“If it weren’t for the more moderate leadership in the Senate, things would be a lot worse than what they are” in the Maryland General Assembly, Sen. Ed Kasemeyer told Howard County business leaders Wednesday.
Month: April 2014
Minority contractor loses bid to build center honoring minority hero
A Dorchester County tourist attraction dedicated to preserving the legacy of Harriet Tubman on the Eastern Shore has drawn ire from a minority group contractor whose bid for the project was turned down. Contractor Gilford Corporation, which is owned by an African-American, found its bid rejected because it failed to meet standards of a federal program designed to assist minority businesses.
University parking garage contract raises ethics concerns
A representative from University of Maryland Baltimore was lambasted during Wednesday’s Board of Public Works meeting, with board members calling into question how ethical the school’s process was in securing a new contractor.
Two of the five members of a selection committee to find an operator for the university’s parking facilities were former employees of the winning bidder, which was selected despite the fact another bid came in lower.
State Roundup, April 30, 2014
MDPetitions.com seeks referendum for new transgender rights law, claiming it opens the bathroom door to sexual predators; Maryland joins other jurisdictions, Obama administration to clean up the Chesapeake Bay; Prince George’s Baker, Alsobrooks back Frosh for attorney general; controversy erupts in new Latino subdistrict over House race; Baltimore to find it difficulty in viewing the Democratic gubernatorial debate; candidates outline their platforms in bipartisan gubernatorial debate; Hogan outlines tax plan in Sun forum; and Maryland Right to Life endorses in a number of races.
Getting jobs for ex-offenders key to keeping them from crime
Experts and advocates for prisoners say that providing offenders assistance immediately upon their release is the most infallible method of ensuring they don’t backslide. But those on the front lines of the recidivism battle — probation officers — are historically overworked and underpaid, leading the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services to turn to supplemental programs to assist inmates.
State Roundup, April 29, 2014
The Annapolis Capital runs, without comment, salary databases for the state of Maryland’s departments as well as for the University of Maryland System employees; Anirban Basu contends Maryland’s jurisdictions are facing a growing economic divide; BGE facing smart meter switch-out problems; two debates set for attorney general candidates; supporters urged Alma Colburn to run for Senate against estranged husband Sen. Richard Colburn; candidates scuffle over power and influence in District 43 Senate race; gubernatorial candidate Ron George’s embraces depression as part of his campaign narrative; and 17 Frederick County employees accept $25,000 parachutes.
Marylanders get so-so return on tax investment, study says
Marylanders spend within their means and get a decent return on investment when comparing taxes and quality of government services, a personal finance website has found.
Wallethub.com ranked Maryland first in the country for residents with the most sustainable spending habits, and ranked the state at an unremarkable 33rd when it comes to return on investment for state taxpayers.
More natural gas production, shipping in Md. favored in poll
A majority of Marylanders favor increased tapping of natural gas and oil in the state, according to a new poll.
The poll, conducted on behalf of the American Petroleum Institute and the Maryland Petroleum Council, found that 88% agreed with the idea that increased production of gas and oil would stimulate the economy, while 91% favor the development of national energy infrastructure.
State Roundup, April 28, 2014
“House of Cards” to remain in Maryland afterall; 26 lawmakers reimbursed for $46,000 in out-of-state travel; O’Malley sign into law bill banning surgical silencing of pets; new pot decriminalization law puts police in a quandary over inconsistencies; unregulated ride-share services come under PSC scrutiny; late DNR Secretary Torrey Brown remembered; Jon Cardin touts environmental score card, gets bested by rival Brian Frosh; Brown wins straw poll during Hagerstown Dem summit; gubernatorial candidates talk taxes; Gansler touts 200+ endorsements; and Lollar wins GOP straw poll.
New law bans surgery that silences dogs, cats
Gov. Martin O’Malley gave his signature to unsung legislation that outlaws a surgical practice removing pet vocal chords, one that the bill’s advocates said is inhumane and often frustrating for the animal.
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