Len Lazarick

Federal debt ceiling deadlock could postpone Md. bond issue; state retains AAA rating

If the dispute between the White House and Congress over lifting the U.S. debt ceiling is not resolved soon, the state may put off its scheduled bond sale for upwards of $500 million set for July 27, the state treasurer’s office told a legislative committee Tuesday. “If they don’t have the debt ceiling issue resolved, the markets will be chaotic, and we will probably postpone the sale,” said Patti Konrad, manager of state debt.

Maryland trial judges pay is 43rd worst in nation

When adjusted for cost of living, Maryland’s judges are some of the worst paid in the nation, according to a study from the National Center for State Courts. The study, released last week, ranks trial court judges’ adjusted salaries at 43rd in the nation.

State Roundup, July 8, 2011

DREAM Act petitioners meet signature goal and the measure will be on 2012 ballot; Sen. Jacobs crafts legislation inspired by Casey Anthony case; pension commission finishes work; civil and criminal cases on robocalls go forward; engineering firms in scathing audit say nothing was wrong; most redistricting work to take place behind closed doors.

Pension commission wraps up, recommends look at COLAs, cost shift to counties

The special state pensions commission wrapped up its work Thursday, recommending more possible changes in public employee retirement benefits. These included shifting half the cost of teacher pensions to local school systems and asking the attorney general to take a hard look at the legality of reducing cost-of-living adjustments for current retirees.

Redistricting for Congress, General Assembly begins

The Governor’s Redistricting Advisory Committee will have several public hearings throughout the state this summer in order to give people a chance to give their input on where lines should be drawn for congressional and state legislative districts.

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