh, and Sophocleus

Entitled Criminal Law – Statewide Definition of Criminal Gang Member

Committee Assignments House: Judiciary
Unfavorable

HB1563

Sponsored By Delegate Dwyer

Entitled Maryland’s Health Insurance Freedom Act

Committee Assignments House: House Rules and Executive Nominations
Unfavorable

HS1

Sponsored By Delegates Dwyer, Aumann, Bates, Boteler, Eckardt, Frank, Haddaway, Impallaria, Jennings, Kach, Krebs, McConkey, McDonough, Miller, Norman, Shewell, Smigiel, Sossi, and Stocksdale

Entitled Articles of Impeachment of Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler Committee

Assignments House: Judiciary
Unfavorable

Other legislation that I introduced:
HB1036 – Property Tax Credit – Property Leased to Non-Profit Schools.
This legislation would have allowed a property owner who leases a building exclusively to a non-profit school to receive a tax credit on that building, thereby precluding the property taxes from being passed on to the school. Unfortunately this bill was killed in committee.

HB 1080 – A.A. County – Drug Free Zones – Recreation Areas
This legislation would have included recreation areas, public parks, and open areas owned or operated by the State or Anne Arundel County as drug free zones. Unfortunately this bill was also killed in committee

HB 1307 – Statewide Definition of a Criminal Gang Member
For the purpose of requiring all law enforcement agencies in the state to define “criminal gang member” as a person who’s membership in a criminal gang is proven by certain criteria; and generally relating to criminal gangs. This was part of a County Delegation effort to address the very serious issue of gangs in Anne Arundel County. Despite a lot of support, this bill was killed in committee.

HB673 – Veterans – Hunting and Fishing – Complimentary Licenses
I was approached by a veteran who asked me to introduce this bill. I felt that it was the least I could do considering the sacrifices of so many who have served in our Nation’s Armed Forces. Surprisingly, this bill was killed in Committee.

HB1078 – Maryland Personhood Amendment
This is the second year that I have introduced this legislation, and I believe very deeply that it is legislation that we must pass in order to protect the unborn. Sadly, the bill did not make it out of committee. If re-elected, I will reintroduce it again next year.

 HB1079– Maryland’s Marriage Protection Act
For the eighth year, I have introduced this legislation to put on the ballot a referendum question of preserving traditional marriage in Maryland. For eight years, the Chairman of Judiciary has not allowed this bill to receive a committee vote.

HB1563 – Maryland’s Health Insurance Freedom Act
I introduced this bill in response to the passage of the Health Care Legislation passed in D.C. which was not supported by the majority of Americans. This bill would have protected a Maryland Citizen’s right to choose to participate in a private health insurance system without interference; and that a penalty tax fee or fine of any type may not be imposed on a person who declines to contract for health insurance coverage, or to participate in a particular health insurance plan. Not surprisingly, this bill did not see the light of day.

The Budget passed with $32 million dollars worth of spending, and a projected deficit next year of $2.2 billion dollars. We have mortgaged our children’s and grandchildren’s future by increasing additional debt and passing pork barrel spending packages without addressing the vital cuts necessary in overall State spending; for this reason I voted against the budget.
One Amendment to the budget bill was proposed by Delegate O’Donnel and which I supported would have removed $200 thousand dollars by removing State funding to CASA an organization whose mission statement is to assist illegals in finding taxpayer subsidized benefits and employment. I supported this amendment, but 89 democrats voted to keep the funding.

Some legislation that I supported passed. We passed Jessicaslaw enhancement which mandates a 15 year mandatory minimum sentence for child rapists.
We passed a GangProsecution Act which would make it easier for law enforcement to prosecute gang members committing violent crimes in our communities. The CivilImmunity bill passed! This bill protects residents from liability in the death or injury of a criminal unlawfully entering their home.

I also supported legislation intending to restore our Constitutional Second Amendment. I co-sponsored Delegate Riley’s CCW- Repealof findings bill and Delegate Smigiel’s Reciprocity bill. These bills did not pass, however, thousands of you called, emailed and showed up in a great show of support.

I am widely known for my conservative stance on issues. When looking at the different proposed legislation I ask myself first: Is this Constitutional? It has been a pleasure serving our community as your representative in Annapolis. I hope that you feel I have served and represented you well. As always, please feel free to contact me at any time, by phone 410-841-3047, or by email don.dwyer@house.state.md.us

Marriage Amendment from Delegate Dwyer on Vimeo.

Yesterday, I requested an emergency bill entitled Maryland Health Freedom Act. I am extremely concerned about the massive, intrusive, and expensive and UNCONSTITUTIONAL health care bill that Democrats on the Federal level are still trying to jam down America’s throat. I have watched along with many of you, the town hall meetings packed with citizens shouting to be heard while arrogant elected officials talk on their cell phones and insult their intelligence. A few days ago, Nancy Pelosi said, “we need to pass this bill so we can find out whats in it.” Are you kidding me? This is unacceptable and the people of Maryland deserve better.  More to come on this.