No single issue touches the lives of everyday Marylanders like our economy does. Since the beginning of the Great Recession in 2008, your District 18 Democratic Team of Delegates Al Carr, Ana Sol Gutiérrez, Jeff Waldstreicher and I have taken action to make sure Maryland families can get through these difficult economic times.
We started by passing tax credits to help small businesses hire unemployed workers and regulations to protect families from foreclosure. We fought to ease the tax burden on our seniors and help employers pay for their workers' health insurance. Because of our state's quick action, Maryland's unemployment rate is 25% below the national average and more than 40,000 jobs have been created since January.
The most important issue for us is creating economic opportunity. Making sure every Marylander looking for a job can find one starts with fiscal responsibility in Annapolis. That's why we have led the effort to balance the budget every year under Governor Martin O'Malley. Working together, we have decreased the budget by 3% over the past four years.
We will continue to work for you to ensure a more prosperous future for our communities and families.
To celebrate the contributions of local businesses in Montgomery County, please join us on Tuesday, August 10th at the newly reopened Hollywood East Cafe in Wheaton Plaza. We are hosting a reception honoring the businesses that create jobs and make our communities strong. Find more information about this special event at www.district18democrats.com/hollywoodeast.Thank you,
Senator Rich Madaleno
