Day: October 30, 2013

$50 billion in unfunded state and local retirement benefits, study says

The money Maryland’s state and local governments have failed to set aside to fulfill pension promises made to teachers and employees has ballooned to more than $22.5 billion over the past five years, a new report has found.

But the counties that run their own pension systems are in much better shape than the state of Maryland, with the exception of Prince George’s County.

The most under-funded retirement benefits continue to be health insurance for these retirees, which amount to $28 billion for state and local governments. Only a handful of county governments have tried to sock money away.

In the wake of prison scandal, legislators discuss reforms — body scanners, wiretaps, polygraphs

In the wake of prison scandal, legislators discuss reforms — body scanners, wiretaps, polygraphs

Body scanners and phone wiretaps throughout Maryland’s prison system are the latest in a series of legislative proposals being considered by lawmakers trying to eliminate corruption in the state’s correctional facilities.

Other suggestions include polygraph tests for correctional officer applicants and mandatory minimum sentences for convicted contraband smugglers.

State Roundup, October 30, 2013

Contractor for Maryland Health Connection begins making changes to fix website errors, smooth way for signups; three casinos present their proposals for a Prince George’s County resort and now must wait for state to chose one; Del. Don Dwyer in car accident – police say he wasn’t at fault and no alcohol involved; after he shoots himself in the foot, gubernatorial candidate Gansler gets the full-pundit treatment as they assess his next steps; Gansler rival Brown announces domestic violence initiatives; Brown campaign manager Justin Schall profiled; website for gubernatorial candidate Lollar is down, calling into question his campaign structure; and Montgomery Exec Leggett considers vetoing council raises.

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