The first mention of Barack Obama generated loud, sustained, and genuine applause.

Early in his State of the State address, Governor O’Malley declared, “With the inspired leadership of our new President, Barack Obama, we finally have a federal partner who shares our commitment to progress.”

I turned to the delegate sitting next to me and said, “The Republicans in Washington were dead wrong yesterday to march in lock step opposition to Obama.”

Granted the Governor’s audience today was overwhelmingly Democratic. Nonetheless, the broader public overwhelmingly and enthusiastically (with far more hope than trepidation) supports the President’s efforts to turn around the economy.

Governor O’Malley also acknowledged the effect the stimulus legislation would have on the state budget.

“It is my hope, and it is my belief, and it is my expectation that the balanced budget we were required by law to submit this month will be a better budget by the time it’s up for final consideration in April. Why? Two reasons. Barack… Obama”

A reduction in state aid to local schools is one of the most controversial elements in the Governor’s budget. He hopes that the amount targeted for education in the stimulus package will be greater than the cut he is calling for.

The stimulus money will be coming to the states for two years. At a meeting yesterday and in conversations today, I suggested that the General Assembly sunset the reduction in state aid to local schools that the Governor has proposed.

A sunset provision in the Governor’s bill would mean that two years from now, when the stimulus money is no longer flowing, the law would obligate the Governor to provide full funding for aid to local schools.