Gov. Bob Ehrlich (R-Md.) hasn’t been having much luck lately. Half-way into his first (and probably only) term, Ehrlich’s most notable achievements have been starting a feud with state journalists and vetoing medical malpractice legislation aiming to reform the state’s health care system, which had broad bi-partisan support.
Apparently hoping to become even less popular, the embattled governor is emulating President Bush by cutting funding for the same services he exploits for public relations purposes. (Thanks to Phil for the tip.)
Maryland Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. surrounded himself with fidgety preschoolers last week as he ticked off proposals from his “year of the child” legislative agenda, including $103 million next year for a program to help low-income parents afford day care.
Left unmentioned at his news conference was that the state spent $106 million — $3 million more — on the same program last year. And that Ehrlich is reducing money for a statewide network that helps parents find child care.
Likewise, when the governor announced legislation aimed at reducing lead poisoning among children, he didn’t say that his budget would cut a $375,000 grant that Baltimore has used to seek compliance with lead-paint regulations.
And when he touted an advertising campaign to inform parents about educating children younger than 5, he didn’t say his budget would cut $800,000 from a program that teaches parenting skills.
I didn’t think it could be done, but this is almost as shameless as some of Bush’s stunts.
You might recall, for example:
* In January 2002, for example, Bush visited a job-training program in Oregon called Youth Opportunities in Northeast Portland, which helps low-income teens earn high-school degrees and find steady employment. While visiting the program, Bush praised its success and said it deserved support. Three weeks later, Bush cut its federal funding.
* In April 2001, Bush visited a Boys and Girls Club in Wilmington, Del. Though the president praised its fine work, and said he’d like to see similar programs opened statewide, Bush’s budget eliminated funding for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
* In March 2001, Bush visited Egleston Children’s Hospital in Atlanta and talked about his budget plan. “My job as the president is to submit a budget to the Congress and to set priorities, and one of the priorities that we’ve talked about is making sure the healthcare systems are funded,” Bush said. He added, “The point I want to make in this haven of love, a place of deep concern about children’s health, is that we can fund priorities.” Bush then proceeded to cut the hospital’s federal funding.
That said, Ehrlich is nearly as prolific in these stunts. On the other hand, unlike Bush, Ehrlich probably won’t be able to finagle a second term out of voters.