News from Annapolis                                                                   December 9, 2009

Dear Friends,dix, kasten, dangel
  
   Our new South Carroll Senior and Community Center has something for citizens of all ages:  balanced meals, blood pressure checks, exercise classes--even basketball games.
    I joined senior citizens, County Commissioners and Maryland Secretary of Aging Gloria Lawlah at the new Mineral Hill Road center for a ribbon-cutting last week and was happy to see that efficient use of limited state and county funds will provide our community with so many healthy-living and recreation options.
   The Ehrlich Administration committed $426,000 toward the new center in 2006 after Carroll County Delegates and Senators reported overcrowded conditions at the old Bartholow Road center. Fortunately, we obtained the grant then, before the current economic downturn began battering state and local government revenues. For a look at the new center, and also for the latest on Carroll County budget cuts, watch Channel 11's live report.
 
   This month, the Maryland Office of the People's Counsel posted a cost comparison chart of utility suppliers. This information can help Marylanders switch to the most affordable provider in their area.
   Since electricity supply is deregulated in Maryland, we can buy electricity from any energy supplier licensed by the Maryland Public Service Commission and registered with BGE. Otherwise, we can continue purchasing our energy from BGE. Our electricity service consists of two parts: supply and delivery. No matter who we buy our electricity from, BGE delivers it to our homes through their power lines.
   For more information on shopping for electricity supply, visit the Maryland Office of the People's Counsel website.
Financial Literacy Task Force to Present Plan for Maryland Schools  
 
   On December 22, the Task Force to Study How to Improve Financial Literacy in the State will send its recommendations to the Governor and the legislature. 
   This task force was created in 2008 to examine the current ability of high school students and graduates to understand basic financial concepts like budgeting, banking, credit and investing.
   As one of four General Assembly members heading up the task force, I want to ensure that our young people are prepared to make decisions about their financial futures, whether that means signing up for a credit card, buying a car or getting their first home loan.
   In a recent interview on Maryland Public Television, Baltimore Sun financial columnist Jay Hancock noted that Carroll County is one of very few school systems to teach a dedicated personal finance course. He goes on to speak about the scarcity of financial literacy programs in Maryland high schools and the future legislation that could change that. Watch the interview on the Baltimore Sun's website.
Operation Welcome Home Meets Hundreds of Returning Soldiers at BWI