Day: March 21, 2013

Senate Finance Committee kills $3 hike in minimum wage

A bill to raise Maryland’s minimum wage to $10 an hour died in the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday. It was defeated in an 8-3 vote with several senators explaining that they opposed the legislation in spite of their sympathy for low-wage workers because the timing was not right for a wage increase.

State Roundup, March 21, 2013

The gas tax to fund transportation projects is on the fast-track for approval despite GOP complaints; state Senate easily passes $36.8 billion operating budget, which now goes to conference committee to hash out differences with House bill; Sen. Jennings introduces bill to stop suspensions of kids who mimic using guns; Republican delegates want more time to ponder Baltimore City schools reconstruction plan; legislation would require everyone in a car to wear a seatbelt; and a bill to allow medical marijuana heads to the House.

Gas tax hike on fast track as House gives preliminary OK

Gov. Martin O’Malley’s proposed gasoline tax hike that was late arriving for this year’s General Assembly session is now clearly on a fast track for passage. The House of Delegates gave it preliminary approval Wednesday night — just five days after its first hearing. The Democrat-dominated House easily beat back Republican attempts to modify the bill, HB1515, indicating more than enough Democrats are on board to pass it as early as Thursday.

Senate passes O’Malley budget with overwhelming support

Gov. Martin O’Malley’s budget passed the Senate in a landslide vote, with only five Republicans voting against it and seven Republicans voting in favor along with 35 of their Democratic colleagues.

The passage of a $36.8 billion budget was preceded by an exceptionally short debate, which lasted only an hour and included no Republican proposals to cut state spending in fiscal year 2014.

Republican legislators struggle against same-day voter registration

Facing the prospect of same-day registration for early voters, Republican delegates battled Wednesday to pass amendments intended to safeguard elections from fraud. Republicans feel that voter fraud is a widespread problem across the state and that most efforts to expand voting access further weaken the integrity of the vote.

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