STATEMENT FROM SEN. NANCY JACOBS, MINORITY LEADER Republican Harford/Cecil

10/20/2011

I have just alerted fellow Republican Senators that I will not be seeking reelection as Minority Leader. While I have enjoyed serving in that capacity, I don’t believe I can give that office all the attention it deserves in the coming months and during the 2012 legislative session.

Now that we know the details of the new Congressional District Map and will soon know how the legislative lines are drawn, I am taking time to ponder my options. Some people have suggested I should consider running for Governor. Others say I should think about a Congressional run or the race for Harford County Executive.

At this point I may run for any one of those posts, or none of the above. Much of that depends on how my Senate District changes and whether I retain Cecil County, which has been very supportive of me. Whatever I chose, it is likely I will be spending a lot of time meeting new voters. That’s why I felt it was best to step aside and not run for the Leadership Post next in the next GOP leadership election.

// Nancy

A RAILROAD JOB BY DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP ON REDISTRICTING

O’Malley Forces His Congressional Map Protecting Incumbents Through the Senate

From the Office of: Senator Nancy Jacobs
Minority Leader (R-Harford/Cecil)

I joined with every member of the Republican Party to fight the Governor’s Congressional Districting plan. Despite our unified front, the number of Democrats willing to fall in line behind the power structure in Annapolis did result in O’Malley’s map getting preliminary approval in the Senate.

This Congressional map is simply about partisan politics and not about people. Even members of the Democratic Party’s own base who are victimized by the scheme testified against it. We heard from African American’s in Montgomery County complain that their neighborhoods are broken up without good reason. Congresswoman Donna Edwards says it splits close-knit minority communities. The Montgomery County Council President and a Latina Councilwoman also testified against the Governor’s redistricting map. The League of Women Voters, Common Cause and ordinary citizens testified against the Governors’ Plan.

Republican’s introduced three alternative maps. All three keep the rural areas together. All three allow for an extra Minority-Majority district in the Maryland suburbs near Washington D.C. Why is it all three were rejected when they serve all the people best? The Democratic Machine bulldozed the alternative plans into the ground in a cold blooded attempt to hold on to power.

We must act at the voting booth. This power grab comes as O’Malley announces he will consider raising the gas tax by as much as 15 cents a gallon. We must change the balance of power in Annapolis. All the Democratic Leadership cares about their head count in Washington... not about the people.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL:
Suzanne Collins
Chief of Staff
410-841-3158

THEY LISTENED TO THE PEOPLE IN HARFORD AND CECIL COUNTIES ON TOLLS!!!

Sept. 16, 2011
From the office of Senator Nancy Jacobs
Minority Leader R-Harford/Cecil

You told the Maryland Transportation Authority Board members your stories that your doctors, your friends, your schools and children’s games are often located across the Hatem Bridge. You told them how times are tight, that people are hurting and it’s no time to raise tolls that could drastically change people’s lives. You showed up in great numbers at the public hearings on toll increases and YOU HAVE SUCCEEDED!

We knew the Board did not want to continue the AVI Decal program despite our pleas. Now, a new MdTA proposal incorporates an alternative idea I submitted idea to create a “Hatem Only” EZ Pass. It will have no cost for the transponder, no deposit, and no administrative fees, and cost only $10 a year for unlimited use over the Hatem. That yearly amount does rise, though, to $20 in 2013. A final yes vote on this new plan is expected next Thursday Sept. 22.

The MdTA has scaled back its original toll increase proposal drastically. The initial proposal in the summer was to implement a Hatem EZ Pass Plan for 36 dollars a year plus fees that brought the first year cost to nearly 100 dollars. It would have risen to over seventy dollars a year in 2013. THIS NEW PLAN IS A REAL VICTORY!
I wanted the Board to keep the AVI Decal, but the Board insisted it’s outdated and dangerous for toll takers when motorists are stranded at the booth if their decal expires. But this new EZ Pass plan which will be available in February is great too! The Decal will also be extended through September of next year. People with boat trailers, horse trailers and RVs will also be happy with changes in the proposed toll plan.

I just want to thank you, my constituents for trusting that it was not a “done deal” and coming out to those hearings. You made the difference!

Senator Nancy Jacobs Named Legislator Of The Year In The Senate By The Maryland State’s Attorney’s Association

The Maryland State’s Attorney’s Association has just named Senator Nancy Jacobs, Minority Leader, (R-Cecil/Harford) as the Maryland Senate’s Legislator of the Year.

State’s Attorney’s from all 23 Maryland Counties and Baltimore City are gathered today in Ocean City for their Summer Conference. They have voted to honor Senator Jacobs for her many years of work in the Maryland General Assembly on issues involving crime fighting and prosecution.

State’s Attorney Joe Cassilly of Harford County, an officer of the State’s Attorney’s Association, says Senator Jacobs has been chosen as Legislator of the Year because she championed numerous bills that helped make it easier for prosecutors do their job bringing criminals to justice. He says Jacobs also uses her position as a member of the Judicial Proceedings Committee to help move crime fighting legislation towards passage.

Senator Nancy Jacobs is known for sponsoring the first gang legislation ever in Maryland which helped prosecutors better fight that type of organized crime. She also sponsored Jessica’s Law in Maryland which now requires mandatory minimum sentences for child sex offenders of 15 and 25 years behind bars.

Senator Jacobs says she is deeply honored to have been chosen by this statewide group of prosecutors and plans to do all she can to make sure they get the tools they need to keep criminals off the street.

A letter to the editor from Senator Nancy Jacobs

Dear Voters,

I am both humbled and honored that you chose me to represent you in the State Senate. Thank you for your vote and support.

I’d like to add a very special thank you to all of our volunteers for their hard work, long hours and dedication to our shared goals.

Together we will continue to fight for tougher laws against child sexual predators, cracking down on gang violence and fighting against onerous tax hikes that hurt working families and small businesses.

You can count on me to work hard day and night for the fine people of Harford and Cecil counties. Please do not hesitate to contact me at 410-841-3158, nancy.jacobs@senate.state.md.us or via my website at www.nancyjacobs.com if there is anything I can ever do to help you.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for re-electing me to the State Senate.

God Bless,

Nancy Jacobs
State Senator, District 34--Harford & Cecil Counties

Nancy Jacobs Applauds Enactment of Tougher Sex Offender Laws

Annapolis, MD -- Senator Nancy Jacobs applauded the successful enactment of 2010 laws toughening sentencing and pre-trial measures against child sexual predators. SB622, HB289, and HB60 of the 2010 Legislative Session are now law.

SB622- Increased the mandatory minimum penalties for 2nd degree child sexual rape of victims under the age of 13. Previously, penalties were 5 to 15 year sentences. The new law requires 15 year to life sentencing.

HB289- Ended the earning of diminution (also referred to as “good time”) credits for child rapists (1st and 2nd degree) when the victim was under the age of 16. Previously these rapists had been allowed to earn up to nearly one-third reductions in their total sentences and negating the intentions of mandatory minimum sentences.

HB60- This law allows a police officer to arrest a child sexual predator without warrant if he has reasonable cause to believe that the offender has violated pre-or-post trial release.

Senator Jacobs said:

“I believe every child deserves the right to a safe environment to learn, live and thrive in. It is our duty as legislators to pass legislation that protects our children from vile predators now and in the future. I am proud of how far our state has come in locking away this predators in a few shorts. But while we have come a long way, the fight is not over and I intend to continue to pursue legislation that puts child sex offenders behind bars where they can no longer attack our innocent children.”

Mike Miller’s Getting Out There By Martin Watcher

"Starting this early is just another sign that Miller can’t stand to have women stand up to him. It’s going to be a bumpy ride for the current Senate Minority Whip now that she’ll probably be the sole focus of Miller’s wrath."

Good article on the blog Omalleywatch. I don't know why he would want to waste his money. Senator Jacobs beat up on Art Helton 67% to 32% in 2002. I am sure that he hasn't become anymore lovable in the past 7 years.

Anger to Understanding

On Tuesday, the county commissioners voted 5 – 0 to raise our property taxes by 4.3 cents to 94 cents. Along with the majority of the county, I wasn’t too happy. I thought that things would be a lot different this year with 3 Republican commissioners. Promises were made last fall about holding the line on taxes. Were these empty promises made again during an election to get elected? Commitments were made soon again after the elections to hold the line on taxes.

My first reaction was to crucify the 3 Rs in public for their votes. But after sitting down to write this post, after putting my thoughts on paper, my anger started to subside. Were the two commissioners sincere when they committed to holding the line on taxes last winter? I believe they were. The commissioners would have had to cut the budget by another $4.3 million to maintain the constant yield rate of 89.7 cents. If the state hadn’t cut the state revenue to Cecil County by $4 million, it would have been an easier task.

Where would you have cut the budget by $4.3 million to maintain the constant yield? Education – doesn’t work for me, I have 3 kids in school and education is very important to me (plus with my wife on the school board, she would have hurt me). Public safety – I personally want more deputies on the road, not less. Parks and Recreation – I don’t think that there is enough. We belong to a Harford County soccer league because none exist in the western part of the county. Libraries – nope, not here either, my kids fully utilize the Rising Sun library. So basically what I am saying is that there is no easy answer. There are services provided by the county that we want more of or at least maintain at the current level. Was there fat in the budget that could have been cut out? I don’t know, what is fat to some is essential to others. I have to trust that the commissioners that I voted for have done their job the way that I would have expected them to.

Another way to look at this is to look at our elected state officials. We all know that Delegate Smigiel, Delegate Sossi, Senator Pipkin and Senator Jacobs would never vote to raise taxes. Delegate Smigiel and Senator Pipkin are quite vocal about it and I respect them for their stance. If you would take Delegate Smigiel or Senator Jacobs and put them into the position that they had to vote for a tax increase or a major decrease of funding to public safety, how would they vote? I would immediately say they would vote no to new taxes, but public safety is a major area of concern to them. So what would the outcome be? (I took liberties with the state budget scenario, we all know that there is so much fat, no, not fat, blubber, that this would never happen)

I do not think that it is “my patriotic duty to pay more taxes” and never will. I believe the economic policies of President NObama and Governor NO’malley are disastrous for this county and state. I am not happy with the increase in property taxes and am disappointed with the 3 R commissioners. But I will not crucify them for their decision. I think that they did their best with what they had to work with. I will continue to keep the faith that they will do their best to represent me and others. So I will continue to support Commissioners Demmler, Mullin and Hodge.

From Senator Nancy Jacobs - Special Session Update: Final Comments

November 27, 2007

In the wee hours of the morning and with less than 50 days until the Maryland General Assembly convenes for the 2008 Legislative Session, Governor O’Malley, President Miller and Speaker Busch united to pass on nearly $7 billion in new taxes over the next four years-- $1,222 tax on every man, woman and child in Maryland over the next three years!

Citizens were largely shut out of this hastily thrown together special session and the name of the game was backroom deals. Throughout this process I have stood up for the working families and small business owners of Maryland arguing that they are already over-taxed, over-burdened and evidently under-valued by their government. I tried explaining to my colleagues that now is the worst time to punish Maryland’s families and businesses--the price of gas is sky rocketing, electric rates have gone through the roof and housing market is in turmoil.

These are the taxes that passed:

* Sales Tax increase from 5% to 6% (20% increase)
* New 6% service sales tax on Computer Services (600%)
* MVA title certificate fee increase from $23 to $50, Last summer, Gov.
O’Malley said this increase was too onerous for working families, but
has reversed himself. (120% increase)
* Car Titling Tax increase from 5 to 6% (20% increase)
* Income Tax increases from 5 to 15% for some earners.
* Cigarette Tax increase from $1 to $2 (100% increase)
* Business taxes increase from 7% to 8.25% (Almost 18%)
* No property tax reduction despite Governor O’Malley’s promise
* New transfer tax on real estate transfers of “controlling interests”
* BGE and other power companies that lost exemptions on their property
will certainly pass along these new costs to customers, adding yet
another new tax

* The bills did include recommended spending cuts, but they are not
enforceable and quite frankly very unlikely to ever go into affect.
Gov. O’Malley’s tax plan raises more money than is actually needed to
reduce the “structural deficit.” In fact, Gov. O’Malley’s plan calls for
11%increase to the state budget for next year!

We didn’'t dig ourselves out of the “structural deficit” through new taxation; we just filled one hole and started digging another with these new spending commitments:

* $592 million Global Cost of Education Index
* $580 million Health Care Expansion
* $210 million Chesapeake Bay Fund
* $245 million Higher Education Investment Fund
* $110 million Helicopter Replacement Fund
* $50 million Prince George’s County Hospital Fund

The days of surpluses are over and the credit card governance has returned to Annapolis, in a big way--a $1.7 billion-a-year way.

I wish I could bring you better results and tell you that we squashed their attack on your pocketbooks, but our attempts largely fell short. But you should know that your efforts did not go unnoticed as the House and Senate removed service sales taxes on real estate property management, health clubs, spas, arcades, and lawn care services.

I would also like to report to you that one of my amendments was included in the final package: home schooling parents will not have to pay the computer services sales tax. I do not believe anyone should have to pay this onerous new tax and I voted against the bill as a whole, but I did do my best to protect constituents in any fashion possible.

I invite you to stay in touch and continue to track what’s happening on my website, www.nancyjacobs.com, and I thank you for your support.

Lastly, please consider attending one of our two special events on January 3, 2008 at the Richlin Ballroom in the morning and at Bulle Rock in the evening with Bob Ehrlich. Click here for information.

Sincerely,
Nancy Jacobs
State Senator, District 34 -- Harford and Cecil Counties

Message from Senator Nancy Jacobs

From Senator Nancy Jacobs
Special Session Update: Take Action Now

Nov 10, 2007

Greetings,

In the past you have written me regarding various proposals to raise taxes. As you know, Governor O'Malley has called this special session specifically to raise taxes. One of the most egregious bills he has proposed will raise and expand the sales tax. Knowing your interest in this issue, I wanted to provide you with an update as to the status of the various tax hikes as proposed by Governor O'Malley.

The Senate heard third readings today. Third readings are the final reading in the Senate before the bill is sent over to the House of Delegates. The short summary of it is that all four bills passed.

But the devil is in the details. Republicans and Democrats (Brochin, Della, Klausmeir, and Stone) sought to filibuster the bill. Real quickly, a filibuster is a continuing of debate in perpetuity. In other words we keep talking and talking until the sponsor of the bill agrees to drop it or move it to a later point. Filibusters can be halted by a vote of "cloture" which requires a super-majority or 3/5 of the Senate. In Maryland that means 19 votes. We got 18 and only two and half hours to debate what amounts to the largest regressive tax hike in Maryland's history!

Throughout the day we heard a lot of spirited debate against taxing Maryland families. I spoke on behalf of hardworking taxpayers several times and let me share some of the quotes from myself and my colleagues:

* Senator Nancy Jacobs: "This special session will not only be remembered for passing the largest tax hikes in Maryland history, but for passing bills with huge unintended consequences. I ask my colleagues to put a face on the taxpayers we represent rather doing what you are being told to do by the Democrat leadership."

* Senator Andrew P. Harris: In responding to a rejection from the Budget and Tax Committee Chair to answer questions about the bill: "I've never seen a committee unwilling to answer questions on a bill they proudly brought to the floor. . . I've never seen a committee unwilling to give us the numbers on the largest tax increase in Maryland history. . . It is not a debate when one side refuses to answer questions. . . The truth is - they don't really know the cost. Why won't they reveal the total cost to taxpayers."

* Senator David R. Brinkley, Minority Leader: "Advocates testifying in favor of Governor O'Malley's tax package urge that the entire package be passed because it is "progressive." In reality, over 85% of new revenues in the Senate amended O'Malley package are from regressive taxes, which will greatly harm the working poor and middle-class families of the state."

* Senator Allan H. Kittleman, Minority Whip: "Who are the winners and losers as a result of the tax increases? The clear winner is big government and the clear losers are the citizens of Maryland - who were not heard, not respected and not protected by their representatives."

* Senator E.J. Pipkin: Speaking about the proposed expansion of health care bill on the floor after the filibuster on the tax bill: "If the tax bill was on steroids – then the health bill is on Quaaludes."

I also wanted to update you that this morning Comptroller Peter Franchot sent a letter to Speaker Michael Busch indicating that a sales tax on computer services would "cripple" development of Maryland's high-tech industry. He went so far to say that "the computer firms form the nucleus of the state's new economy."

As far as I'm concerned, none of these taxes were good for Marylanders. I think we effectively hung "Not Welcome" signs up at our borders. Where Delaware says "Tax Free," Maryland says, "Our Motto: Tax, Tax, and more Taxes."

You may think that the fight is over, but that's not the case. Starting this afternoon the House of Delegates has taken up the bills that the Senate passed and some nasty ones of their own (10% hotel tax, automobile repairs tax, etc). It is important that you keep the pressure up on your legislators.

It is unlikely that the House of Delegates will pass the same version of the bill as the Senate. If they don't, then it requires the House and Senator to go to a conference committee to iron out the differences between the two versions of each bill. The conference committee consists of three members from the House of Delegates and the Senate to then vote on a compromise. The compromise is then sent to both committees, so there could be more to come. (You can learn more about the bill process here http://dls.state.md.us/SIDE_PGS/legislation/legislation.html).

The House of Delegates will be meeting off and on all weekend and will probably be voting on Saturday and Monday. The Senate comes back into session on Tuesday. The conference committees will begin meeting and we'l have more votes.

If raising taxes is of concern to you, then you should contact delegates right away and let them know how you feel about the state raising taxes. I t is crucial that constituents keep the pressure on their legislators.

* To find out who your legislators are visit http://mdelect.net .
* To contact your legislator click here http://mlis.state.md.us/cgi-win/mail32.exe.
* To listen to the proceedings click here http://mlis.state.md.us/asp/listen.asp.

I know I told you before, but I am so truly blessed to have the support of all of your from our community. We'll keep fighting and I hope you will too!

Sincerely,,
Nancy Jacobs
State Senator, District 34 -- Harford and Cecil Counties

Hodge Files for County Commissioner

For Immediate Release....

October 17, 2007
Hodge Files for County Commissioner

Today, Robert Hodge filed papers with the local Board of Elections to become an official candidate for County Commissioner " District 5.

The election is just a few short months away and with the presidential races in full swing, there is a lot of interest already in the 2008 elections, said Hodge. I needed to start right away doing the things necessary to run a successful county-wide campaign and earn the support of voters.

Hodge has already earned the respect of State Senator Nancy Jacobs.

Robert Hodge will work hard in his campaign to meet and listen to Cecil County voters. Once elected, he will work even harder to build a consensus and tackle the critical issues this county faces," said Jacobs. "Robert Hodge represents the very best Cecil County has to offer as a candidate for County Commissioner. I am glad to see that Robert is running because he will bring a sense of urgency to the Board to preserve the rural character of the county and protect our pocketbooks.

Hodge decided to run for County Commissioner because he sees a need for action by local leaders to address the needs of Cecil County.

We are getting squeezed for more money from every angle " property assessments are through the roof, Annapolis wants to raise taxes on nearly everything, and gasoline prices are continuing to rise, said Hodge. During these tough financial times, Cecil County deserves local leaders who will look critically at the budget and do more with less, said Hodge.

Robert Hodge, who owns and operates several businesses in the area, believes that his business management experience will prove an asset to Cecil County taxpayers at budget time.

As a business owner I bring a unique perspective to the County Commissioners. In my businesses, week in and week out I have to balance the budget and meet payroll, said Hodge. Often, this means finding creative solutions which cut costs and bring the budget in line with actual revenue. It is a practice that I would follow as County Commissioner " making government more efficient and productive.

Robert Hodge wants to take a more active role in the leadership of the county. In 2005, he graduated from the Cecil County Leadership Institute and recently served as the Chairman of the Land Use Sub-committee for the BRAC Action Plan. Additionally, Robert serves as Chairman of the Cecil County Republican Central Committee.

Robert Hodge is a member of the Cecil County Farm Bureau and the Economic Development Commission. He was also recently appointed to the Comprehensive Plan Committee for the County.

The reality of BRAC is that while we could attract many new jobs to the area, it could also mean an increase in residential growth. We must act quickly to take advantage of the positive aspects of BRAC while minimizing the negative, said Hodge. Implementing an infrastructure plan in the growth corridor of Cecil County is the best way to solve many of the growth issues that we face.

Cecil County is a great place to live because of its rural character. As county commissioner, I'll work to keep it that way.

Robert Hodge lives on a cattle and horse farm outside North East. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Management and Agricultural Economics from Penn State University and has made Cecil County his home for the past 25 years.

He hosts his Kick-Off Fundraiser at the Chesapeake Inn on November 15th, 2008 from 7 pm to 9 pm.

Those interested in learning more about Robert Hodge can visit his web site at www.Hodge2008.com.

"Senator Nancy Jacobs Endorses Andy Harris for Congress"

Annapolis - Today State Senator Nancy Jacobs (R-34 Cecil and Harford Counties) endorsed Andy Harris in the Republican Primary in Maryland's first congressional district.

Senator Jacobs has served with Senator Harris in the Maryland State Senate since 1998. Since their arrival in the Senate, Senator Jacobs and Senator Harris have established a long record of the protecting the taxpayers in Maryland. Senator Jacobs is best known for her advocacy for children. She was the sponsor of "Jessica's Law", legislation that increased penalties on people who sexually prey on children. Senator Jacobs' hard work finally paid off this year when the General Assembly passed and the Governor signed "Jessica's Law" into law.

"I resolutely stand beside and endorse my colleague Andy Harris for Congress," Senator Jacobs said. "I have seen firsthand Andy's commitment to our mainstream Republican values and I know he will work hard for the voters of the first congressional district."

Senator Harris responded to her endorsement by saying, "It has been my honor to serve with Senator Jacobs in the Maryland State Senate. We share Republican values of smaller government, lower taxes, and less wasteful government spending. I am honored to have her endorsement."

Senator Jacobs joins a long list of elected officials and Republican activists who have endorsed Andy Harris' candidacy. Currently seven of the eight Republican State Senators who represent parts of the first congressional district have endorsed Andy Harris for Congress. "I believe Republican leaders understand my commitment to building the Republican Party in Maryland, which is why so many have endorsed my candidacy. It is time we have a Republican congressman who is proud of Republican values, not ashamed of them," Harris said.