Thirty new Delegates and 10 new Senators joined returning legislators Wednesday as we were all sworn in to convene the 428^th Session of the Maryland General Assembly. Thank you for the honor of allowing me to represent you in this historic body. I signed the official Register Wednesday signifying the beginning of my third term as a state legislator.

   Democrats far outnumber Republicans in the current General Assembly. In the House, only 43 of the 141 Delegates are Republicans. In the Senate, only 12 of the 47 members are Republicans. The last time Republicans controlled both Chambers was 1898.

   Regardless of party, the challenges are great. Maryland faces a $1.6 billion budget shortfall and an even bigger structural deficit-the continued difference between state revenue and spending. Unsustainable pension costs for state employees also cloud the horizon.  Our Republican Caucus has offered alternative budgets that would have required the state to live within its means with NO NEW TAXES and a smaller, less-intrusive government, but our suggestions were not adopted. We will continue to provide alternatives to balance the budget and live within our means.

   I will continue this year as member of the House Health & Government Operations Committee, which will focus on how President Obama's healthcare overhaul affects Maryland. Other medical, health insurance and open government issues also will be on our agenda.

   Thanks for reading my Opening Day update. If you know anyone who might enjoy receiving my updates on state issues, please have them contact me at susan.krebs@house.state.md.us to subscribe. If, at any time, you want to be removed from this list, simply click on "Safe UnSubscribe" at the bottom of this e-mail.