Maryland Gov. O'Malley (D) Develops Health Goals

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) has developed the following goals for his administration, which are being monitored by the newly created Governor's Delivery Unit (modeled on a concept developed by former British prime minister Tony Blair).

Health
-- End childhood hunger in Maryland by 2015.
-- Establish a first-in-the-nation comprehensive statewide private-public secure health information exchange and electronic health records by 2012.
-- Reduce infant mortality in Maryland by 10 percent by 2012.
-- Expand access to substance abuse treatment in Maryland by 25 percent by 2012

Security
-- Reduce violent crime in Maryland by 10 percent a year.
-- Reduce violent crime against women and children by 25 percent by 2012.
-- Make Maryland the leader in homeland security preparation by 2012.

Skills
-- Create or save 250,000 growth-sector jobs in Maryland by 2012.
-- Improve student achievement and skill levels in Maryland by 25 percent by 2012.
-- Improve marketable skills of Maryland's workforce by 20 percent by 2012.

Sustainability
-- Accelerate Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts, reaching "Healthy Bay Tipping Point" by 2020.
-- Increase transit ridership in Maryland by 10 percent annually.
-- Reduce per capita electricity consumption in Maryland by 15 percent by 2015.
-- Increase Maryland's renewable energy portfolio by 20 percent by 2022.
-- Reduce Maryland's greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent by 2020.


Having goals is the only way things get done, so we applaud the Governor's ambition to improve his state. We need to find some more of these ambitious plans!

SOURCE: Gov. Martin O'Malley's office