Illegal Immigration hurts everyone.

"I celebrate our collective immigrant heritage. My own family history covers northern Europe, and the generations that preceded me brought their own unique talents and knowledge to the shores of America. My predecessors, and hundreds of thousands of others like them, fully integrated themselves and their families into American life. They learned the language, culture, and traditions that have made this Nation what it is, while still keeping their own personal and family histories alive.

The illegal immigration issue raises serious concerns for the future of our free and open society. Immigrants who enter this country illegally do so in violation of federal law, and in most cases with full knowledge of that violation. They do not have any intention of establishing a legal basis for citizenship, unlike thousands of others who enter this country legally, and place themselves on a path to full citizen status in compliance with applicable federal and local statutes.

I do not support the extension of services, programs, or benefits of any kind to individuals who enter this country in violation of the law. Further, I oppose any attempt to mandate the use of any language other than English, whether it be in public schools, health facilities, or government services.

The path to full citizenship status is clear and unambiguous. It lays out a path to full compliance with the law in becoming an integral and contributing member of our society.

2006 TAX CREDITS & BENEFITS

Property Tax Reduction: The State Board of Public Works, consisting of Maryland’s governor, comptroller and treasurer, approved a 2-cent reduction of the property-tax rate, to 11.2 cents per $100 of assessed value.

Homeowners’ Property Tax Credit provides credits for elderly homeowners at least 70 years old and of limited income and individuals with disabilities based on a sliding scale of property tax liability and income. (SB382/HB5)

Renters’ Property Tax Relief: provides relief for elderly or disabled renters from the assumed property tax paid as part of rent. The new maximum annual amount that may be received increases from $600 to $750 effective 2006. (SB382/HB5)

Veterans - Income Tax Reduction expands the existing military retirement income subtraction modification to individuals at least 55 years old who were active duty enlisted members at the time of retirement and met specified income limits by allowing a subtraction from taxable income for the first $5,000 (instead of $2,500) of retirement income. (SB22)

Veterans’ Benefits: Legislation extends the public safety death benefit to Maryland residents who were members of the uniformed forces killed in Afghanistan or Iraq and creates an outreach and advocacy program to ensure that veterans are informed of available federal and State services.

Maryland Clean Energy Incentive Act of 2006: Tax credit for producers of qualified energy resources including energy produced by wind, closed loop biomass, forest thinnings and brush, and methane or other combustible gas resulting from the decomposition of certain organic materials. (SB314/HB395)

Estate Tax Reduction reduces the estate tax on the smallest taxable estates from 41% to 16% and modifies administrative aspects of the tax. (SB2/HB1219)

Rural Economic Development

HB 1147- Expands and consolidates rural capacity development programs, such as agricultural economic development. Created the Maryland Rural Council, which Rick serves on.

HB820 - Land Trusts - Broadens the exemption for recordation and transfers on conservation or preservation easements to qualified land trusts

HB 239- Agriculture Ombudsman - creates an Agricultural Ombudsman in DHMH to work with farmers on cross-jurisdictional matters. Several years ago, local dairy farmers had problems dealing with DHMH inspectors

HB 1179 - Maryland Agricultural & Resource-based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO) - Top priority of Rural MD Council, creates a funding source for farm-related economic development projects