The Senate debate over whether people should be able to read their text messages while driving escalated Wednesday morning into a discussion of distracted driving of all types, what drivers can do in emergencies, and a backhanded affirmation of newspapers.
UPDATED: Sen. Jennings: He wants replacements possible, not mandatory
Sen. J.B. Jennings said his mother was a bit taken aback by the headline on this morning’s blog. No, he does not want to be temporarily replaced now that he is on active duty for training.
Two delegates put gay marriage bill in peril: one wants to pray about it, the other seeks more education funding in exchange for her vote; O’Malley agrees to put septic system curbs on hold after stiff opposition; gas tax hike gains momentum even as truckers circle State House in protest; House Republicans release their own budget proposal; and Worcester Liquor Board wants its fine back.
Advocates for increased school funding and a key legislator overseeing education spending clashed at a long hearing on the bill that will reduce many formulas for state aid.
The governor’s plan is “a sustained rollback” of education funding, said Robert Rankin, a lobbyist for the Maryland State Education Association.
The governor’s proposed 2012 budget underfunds the Department of Juvenile Services by $7.2 million, according to an analysis unveiled last week.
The analysis by the Department of Legislative services, presented to the House Appropriations Committee Friday, says that Gov. Martin O’Malley’s budget overestimates the amount of money the state will receive from the federal government and underestimates the amount of money needed to pay employees for overtime. The Department of Juvenile Services, which the O’Malley administration calls “undoubtedly one of the most troubled agencies,” is budgeted at more than $277 million for 2012.
While proposals to increase employee contribution rates and retirement requirements to the State Retirement and Pension System are a good start, analysts, top staff, and members of the system’s board told the Senate budget committee Tuesday that what is truly needed is a quicker return to full contributions to the system.
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