ANNAPOLIS (AP) - Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley highlighted his administration's successes while noting problems the state has had with its health care exchange.
The Democrat reflected on his time in office as he gave his eithth and last State of the State address.
He talked about a sweeping a gun-control measure the General Assembly approved last year and the state's repeal of the death penalty as notable successes. he also underscored Maryland's passage of same-sex marriage rights and a version of the Dream Act.
But the Governor also noted problems with the state' health care exchange, which has been troubled by computer issues. Omalley said the problems are a source of great frustration, wbut he pledged to keep working to enroll as many people as possible by March 31.
The governor also proposed raising the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour in two years.
But, Republican Delegate Addie Eckardt told the Salisbury Daily Times that she opposed the proposed hiking saying that business owners she has talked to simply want lower taxes and less regulations to boost the economy.
Meanwhile, Democratic state Senator Jim Mathias said he was impressed by the governor's determination to deal with the computer problems that have plagued Maryland's health exchange program.
