Minimum Wage - Raising the minimum wage without raising the federal minimum wage elevates politics over economics. Law of economics - "When you make something more expensive, you get less of it." Maryland small businesses do not have the resources to absorb yet another government mandate, and since their customers will be free to choose products from cheaper competitors located in neighboring states they will most likely have to fire employees in order to stay afloat.

Voting Rights - A safe and fair election is the bedrock of American Democracy. The citizens of Maryland deserve a competent, credible and nonpartisan State Board of Elections to administer a safe and fair election. TrueVote, a nonpartisan citizens group dedicated to verifiable voting, criticized the General Assembly for its early voting law, its refusal to support paper trails to verify voters, and treating Maryland voters like "lab rats" this coming election.

Fair Share Health Care - This legislation is not about health care for under and uninsured Marylanders. It is about national unions telling Maryland's business community how to conduct their private business. This legislation will ultimately drive up costs on our low and middle income consumers. Those are the same consumers who need the jobs that companies provide and depend on getting quality products at low prices.

Healthy Air Act - The bill was more focused on shutting down power plants than meeting clear air requirements. Forcing power plants to spend millions on pollution controls will increase already sky-rocketing electric costs for consumers, put at least one power plant in jeopardy of closing, and potentially cause rolling blackouts across Maryland.

Stem Cell Research - I oppose any Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research that involves the intentional killing of Human Embryos for scientific experimentation, because it undermines the value of human life. I do strongly support the more successful, logical, ethical, and immediately promising field of Adult and Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Research. I am confident that the advancements of science will soon show us promising treatments for many diseases without the unwarranted destruction of human life, no matter how young or small.

Utility Reform (merger) - This was an unprecedented plan to insert the legislature into the proposed merger of two companies, Florida Power & Light and Constellation Energy, which is the parent company of BG&E. It does nothing to keep electricity affordable for working Marylanders. It gives politicians veto power over a mutually agreed upon merger between two private companies.This veto threat puts 6,000 Maryland jobs at risk.

Utility Reform (PSC) - This legislation would have abruptly terminated all members of the PSC, leaving this regulatory body empty and rudderless at a time when stability and stewardship are most needed as we fight for consumer interests. Moreover, having multiple appointing authorities (Governor, President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House) is hardly conducive to forming a cohesive group for decision making purposes.