State Senator Rob Garagiola Meets with SMTA Board
April 13, 2011 |
Maryland State Senator Robert Garagiola, the chief sponsor of key transportation funding bills during the 2011 General Assembly Session, addressed the SMTA Board this week and reported back on the progress that was made this year in Annapolis, calling the overall result “a few steps forward and a few steps back.” 
Garagiola is also a member of Governor Martin O’Malley’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation Funding, and discussed with the SMTA Board the status and future direction of the Task Force. Sen. Garagiola was instrumental in leading what proved to be an unsuccessful fight for increased transportation revenues in Annapolis this year. His efforts were made that much harder by external events, such as the instability in the Middle East and resulting short-term spike in fuel prices. Discussions are now underway to raise the issue of Maryland’s ongoing transportation funding crisis during the upcoming special session on redistricting, and Senator Garagiola indicated he would continue to press for solutions.
