The Baltimore Jewish Council, the advocacy arm of The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Greater Baltimore, has issued a Thanksgiving message of gratitiude for the state's leaders:

"In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, we reflect on these difficult times, and give thanks for all that we have. In doing so, we ask you to take a moment to thank Governor Martin O'Malley and the Board of Public works for all they are doing to protect Maryland's most vulnerable citizens," the council says Tuesday in an action alert to supporters.

"In particular, we want to thank our state's leaders for maintaining current funding levels for the Developmental Disabilities Administration. We also commend them for minimizing budget cuts to the Mental Hygiene Administration."

The council asks supporters to e-mail their thanks to O'Malley and his administration "for making these tough decisions with care and thoughtfulness."