Governor O'Malley Prepares For Second Term
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- On Wednesday, Governor Martin O'Malley will be sworn into his second term. He also has scheduled an event at the University of Maryland College Park.
Behind the scenes, his administration is tackling numerous issues this week, getting ready for the next four years.
Adam May spoke to the governor and the first lady Monday about the upcoming inauguration.
O'Malley said the budget is his top priority. He calls it the toughest he's ever submitted, but he does not plan on raising taxes. O'Malley is slated to talk about college affordability, job creation and budget challenges at the event.
Four years after O'Malley took the oath of office, the Democratic Montgomery County native and former mayor of Baltimore prepares for his second inaugural address.
"I sure am looking forward to the inauguration. The theme is `We are one Maryland' and together, however difficult this economy, however difficult the national winds may be, we can still find ways to move forward as a state and as a people," O'Malley said.
"Everyone has been involved in going through his speech and giving our thoughts and it's going to be great," said First Lady Katie O'Malley.
State government faces major challenges this year, including another budget deficit, which O'Malley says he will not solve with tax increases.
"We're going to have to cut it together. I'm going to submit a budget that's balanced entirely with cuts. That will be the first word but not the last word. The legislation will not doubt have different ideas," O'Malley said.
O'Malley will lay out more details during the inauguration, which will also celebrate progress in public education, improvements to the public safety and the health of the Chesapeake Bay.
This month, the governor is also interviewing some new cabinet secretaries and finalizing a list of legislative priorities.
One of O'Malley's special guests on Wednesday will be the governor of Virginia, Republican Bob McDonnell.
