And he explained why certain jurisdictions sometimes need special assistance due to unique circumstances. This is the right thing to do. It is understood, of course, that the County and all concerned parties, including the General Assembly, will develop specific management improvements and accountability measures as a prerequisite to additional funding. My guess is that you would find it as unacceptable as I do. Over the past three years, Maryland has climbed from fifth to third in the country in family income.
Unemployment is at an eight-year low.
We jumped from 49th to 23rd in the nation in job creation. And 76,000 Marylanders have moved off the welfare rolls, a decrease of 34 percent. As a result of this keen focus, violent crime has dropped. I see no reason why we would now want to put our families at risk just to put money in the pockets of the casino owners and lobbyists. Governor Glendening concluded his remarks by emphasizing why he believes it is imperative for State and local officials, citizens, and others to join him in putting children first.