Make your opinions known to decision-makers on issues of importance to you and 1000 Friends of Maryland. http://friendsofmd.e-actionmax.com/alertlist.asp Tue, 7 Sep 2010 07:05:16 GMT Tue, 7 Sep 2010 07:05:16 GMT en-us action alerts thedatabank, inc. Technology for Change. http://www.thedatabank.com/
This legislation would help to maintain the viability of agricultural operations, which is critical for a strong economy, healthy watersheds, and smart growth. We not only need to preserve the farmland, we must preserve the farmer. With the average age of Maryland farmers being about 60, Maryland’s farmland will be increasingly transitioning out of current farmers hands. The estate tax can drive farmers off the land completely, ending in the sale of land for development, or keep them from preserving their land, fearful that they may need to sell a portion of the property in the future to pay the estate tax bill. As a result, Maryland stands to lose a significant number of agricultural jobs over the next generation.

Deadline for action: 12/31/2011.]]> http://friendsofmd.e-actionmax.com/takeaction.asp?aaid=4466 http://friendsofmd.e-actionmax.com/takeaction.asp?aaid=4466 Mon, 8 Feb 2010 18:01:43 GMT
HB1155/SB760, introduced by Delegate Lafferty and Senators Pugh and Harrington, would ensure that every dollar invested in transportation results in a system that works better for all Marylanders. "This bill requires the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) to evaluate all state-funded transportation projects against critical state goals," said Delegate Stephen Lafferty (D-42). "As Maryland struggles to close a growing transportation funding deficit, the state is positioned to truly re-think how we prioritize and fund our transportation projects to ensure goals and objectives are met." "The decisions we make today will determine the transportation legacy we leave our children. This legislation will ensure that legacy works for the environment, for all citizens, and for the economy," said Senator Catherine Pugh (D-40). "A connected, smart transportation system is essential for a stronger economy. It enables employees to reach their jobs and enables customers to reach our stores," said Brian O'Malley, Director of Transportation Policy and Research with the Central Maryland Transportation Alliance. "We know that some transportation projects pay off with far more jobs and a far greater impact on local economies. We must make sure that the state is choosing to invest in those projects that do the most for our communities and the most for our economy." "This legislation adds predictability and outcome-based analysis to the process for determining projects for state transportation funding," said Dru Schmidt-Perkins, Executive Director of 1000 Friends of Maryland. "Smart planning is dependent on clear goals - goals that we are finally connecting to our transportation planning process." "I have members of my congregation who need better transportation options for getting to jobs," said Reverend Alan Traher, Co-Chair of the Baltimore Regional Initiative Developing Genuine Equality and pastor of Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer. "Focusing our transportation dollars to make this happen is the right thing to do." Specifically, the legislation would: Focus transportation requests on the problem that needs solving, ensuring that the solution - be it a road, pedestrian access, or transit - truly meets the need of residents. Require MDOT to evaluate each transportation project that the state funds against how it moves Maryland towards clear goals. Require that the goals that direct funding decisions be the same goals Maryland has already adopted in policies and plans, such as the Maryland Transportation Plan which lists five goals: quality of service, safety and security, system preservation, environmental stewardship, and connectivity for daily life, and other state policies, including those that address land use and climate change. Report MDOT's rationale for choosing projects in the annual Consolidated Transportation Program, the state's capital program for transportation spending. "Now more than ever, in this time of tight budgets we need to be careful that we are spending money wisely," said Brad Heavner, State Director of Environment Maryland. "This bill would help the state determine which transportation projects would do the best job of promoting smart growth."

Deadline for action: 12/31/2010.]]> http://friendsofmd.e-actionmax.com/takeaction.asp?aaid=4537 http://friendsofmd.e-actionmax.com/takeaction.asp?aaid=4537 Mon, 8 Mar 2010 17:06:56 GMT