MCFRW

HISTORY IN THE MAKING

To complete the history record of the MCFRW, we need information prior to 1948 – if you have some information please send to agnestom@comcast.net as soon as possible. Then we can complete the annals and post on this web page.

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Special Session Update: Final Comment

From Senator Nancy Jacobs

November 27, 2007 

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.

O’MALLEY, DEMOCRATS FORCE THROUGH TAX INCREASES

Full-Fledged Mugging of Taxpayers Happens In Dark of Night

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 19, 2007

ANNAPOLIS—At about 2:30am, the Maryland General Assembly concluded its Special “Tax Hike” Session with a nearly $7 billion tax hike on Maryland families over the course of the next four years. Following a pattern of operating in the shadows and out of the light of day, the Democrat leadership again conducted these important votes and backroom deals in the dark of night.

The final tax package would increase the sales tax by 20%, would apply the sales tax to computer services, would significantly increase the income tax structure, would increase the car titling tax by 20%, would increase the corporate tax by over 18%, and would double the cigarette tax. The tax increase amounts to $1,222 per every man, woman and child in Maryland – or almost $5000 per family of four.

Legislators also passed a bill to place on next year’s general election ballot a constitutional amendment on slot machines. An additional bill was passed that would expand Medicaid coverage to include 100,000 more uninsured citizens.

The tax relief that was promised at the start of special session never saw the light of day. When trying to sell his tax-and-spend bill as having tax relief for everyone, Governor O’Malley promised to reduce the property tax for homeowners and double the personal income tax exemption for senior citizens. In the end, both of these promises were nothing more than props in a public relations campaign, and they were never intended to be fulfilled. Bait and switch was the name of the game during this Special Session.

Dr. Jim Pelura, Chairman of the Maryland Republican Party, released the following statement:

“The Special ‘Tax Hike’ Session ended just as we have come to expect – in the dark of night. Over the past twenty-two days, Martin O’Malley and the Democrat leadership disregarded the wishes of those they represent and instead fed their appetite to spend, spend, and spend some more.

“Before this sham Special Session began, the Maryland Republican Party warned that the Democrats would ram through tax increases against the wishes of Maryland families and all without much public scrutiny or oversight. Unfortunately, we were right. In a break from tradition, legislative hearings during special session were often conducted without the public being able to listen to the hearings over the internet. O’Malley officials and Democrat leaders failed to provide copies of documents and fiscal notes ahead of time to the legislators, public, or media. Committee chairmen even stifled questioning by citizens and prevented them from going on record with full rebuttals to these disastrous economic policies.

“The linchpin for all of these tax increases was agreement to place the slots issue on the ballot next year. Without that agreement, the tax increases would never have happened. Whether someone supports or opposes slots, we should all agree that we should not tamper with our Constitution for gambling. A constitutional amendment is unnecessary, and even Comptroller Peter Franchot has warned against ‘contaminating’ the Constitution for such a frivolous idea.

“When the Special Session began, I cited figures from the Department of Legislative Services that it would cost taxpayers about $34,000 per day. In the end, it has cost Maryland taxpayers over $300 million a day. We are now left with a $7 billion price tag for this Special Session. This full-fledged mugging of Maryland families should be criminal.”

MCFRW 85^th Birthday Celebration Report

Nearly 100 Republican activists celebrated the Montgomery County Federation of Republican Women’s 85th birthday on Sunday, November 4, 2007 at the VisArts Center in the heart of Rockville Town Center. Colorful balloons decorated the rooms with tables displaying the Republican Elephant Trademark made by Sam Crow.

A local restaurant, Greystone Grill, prepared the tasty food accompanied by drinks at a cash bar including Sangria from LaTasca Restaurant. The most popular cakes of the past ten decades were baked by members of the MCFRW. Honorary Chair, Fleur Bressler, cut the 85th Birthday cake.

Gus Alzona’s band, “Trademark”, played hits of bygone years and kept the mood of the event lively and entertaining!

Among the guests attending were the Honorable Joyce Lyons Terhes, Maryland National Republican Committeewoman, Patt Parker, State President of the Maryland Federation of Republican Women and the Honorable Tom Reinheimer, Chair, Montgomery County Central Committee. A Straw Poll, 50/50 raffle and live Art Auction rounded out the afternoon program. All guests received an added treat, a beautiful gift bag from Susan In’s Salon and Day Spa, a perfect touch to end the festivities.

-Sylvia Darrow

Photos from MCFRW Birthday Celebration

Sylvia Darrow, Linda Lerch and Jeanette Kelly of the Potomac Women's Club, were among the guests at the MCFRW's 85th Birthday Celebration. Patt Parker, State President of the Maryland Federation of Republican Women, greets the guests during the Montgomery County Federation of Republican Women's 85th Birthday Celebration. Sylvia Darrow, President of the MCFRW, made the introductions.

Nancy Mattson, ( left) First Vice President, Maryland Federation of Republican Women, enjoys a moment with Patt Parker, State President, MFRW, (center), and Fleur Bresler, Past President of the Montgomery County Federation of Republican Women and Honorary Chair of the 85th Birthday Celebration of the MCFRW during the event at the VisArts Center, Rockville. Audrey Prichard casts her straw vote during the MCFRW 85th Birthday Celebration, while Walter Prichard waits his turn! Barbara Powell, (foreground) and Marjorie Atkins keep a watchful eye on the "voting machine"!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 12, 2007

House Votes For Largest Tax Increase In Maryland History

Democrats Ask “What’s In Your Wallet?”

ANNAPOLIS—Yesterday, the Maryland House of Delegates passed two tax bills, which as a package, represent the largest tax increase in Maryland history. House Bill 2, which would increase the sales tax and car titling tax by 20 percent, double the cigarette tax, and double the hotel tax, passed 82-55. House Bill 5, which would significantly increase the income tax and the cost of doing business in Maryland, passed the House 80-56. All Republican delegates voted against these regressive tax increases that will hurt working families and small businesses trying to grow and prosper in Maryland.

Dr. Jim Pelura, Chairman of the Maryland Republican Party, released the following statement: “This vote is nothing more than an all out assault on the hardworking, tax-paying families of Maryland by the Democrats in the General Assembly. The blatant attempt to take money from Maryland families for special interests is disgraceful.

“Taxes know no party affiliation. We all pay taxes. Republican legislators deserve the respect and admiration of all Maryland families for putting forth a fiscally responsible alternative with no tax increases and for standing up to this economically destructive legislation. In the end, the Democrats showed they do not respect their constituents or their financial burdens. The new Democrat slogan seems to be ‘what’s in your wallet.’”

The 88 Democrat delegates who voted for one or both of the tax bills, comprising the largest tax hike in Maryland history are listed here.

Montgomery residents protest O’Malley’s tax increase plan

Kathleen Miller, The Examiner

Oct 30, 2007 3:00 AM
Annapolis

Montgomery County residents headed to Annapolis Monday to protest the governor’s plans to raise taxes on the state’s wealthiest residents, many of whom live in the county.

To read the rest of this article, please click here.

Thirty MCFRW Members Attend the 86^th Annual Maryland Federation Republican Women’s Convention In Ocean City

All nine clubs in the Montgomery County Federation of Republican Women were represented at the 86^th annual Maryland Federation of Republican Women convention in Ocean City, October 12, 13,14.

The presentation of the National and State Awards by Sue Lynch, 1^st Vice President, National Federation of Republican Women, was the highlight of the three day convention.

Mid-Montgomery Republican Women’s Club received first place in the National Federation Republican Women Caring for America Award for Maryland. The Caring for America Award is presented to state Federations and local clubs that demonstrate excellence in community outreach. Details of this award appear on the MMRWC page.

Club Achievement Awards are presented to local clubs that demonstrate excellence in membership development, campaign activities, programs and club functions. Second place Gold Award went to Chevy Chase WRC and Potomac WRC. Third place Silver Award sent to Mid-Montgomery WRC, Olney WRC and Rockville WRC. Fourth place Bronze Award wet to Rural WRC.

The MCFRW clubs also took many of the State awards. The Black-Eyed Susan Award went to Rural WRC while Chevy Chase RWC and Rockville WRC were awarded the White Oak Awards. Mid-Montgomery WRC, Olney WRC and Potomac WRC received the Maryland Shield Award.

The Caring for America State Award was given to Mid-Montgomery WRC and Potomac WRC. Mid-Montgomery rounded out their awards by receiving the Most Successful at Solving a Club Problem and Best Newsletter. Congratulations to all of these clubs for the outstanding contributions they have made in the communities of Montgomery County!

Election of the MFRW Officers concluded the week-end activities in Ocean City. Newly elected state officers from Montgomery County are Patsy Dillingham, Rural Women’s Republican Club, 4th Vice President and Sylvia Darrow, Potomac Women’s Republican Club, Recoding Secretary.

It is indeed a privilege to be the Regional Chair for such a wonderful group of Republican Women Activists!

Sylvia Darrow

Congratulations to MCFRW from Operation We Care for being the first region in Maryland to have 100% participation in contributing to the soccer ball project.