EXPANSION OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING RIGHTS TO EMPLOYEES OF MARYLAND PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES INCREASE COLLEGE TUITION
During the 2001 legislative session, several Prince George’s and Montgomery County Democrats sponsored legislation, which former Governor Glendening signed into law, to expand collective bargaining rights for state employees to include employees of the University System of Maryland, Morgan State University, St. Mary’s College, and Baltimore City Community College (HB300/SB207). Among the sponsors, was then-Senator Christopher Van Hollen.
Before the legislation was signed into law by former Governor Glendening, the Maryland Department of Legislative Services (DLS) in its fiscal impact report to the Maryland General Assembly, warned that the legislation could increase administrative costs due to the implementation of collective bargaining agreements, increased employee compensation, costs for outside attorneys, economists, labor institutions, and other items negotiated through collective bargaining agreements. The DLS also reported that 70% of the increased costs associated with the legislation would come from the Maryland general funds or require tuition increases. The DLS was right!
Why our elected officials would pass such fiscally irresponsible legislation that would increase college costs for those that are the least able to afford it, at a time when we are trying to make a college education affordable for all Maryland children, at a time when the economy was in a downturn and with the increased homeland security costs after September 11, is a mystery, but then again, organized labor played an important part in the 2002 elections.
This “cost to the wind,” and “spend now, pay later” legislation is exactly what Governor Ehrlich was elected to change. Governor Ehrlich offered a plan to increase the general funds needed to fund education, unfortunately, the spend and tax Democrats refused to support the Governor’s plan that would have raised outside revenue through slots, preferring instead to further tax our families, senior citizens and small businesses, and raise the tuition costs for Maryland’s college students.
Sharon Constantine
Although I don't necessarily share all of your views I think it is very important that your views are out there.
I understand being in the minority as I was a minority at Bloomsburg University where EVERYONE was a conservative Republican.
Only a few of the professors (those from out of state) were Democrats.
I enjoyed the article by Katie Mucklow because I could relate to it on the opposite angle. You are absolutely right, it isn't
fun to be on the "wrong" political side. Keep up the good work and I wish you much success.
Christina Hostetter
Congratulations on an excellent inaugural edition of The Terrapin Times, the content, layout, and web availability
are outstanding.
"Informing not Conforming" is up there with "Fair and Balanced."
Matthew P. Galloway,
I saw the Terrapin Times on a bench while I was waiting for a bus. After reading it for a few minutes, I was shocked that there was
actually someone else in UMD who shared any of my conservative beliefs. Much better than The Diamondback!
Michael McDermott
Montgomery County Republican
Central Committee – District 16
Alumni of the University System of Maryland
I think you guys did a great job and I commend your efforts.
Graduate Student
History and Library Science
Dear The Terrapin Times Staff,
Ph.D. Professor,
Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences
Wayne State University