To translate this website into another language, click on the corresponding flag. You may have to adjust the language settings in your browser and download special character sets to read Korean and Chinese properly.
Dear Friends and Constituents,
The 2010 session of the Maryland Legislature is facing increased demands for services and seriously reduced funding. But before I fill you in on some of the needs and work ahead, I wish everyone a New Year filled with interesting plans, renewed energy and the best health possible.
Last year one of my bills allowed ordinary citizens to learn the total salaries of the top management staff of not for profit hospitals in Maryland. That bill, while passed and signed by the Governor, has not been implemented. I will be following this legislation and will keep you informed as to why it has not yet been put into effect. There will be other legislation this year aimed at reducing health care costs and increasing coverage. Some of it will be dependant on Federal Health Insurance bills.
Many of you know that I believe that the time is long past for people in the United States to have adequate, affordable and portable healthcare. Although our US Congress has addressed this issue many times, in part due to the influence of insurance companies and drug manufacturers, congress has not enacted meaningful legislation and to date is even refusing to allow states to enact their own such legislation. The gradual approach picks up some new people each year, but due to current economic situations and the aforementioned pressures, more uninsured individuals and families keep entering the system. The undue influence of the lobbyists must be limited and it is up to voters to make that clear to our Senators, Congressmen and Congresswomen.
In my position on the Health and Government Operations Committee (HGO), I will be addressing many issues. Among them will be facilities for senior citizens, hospital locations and management, small and minority business access to funding and contracts, medical prescription costs, press and prison issues and much more. As I work and vote in committee and on the floor of the House of Delegates, your ideas and suggestions are always wanted and welcome.
Infrastructure maintenance is an ongoing issue across the nation. Our water pipes, sewage systems, bridges, roads and public transportation need billions of dollars to keep them safe and in good working order. Unfortunately, we seem to wait until water pipes burst, bridges fall apart and raw sewage flows into our waterways. As the economy improves all of us need to insist that a portion of our budget be devoted to maintain our infrastructure for our safety and health.
The legislature will continue to keep Maryland’s education systems among the best in the country. It is the fine education and training of the people of Maryland that helps keep our unemployment rates down and continues to assure Maryland’s strong economic position. We are one of a small handful of states that has continued to maintain its triple AAA Bond Rating.
Elaine Flanagan is my Legislative Liaison and acts as Chief of Staff in Annapolis. She will be available 5 days a week in session, January 13 thru April 15, 2010. The phone # is 301 858 3110 and the email is Karen.Montgomery@ house.state.md.us Please call or write us if there are issues of importance to you.
Thank you for all of your letters, suggestions and support.
Karen
Montgomery County wants to help prevent Lyme Disease from spreading and has produced a new brochure and a new web page on the County website.Read more ->
Leggett announces the establishment of a Fraud Hotline. This initiative supports his goal of greater government accountability. Read more ->
Montgomery Rx Discount Prescription Drug Cards Available Throughout County Montgomery County residents who do not have prescription drug coverage are encouraged to use the FREE Montgomery Rx prescription drug discount cards when filling prescriptions. Read more ->
ContactInformation
KAREN S. MONTGOMERY Democrat, District 14 Montgomery County Lowe House Office Building Room 222 84 College Ave. Annapolis, MD 21401-1991 Phone (301) 858-3110 FAX (301)858-3053 e-mail: karen.montgomery@house.state.md.us
Many of you know that I believe that the time is long past for people in the United States to have adequate, affordable and portable healthcare. Although our US Congress has addressed this issue many times, in part due to the influence of insurance companies and drug manufacturers, congress has not enacted meaningful legislation and to date is even refusing to allow states to enact their own such legislation. The gradual approach picks up some new people each year, but due to current economic situations and the aforementioned pressures, more uninsured individuals and families keep entering the system. The undue influence of the lobbyists must be limited and it is up to voters to make that clear to our Senators, Congressmen and Congresswomen.
The legislature will continue to keep Maryland’s education systems among the best in the country. It is the fine education and training of the people of Maryland that helps keep our unemployment rates down and continues to assure Maryland’s strong economic position. We are one of a small handful of states that has continued to maintain its triple AAA Bond Rating.