Official YDM Proposed 2014-2016 Platform

We believe: That our future lies with clean energy, which will reduce pollution, contribute significantly to our state’s and country’s commitment to climate change mitigation, diversify our national energy portfolio, promote national security, jumpstart innovation while creating jobs and stimulating investment, and provide Marylanders with cost savings over the long-term. Thus, we urge a strong national and state commitment to a clean energy future that promises environmental, economic, national security, and social benefits.

1. We support aggressive efforts to reduce energy consumption, both through energy efficiency improvements and energy conservation.

2. We support the security and oversight of our energy production sites including nuclear plants and nuclear waste disposal sites.

3. We support job-training programs that educate or retrain Maryland workers to create the greencollar workforce necessary for a clean energy future.

4. We support the elimination of fossil fuel subsidies, which distort energy markets and hinder the competitive marketization of clean energy technology.

5. We support the development of a state roadmap towards a 100% renewable energy future, free of fossil fuels and with ever-decreasing reliance on nuclear and hydroelectric power.

6. We support catalyzing the rollout of low-impact, renewable energy systems as fast as possible to achieve the aforementioned 100% renewable energy target.

7. We support the prohibition of fracking in Maryland and vigorously oppose efforts to expand infrastructure in Maryland that would encourage the expansion of fracking in the United States.

9. We support the development of offshore wind power generation.

10. We support significant new investment in clean, efficient transportation systems such as highspeed rail, bus rapid transit, the Purple Line in the Washington D.C. metro area, and the Red Line in the Baltimore metro area.

The State Budget: We believe: Quality leadership requires responsible stewardship of public resources that restrains governmental spending growth while protecting the adequacy and sustainability of government revenue. An individual's tax burden should be tied directly to his or her ability to pay, progressive in character and in spirit with reasonable checks within the system to avoid fraud and abuse.

1. We support continued and increased investment in Maryland’s aging and critical infrastructure.

2. We support a dedicated funding source for WMATA 3. We support refraining from the passage of tax cuts benefiting only the wealthy and corporations.

4. We support Maryland ensuring fiscal responsibility in passing a budget, which is balanced and consistent to the needs of Maryland citizens.

5. We support, a broad based, progressive tax system that fully funds all of the necessary functions of the Maryland Government.

6. We support transparent and accountable government budgeting.

7. Proper funding by the local, state and federal government of the medical establishment, 911 operators, emergency personnel- first responders, EMT's, firefighters, and police – is necessary in order to be able to respond to crisis situations.