MBRG MEMBERSHIP

We recognize that among businesses there are many variables in choosing a membership level. Please consider the following criteria in selecting an appropriate level of membership:  gross revenues, net earnings, number of employees, presence in state, and interest and commitment to MBRG's purpose and to improve the role of business in Maryland's public policy and provide support for pro-business candidates of both parties.

WHAT IS IT WORTH?

• What is it worth to Maryland business to have established a business-like means for measurement of the severely anti-business behavior of the legislature – one that has survived for 20 years and has been copied in many other states (including Maine in 2005)? In the process, an authentic business agenda was defined to combat the many opponents of business.
  
  
• What is it worth for Maryland Business to establish a strong and effective advocate for business politics and public policy – one that takes on the tough issues other business organizations shun? None existed before MBRG’S formation.
  
  
• What is it worth to Maryland business to have an organization that pushes other business organizations to be more effective in the execution of their purposes than they would otherwise?
  
  
• What is it worth for MBRG to be the voice  of Maryland business – without which there would be little or no business voice? In fact, there was no strong voice for Maryland business before MBRG. Today, MBRG is the most quoted organization, or source of any kind, in Maryland.
  
  
• What is it worth to Maryland business through MBRG and its think tank to have established an effective role in formulating public policy, e.g., taxes, labor relations, tort reform, power of Maryland’s governor, and health care especially?
  
  
• What is it worth to Maryland business to have an organization that played an unprecedented role in helping secure the re-election of scores of incumbent legislators of both political parties; and in many cases was the sole factor in the re-election and election of challengers of incumbents and open seats?
  
  
• What is it worth for Maryland business to have MBRG fill the vacuum concerning health care, accounting for as much as 20 percent of Maryland’s economy; prevent the imposition of some form of government-run health care; seize the offensive on this issue offering viable private sector alternatives?
  (Opposition to single payer was abandoned by other organizations because of the anticipated election of Kathleen Kennedy Townsend who was expected to have government-run health care as a top agenda item.)

This is not an exhaustive list of all the areas where MBRG has had a good effect on behalf of business, taxpayers, and the body politic.  Overall, MBRG has provided singular leadership and it has given business an established presence in the state’s politics it would not other wise have – all at a very small price.

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