State Roundup, October 26, 2009

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Gov. Martin O’Malley says he can support Constellation’s deal to sell nearly half of its nuclear power business to Electricite de France, The Sun’s Laura Smitherman reports Monday. However, his support is “heavily qualified.” He wants 10 percent bill credits for Baltimore Gas and Electric Customers, as well as extensive financial protections for BGE ratepayers.

Frederick County law enforcement is trying to raise some more money from its prison system, as the Associated Press reports that Sheriff Chuck Jenkins wants to charge inmates $10 each day for their incarceration. “Why should the public support the bad guys?” Jenkins said, projecting that the change would raise $1 million per year.

The Sun had some interesting commentary this weekend and today. The editorial writers argued today that the state needs to do a better job balancing safety and privacy rights when it comes to gangs in schools. Yesterday, they said teachers, police and firefighters can’t be “sacred cows” anymore as the state seeks to balance its budget.

Jean Marbella in The Sun writes with exasperation about the state’s protracted rollout of slot machine gambling. Liam Farrell at The Capital explains how the provision that’s led to the holdup of slots in Anne Arundel County became law and what it means.

Ovetta Wiggins writes in the Post that Prince George’s County’s new transportation plan is putting an increased emphasis on transit. Officials are calling for the extension of the Washington Metro’s Green and (proposed) Purple lines.

Meanwhile, there are more opportunities to speak on Intercounty Connector toll plans this week.

Earl Holland at The Daily Times writes that a company is looking at a charitable gambling facility on the Delaware side of Delmar. The town council will review a proposal today.

The Post’s Maryland blog says Del. Melony Griffith is fighting back against “haters,” who are being nasty at public events.

Adam Pagnucco at Maryland Politics Watch says people should look past the legislative furloughs and see that Maryland’s pay for its lawmakers is too low.

At Baltimore Brew, Jennifer Bishop writes that the state has boosted its share of payment for the Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program, which provides treatment and therapy for young children with developmental disabilities. State officials have been facing criticism for their funding of services for disabled people, as we reported today.