2010 Legislative Agenda
Safe & Healthy Communities
Our children have the right to grow up in a safe & healthy environment. The reality is that unseen toxic chemicals in basic consumer products too often put our children’s health at risk.
Maryland PIRG supports legislation that:
• Phases out the use of deca-BDE, a toxic chemical most commonly found in electronics.
• Restricts the use of the chemical BPA (Bisphenol-A) in baby bottles, food containers and other products made for children.
Sound Budget & Tax Policy
A fair tax system relies on everyone paying their fair share.
Unfortunately, multi-state corporations are able to use
accounting tricks to avoid paying their fair share in Maryland,
leaving individuals and small businesses to bear the brunt
of the tax burden.
Maryland PIRG supports legislation that:
• Establishes ‘combined reporting’ to eliminate many corporate tax-avoidance schemes.
Increasing Civic Participation
The influence of wealthy special interests in the funding
of campaigns has eroded public trust in our political system
and has discouraged civic participation.
Maryland PIRG supports legislation that:
• Creates a public campaign finance system for political
candidates that agree not to accept large contributions from
donors AND establishes a matching program for individuals
that give small contributions.
• Welcomes voter registration on Election Day to ensure
all eligible citizens are able to vote.
Protecting Consumers
Consumers should have protections in place that will
minimize the rate of foreclosures and help prevent financial
scams and fraud.
Maryland PIRG supports legislation that:
• Ensures third party foreclosure mediation is available
for homeowners attempting to renegotiate loans with their
banks prior to foreclosure.
• Prevents deceptive and costly practices from debt consolidators.
Encouraging Transit, Not Traffic
Investing in public transit reduces the number of cars on
the road and creates long-term jobs. Ridership on public
transportation is increasing, yet the state continues to prioritize
the construction of new roads and highways.
Maryland PIRG supports legislation that:
• Funds transit expansion projects including the Purple Line
in PG & Montgomery Counties, the Red Line in Baltimore,
and the Corridor Cities Transitway to Frederick; AND funds
expanded MARC service along existing routes.
• Ensures a predictable and transparent system for the
spending of state transportation dollars.
Comprehensive Energy Planning
Maryland lacks a statewide energy plan to meet our long-term
energy needs while achieving cost stability. Currently,
proposed energy projects are reviewed and approved on
a first-come basis.
Maryland PIRG supports legislation that:
• Establishes a comprehensive energy plan that ensures new energy projects are prioritized based on the public’s interest: long term cost stability and service reliability.
