The Mattawoman Creek Art Center is hosting the 11^th annual Six Picks High School Exhibit.  I was asked to present the awards to the winners at a reception on Sunday. It was a wonderful opportunity for these young people to have their work displayed in a professional art gallery. The real excitement for me was seeing everything come together so well in support of our young people. The kind of commitment displayed by the teachers, parents and art community is what makes these events so successful and important for our youth.  Teachers from each of the six high schools pick art to fill the 100 slots available.  The exhibit will run through February 15^th.

The Southern Maryland Delegation heard a presentation by Ronald Freeland, Executive Secretary of the Maryland Transportation Authority concerning their proposal to raise toll rates on multi-axle vehicles and begin charging E-Z Pass commuters a monthly service charge.

The changes are within the authority of the MTA and there is no legislation pending.  However, many members of the Delegation have received questions from their constituents about these cost increases.

Freeland reported there have been no changes in the tolls since 2003; and in comparing nearby states, Maryland tolls are at or near the bottom.  The cost recovery proposals do not change standard two-axle and commuter toll rates.

The MTA is charged $2.25 per month per account for E-Z Pass customers.  Since 1999 MTA has absorbed these charges, but the current economic climate requires them to pass a portion of the charge on to customers.   The trucking community has expressed concern about the increase in their toll costs in this slow economy; and the motorcycle community has questioned the application of multi-axle designation to those motorcycles towing a storage cart.

Of course, Charles county commuters who use the Nice Bridge are both concerned about the monthly service charge and concerned that the increases in tolls may be extended to standard two axle cars.  The Delegation did ask the MTA to either phase in the increases or delay the increases and spend more time in explaining these increases to the public.

The Maryland Chamber of Commerce held its “Business Day in Annapolis” and encouraged members of local Chambers to meet with their legislators to discuss the impacts of legislation on the business community.  SMECO sponsored a group of executives to attend the session and met with the Charles County Delegation.  I had an opportunity to meet with Darlene Breck and Blaine Lessard of the Southern Maryland Business Center and hear their concerns about the economic climate.  Meetings like these are important to me because they give me a chance to hear firsthand the issues that are important to those I represent.  Besides, it’s always good to see someone from home. The Southern Maryland Business Center was one of the nominees for the 2008 Small Business of the Year Award.

The first meeting of the Ways and Means Committee to which I am assigned was held today.  Chairman Hixson announced changes in subcommittee assignments so that all delegates will get a chance to concentrate on different areas reviewed by the committee.  I have been transferred from the Transportation and Education Subcommittees to the Finance and Revenue Committees.

I enjoyed the work we were able to accomplish on the Transportation and Education subcommittees and I’m looking forward to being able to accomplish some much needed work on the Finance and Revenue committees. If you’d like a little inside Annapolis knowledge, Revenues is code for taxes, so I’m looking forward to having a positive impact on those discussions

Today I watched the inauguration of our 44^th President Barack Obama.  It was wonderful to see the outpouring of hope and good will from citizens of this country to our President, but also citizens of the world.  We are all ready for changes that will make our country a better place for us all.  I attended two inaugural balls in Charles County to celebrate this momentous occasion: one at the Bel Alton Community Center and one at the Jaycees in Waldorf.  I had a delightful evening and a great time at both.

Bernard and Diane McPherson Savoy share best wishes to President Obama with Delegate Murphy