MTA looks to soften impact of new tolls; Miller predicts same-sex marriage will pass in 2012; Harris speaks out about debt ceilings and the need for a constitutional amendment to require a balanced federal budget; a General Assembly Joint Committee urges a federal compromise; local governments may also see a ratings downgrade if the U.S. defaults. [...more]
State sells $512 million in bonds at low rate as debt ceiling crisis continues; transportation officials may reconsider some toll hike proposals; solar farm lease in Hagerstown approved; state Del. McDonough may run for U.S. Sen. Cardin's seat; and Rushern Baker gets high marks in first eight months. [...more]
Adding service, Internet sales taxes could bring in more than $1 billion to state coffers, businesses, lobbyists take aim at the idea; as debt-ceiling crisis looms, state begins $600 million bond sale, all states likely to suffer no matter what the solution; Harris wants balanced budget constitutional amendment before raising debt ceiling; Bartlett backing Boehner's plan for budget cuts, no tax hikes; and Howard County Council gets a security detail. [...more]
Federal workers who live in Maryland rally at SSA in Woodlawn over potential cuts to federal workforce; study finds Maryland's dependence on federal jobs bodes ill for state economy; judge to rule on Currie charges next week; Hatem Bridge E-ZPass for Cecil and Harford residents suggested; and parties get in line with redistricting wishlists. [...more]
African Americans ponder redistricting choice – more majority black districts or retaining power seats on Capitol Hill; O'Malley to lead the charge for gay marriage in Maryland, while same sex couples take heart and opponents consider a referendum if it passes; Franchot announces revenue surplus, urges saving for a rainy day; deeper conflicts swirl around State Center project; Sen. Shank questions state lease of land for solar project; Obama addresses debt ceiling crisis at College Park, gives several shout-outs to Frank Kratovil; and O'Malley takes aims at Romney. [...more]
State looks at online travel, shopping as new revenue source; Obama at University of Maryland today; O'Malley will announce support of same-sex marriage legislation; O'Malley blames congressional Republicans for debt impasse; DREAM Act referendum petitions to be certified today. [...more]
State bond sale delayed as investors mull debt crisis; debt crisis expected to be Obama's topic during campus trip; actuarial firm on hook for some state pension programs; study finds state 5th in nation in power plant pollution; redistricting hearings start this weekend; O'Malley sharpens focus as head of Democratic Governors Association; and Cardin challenger to head to Israel for Beck rally. [...more]
Comptroller Franchot yanks support for State Center project; bond agency threatens state's AAA rating over debt ceiling debate while local U.S. reps split vote on GOP proposal; O'Malley expected to announce plans to sponsor same sex marriage bill; Del. George to introduce bill preventing criminal politicians from collecting pensions; fracking study group named; the Tawes crabfest held today; Bartlett fund-raising raises speculation over retirement; and Frederick County drops privatization plan. [...more]
O'Malley hits the media trail over federal debt debate; Ehrlich aides plead not guilty in robocall case; 12 public hearings set to get input on redistricting; new Democratic club forms for African-Americans in Howard County; and Eastern Shore poultry industry continues to face threats. [...more]
Many blame the ICC for toll hikes; westbound Bay Bridge undergoing renovations; O'Malley now leaning toward gay marriage with religious caveats; but Republicans look at recent petition success and think gay marriage can be stopped; two Ehrlich operatives to be arraigned today in voter suppression case; debt-ceiling deadlock could delay Maryland bond sale as federal workers brace for another crisis; University system's founding Chancellor Toll dies; Howard exec Ulman urges all counties to review finances; and with $30,000 in uncollected payments, Allegany County hopes to tighten rules on school lunches. [...more]
