Month: November 2012

State Roundup, November 20, 2012

Now that casino expansion has been voted in, some lawmakers are expecting a big thank you; liquor industry attributes lack of sales growth to alcohol tax hike; 2011 tourism spending in state 2nd highest; Marylanders support health care reform, poll finds; a look back and forward with state Sen. Rob Garagiola; early internal poll finds Lt. Gov. Brown ahead in race for governor; and Arundel Councilman Grasso apologizes to witnesses of Election Day behavior.

Bipartisan group seeks collective compromise to ‘fix the debt’

A bi-partisan group called “Fix the Debt” has been set up to urge members of Congress to “compromise” and come up with “a grand bargain” that will avoid driving over the “fiscal cliff” of massive tax hikes and budget cuts scheduled for Jan. 1. The goal is “comprehensive and long-term solution to the debt problem,” said Michael Enright, former chief of staff of Democratic Gov. Martin O’Malley. “The math involved in this is inescapable” and “it will involve pain and sacrifice for all of us.” “Everyone’s going to have to give a little bit,” said Chip DiPaula, former chief of staff for Republican Gov. Bob Ehrlich.

Audit faults evaluations by Disabilities Department

The Maryland Department of Disabilities is not consistently providing timely annual eligibility reevaluations to beneficiaries of its $1.2 million Attendant Care Program, which reimburses personal attendant services for 157 individuals with severe physical disabilities, auditors found.

State Roundup, November 19, 2012

As U.S. Rep. Bartlett begins saying goodbye to Washington, he urges partisans to learn how to compromise; Gov. O’Malley stuns with request to withdraw Del. Alston replacement; Howard County prosecutor to probe boat crash involving Del. Dwyer; state Dems and GOP team up to push for federal fiscal health; once-thriving bingo parlors suffer downturn as casino on the upswing; state officials ready baby bumper ban; and Carl Snowden pot trial begins today.

State Roundup, November 16, 2012

Maryland lawmakers may address legalizing or decriminalizing marijuana; uncertainty over federal fiscal cliff may curb Maryland consumer spending; David Cordish says he’ll engage in Question 7 lawsuit, but doesn’t say how; Prince George’s Democrats replace Del. Ross; possible replacement for Del. Alston had troubled youth; Baltimore City trash burning plant stirs opposition in Arundel; and Baltimore City finds expensive “phantom” phone lines; various commentators analyze the election results and its effect on the 2014 election.

Alcohol industry blames flat sales in Md. on 9% tax

Representatives from the alcohol industry told the Maryland Board of Revenue Estimates Wednesday that the state’s year-old 9% sales tax on alcoholic beverages has produced stagnant growth in liquor sales in the past year, while growth in neighboring Virginia and Delaware was above the national average. Banking and real estate panelists also speaking at the board’s economic advisory forum said state and federal regulations will hinder potential private sector growth as the federal fiscal cliff approaches.

State Roundup, November 15, 2012

Prince George’s businesses are upbeat over prospect of new casino; Maryland Live! Gears up to replace some slots with table games, to hold a free “dealer school” to help in hiring; meanwhile, some Baltimore City residents are concerned that city is moving too fast with Caesars; shore gay couples speak about legal changes to their status; O’Malley administration grows more concerned as counties join effort against bay cleanup strictures; former Del. Alston meets governor; and town council’s recitation of Lord’s Prayer under fire.

State to hire gaming agency employees and procurement consultant

The Maryland Board of Public Works approved the creation of 44 gambling regulation jobs within the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency that are directly associated with the passage of Question 7 for expanded gambling in last week’s election. The powerful board, which comprises the governor, treasurer and comptroller, also approved hiring a consulting service to help update procurement practices for state agencies.

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