Some of the deeper issues underlying PlanMaryland – like problems with the economic and environmental issues cited in the comprehensive state development plan proposed by Gov. Martin O’Malley – took center stage at a forum sponsored by the Carroll County Board of Commissioners in Pikesville.
Month: October 2011
State Roundup, October 31, 2011
Conservatives rally in Annapolis with their anti-Muslim, liberal, environmentalist, illegal immigrant message; is Pat McDonough running for Senate? redistricting makes incumbent U.S. Rep. Donna Edwards the underdog while Rep. Andy Harris mum of changes and Garagiola reserved www.garagiolaforcongress in late September; Maryland politicos close ranks around Currie; UM merger debated; and Rosecroft gambling totals rise.
Campaign alerts small businesses and nonprofits to federal tax credit program
For the first time, small businesses and nonprofit organizations can get financial help for the health care coverage they offer their workers. But so new is the program, part of the Obama health care reform, that campaigns to alert businesses are taking place around the country, including in Maryland.
State Roundup, October 28, 2011
Redistricting challenges begin forming, though expert calls them outrageous; Franchot says no new taxes; rural officials take aim at PlanMaryland; Maryland is home to the nation’s largest percentage of millionaires; Judicial Watch helps MDPetitions.com with legal defense; Occupy Baltimore’s impact on state politics; several 2012 campaigns kicking off shortly.
State redistricting expert calls alternative plans outrageous
The expert the state hired to ensure Maryland’s Congressional redistricting plan was legally and constitutionally sound criticized alternative plans, calling them “ludicrous” and “outrageous,” though a court may have the final decision.
State Roundup, October 27, 2011
Rural politicians to strategize against PlanMaryland; proposals for tax hikes and new fees to pay for roads and Bay cleanup continue to make news; massive new State Police facility near Hagerstown almost complete; Ehrlich takes the stand for Currie; and Charles County focuses on light rail line to D.C.
Increased tax proposals get mixed reception
Proposals to raise the gas tax and flush tax are getting a mixed reaction, with business groups divided and other groups saying they are reasonable, but shouldn’t preclude tax hikes for other needs.
State Roundup, October 26, 2011
Panels recommend hiking gas taxes and fees to fund roads projects, clean up the Bay; DNC chair campaigns for Dems in Maryland today; U.S. Rep. Donna Edwards now finds opposition from State’s Atty. Glenn Ivey in her new 4th District; U.S. Rep. Cummings takes stand for Ulysses Currie, but Currie won’t testify for himself; federal defense cuts could mean 36,000 Maryland jobs; City Hall seeks limits on Occupy Baltimore; and Mike Schaefer case against Don Schaefer estate is dismissed.
Transportation commission officially recommends tax and fee hikes, feasibility study for mass transit authority
The Blue Ribbon Commission on Maryland Transportation Funding is recommending that the General Assembly increase wholesale gas taxes by 15 cents, prevent money from the transportation trust fund from being siphoned off to other projects, and do a feasibility study on establishing a regional transit authority.
Doubling or tripling flush tax proposed to task force
A governor’s task force on sustainable growth on Tuesday heard a proposal to double and eventually triple Maryland’s annual water and sewer fee of $30 for Chesapeake Bay restoration. Because of funding shortfalls, the workgroup also recommended extending Maryland’s timeframe to meet its bay cleanup goals to 2025, which is the Environmental Protection Agency’s deadline, instead of the self-imposed deadline of 2020 that Gov. Martin O’Malley set last year.
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