May 18, 2012
If betting on the Preakness ponies and getting sloshed at Pimlico has little appeal, Republican Sen. J.B. Jennings is offering a bang-up alternative Saturday afternoon. At the Freestate Gun Range in Middle River, for a contribution to Jennings’ campaign you can have your picture taken with National Rifle Association President David Keene and then pick up your weapon of choice for shooting practice. Continue Reading...
May 18, 2012
As Republican delegates railed against the proposed state income tax hike Wednesday afternoon, a lone freshman Democrat from one of the most liberal and affluent districts inside the Capital Beltway got up to explain why she too could not vote for the taxes. “I believe this discriminates against two-income families with children at home,” said Del. Ariana Kelly, a Bethesda mom with two young children at home. Continue Reading...
May 16, 2012
The action on the budget and tax hikes was all over but the shouting by Republicans as the House of Delegates approved a final spending plan, shifting half of pension costs to the counties, and raising state income taxes on people making over $100,000 per year. Republicans opposed the move, joined by 10 Democrats against the budget change and pension move, and 18 opposed to the tax increases. Continue Reading...
May 16, 2012
As one delegate put it, it was déjà vu all over again as the House of Delegates on Tuesday rejected amendments to a revised spending plan and $300 million in tax hikes that had often been proposed in the regular 90-day session. The Senate passed the bills earlier in the day, and the House is set to take a final vote Wednesday. Continue Reading...
Lawmakers aren’t ruling out raising taxes next year; counties complain of costly teacher pension shift; pit bull issue will be brought up – but when?; Del. McDonough continues rant against Baltimore City “mobs of black youth,” and begins to draw fire himself; Treasury secretary speaks at GBC; interim Maryland labor secretary named; and Baltimore County braces for personnel cuts.
New budget deal overturns “doomsday” scenario, adding tax hikes for 14% of Marylanders, shifting some of the teacher pension burden to counties and hiking some other fees, while Republicans and some Democrats protest the moves; Gov. O’Malley promises second special session devoted to gambling – and pit bull legislation just may be addressed then; Del. McDonough draws fire over “roving mobs of black youths” warning to Inner Harbor tourists; and O’Malley heads to New Hampshire Dem convention.
