Our Senator
Kathy Klausmeier
From the Neighborhood, For Our Neighborhoods.
Kathy's Things of Interest
Bond Bills
Other bills I cosponsored and issues I worked on are
VETERANS
BALTIMORE GAS AND ELECTRIC RATES
Bond Bills
I was proud to sponsor bond bills, all of which passed,
for the Perry Hall Mansion ($250,000), the Maryland Food Bank ($150,000)
and the Blind Industries ($1,000,000). These will all benefit citizens of Maryland.
Other bills I cosponsored and issues I worked on are:
In working with the Baltimore County Delegation and County Executive Jim Smith, overall state
aid to Baltimore County increased by 14.6%. Baltimore County received $35 million for school
construction and $2 million for aging schools. Specific funds are in the budget to complete
renovations at many Baltimore County Schools in 2007. Specifically in the 8th District....
Perry Hall Middle, Pine Grove Middle, Pine Grove Elementary, Perry Hall Elementary and
Perry Hall High.
Many of you have asked the outcome of the Charles H. Hickey School property transfer from
juvenile services to the Department of Natural Resources to make the property become a part
of Gunpowder Falls State Park. Unfortunately, the bill passed in the Senate and never had any
action whatsoever in the House. I pledge to continue working with the planning department and
the administration to make this park a reality.
VETERANS
The Assembly approved legislation to increase the amount of veterans' retirement income
exempt from state taxes. Under current law $2,500 of military retirement income of veterans,
55 years and older, is exempt from taxes. Under the new law, the tax exemption increases to
$5,000 for all veterans.
BALTIMORE GAS AND ELECTRIC RATES
There is much frustration over the Public Service Commission and their decision to allow BG&E
to charge a 72% increase in their electricity bills. I am extremely concerned about the PSC as
well as the utility's plans to merge with hurricane-beleaguered Florida Power & Light. During
the recently concluded General Assembly Session, my colleagues and I passed legislation that
addressed these issues. All three bills were vetoed by Governor Ehrlich. I have requested a
special session and I am waiting to hear if it will be held.
I have been asked why I voted for deregulation. In 1999 as a member of the House of Delegates,
I visited many of the community and business associations in my district. At the time I was
urged to vote for deregulation so that constituents would have a choice. Most states surrounding
Maryland were doing the same thing and every economic model supported it. Obviously, it didn't
go the way we wanted. Competition didn't come to our state as it was projected to.
It has been a pleasure and honor to serve as your State Senator. I have always tried to be
as accessible as possible to my constituents. I welcome your emails, letters, and phone calls.
Please contact me if I can be of assistance.