Lawmakers aren't ruling out raising taxes next year; counties complain of costly teacher pension shift; pit bull issue will be brought up – but when?; Del. McDonough continues rant against Baltimore City “mobs of black youth,” and begins to draw fire himself; Treasury secretary speaks at GBC; interim Maryland labor secretary named; and Baltimore County braces for personnel cuts. [...more]
New budget deal overturns “doomsday” scenario, adding tax hikes for 14% of Marylanders, shifting some of the teacher pension burden to counties and hiking some other fees, while Republicans and some Democrats protest the moves; Gov. O'Malley promises second special session devoted to gambling – and pit bull legislation just may be addressed then; Del. McDonough draws fire over “roving mobs of black youths” warning to Inner Harbor tourists; and O'Malley heads to New Hampshire Dem convention. [...more]
Some Democratic senators join Repubicans to oppose tax bill, but it passes anyway, and today it's the House of Delegates' turn; Republican lawmakers, including Sen. E.J. Pipkin, take the lead in opposing the tax package; hundreds of pit bull advocates rally for anti-discrimination legislation but that will have to wait even as renters are concerned about losing their homes; Sen. Brinkley continues to battle septic regulations; and with a referendum-heavy ballot, November's election expected to draw crowds. [...more]
As expected, oodles of coverage as the General Assembly opens its special session on the budget and tax increases: Those tax increases – on high-income earners among others – are front and center, with some stories highlighting local situations including Frederick schools and Montgomery's wealthy; also, there were lots of protests and protestations about the session and its purpose; and attempts to introduce legislation defending pit bulls was put down; meanwhile, a new law protecting the elderly from financial abuse will come on line; opponents of a liquor store with a Columbia Wegmans speak out; and U.S. Rep. John Sarbanes undertakes an experiment in campaign finance reform. [...more]
It's here: The special session has arrived, bringing with it talks of tax hikes on the wealthiest Marylanders, pushback from conservatives and attempts to throw in other legislation, including a non-discrimination bill targeting pit bulls; restaurants can soon allow patrons to bring their own wine; Del. Jacobs outlines opposition to gay marriage law, while U.S. Rep. Hoyer says he'll fight to keep law; President Obama to hold two fundraisers in Baltimore; Henson found guilty on one count; many “temporary” Montgomery laws become permanent; and Carroll commissioner sends out prayer service invites to county employees. [...more]
Proponents hope President Obama's support of gay marriage will boost chances of upholding Maryland's law while opponents say it won't help; meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Hoyer also comes out for gay marriage; with the special session, tax increases and shift in teacher pension costs seen on the horizon; 2011 audit finds problems with number of agency's take-home vehicles; and Henson jury continues deliberation. [...more]
O'Malley officially calls special session with deal on income tax hikes; Obama's endorsement of gay marriage could change dynamic of Maryland referendum; Frederick commissioner ignores ethics advice; O'Malley to set up gambling commission that will report back before August; school suspensions mount for kindergarteners; state child support worker caught taking bribe; hours reduced at post offices rather than closing them. [...more]
Civil rights group files anti-redistricting suit claiming racial bias; what to expect when you're expecting a special session: Lawmakers and the Big Three preview; Baltimore schools expect furloughs under doomsday scenario; emails reveal close relationship between Gov. O'Malley and Perdue lawyer; more discussion on the pit bull ruling; and Julius Henson wraps up robocall testimony. [...more]
Although national polls show more are accepting gay marriage, whenever the issue is put to voters, gay activists always lose; the most interesting aspect of the November vote in Maryland just may be the social issues on the ballot; as special session nears, mixed feelings over possible outcomes; pit bull advocates seek bill overturning recent ruling for special session; chef urges widening school breakfast program; and O'Malley labor secretary takes Baltimore City job. [...more]
The first of two possible special sessions is set to begin May 14, with many Republicans in opposition, but willing to take advantage of any backlash over tax hikes; Carroll delegation says it is better off under the doomsday scenario; meanwhile, proposed governor's advisory panel on gambling could delay putting gambling issues to statewide vote; large grocery chains begin push to sell wine; Eastern Shore pols are slow to adopt social media; O'Malley's crime control chief to depart; Arundel police chief could see lump payout double if he just holds on; and some commissioners grumbling over new ethics rules in Frederick. [...more]
