May 16, 2011
Loophole allows $4.3 million in campaign donations to stay anonymous; more on the toll hikes; O'Malley torn over trash incineration bill; gas tax unlikely, Miller says; Franchot says you still may be paying more at the pump than necessary -- thanks to mislabeled poor quality gas; illegal alien makes good -- as brain surgeon; robocall grand jury empaneled and witness is called; former Del. Frank Boston dies; petition to elect Frederick County charter panel fails; lots of news about Arundel County Exec Leopold in "Portrait of a prima donna," former employee seeks reconsideration of gender suit and Leopold shakes up controversial security detail; and former Baltimore County Council candidate charged. [...more]
May 13, 2011
Steep toll hikes proposed; Gov. O'Malley's brother Peter becomes new Rawlings-Blake chief of staff; computer mapmaking tools could aid in redistricting; in-state tuition petitioners say they are on target to get the issue on the ballot; Speaker Busch predicts blue Frederick County; Ted Dallas gets Human Resources post. [...more]
May 12, 2011
O'Malley restores merit college scholarships to 350 high school seniors; Miller wants upcoming special session to target structural deficit, transportation fund; Gansler questions higher gas prices; lobbying by Maryland entities drops 23%; Montgomery County to review take-home vehicle use; Carroll commissioners anticipate lawsuits, seek to hike its legal fund; and National Park dedicated to Harriet Tubman is suggested. [...more]
May 11, 2011
Gov. O'Malley signs Maryland's DREAM Act, drawing cheers from immigrant rights advocates even as opponents continue push for its repeal; medical marijuana, Rocky Gap slots bills also among the hundreds signed; pinch of the state budget cuts hits 350 high school seniors; state gets good marks in monitoring transportation funds; and budget cuts protested in Baltimore, Anne Arundel counties. [...more]
May 10, 2011
O'Malley expected to sign bill today giving in-state tuition to some illegal immigrants; feds drop some charges against state Sen. Currie; O'Malley recommits to affordable housing efforts; state gets $22 million for rail upgrades; MTA-police agreement over take-home cars goes to court; Maryland now ranks 5th in mortgage fraud; shareholders file suits over Constellation-Exelon merger; and O'Malley brother-in-law leads push for merger OK. [...more]
May 9, 2011
Two delegates are knocking on doors in Annapolis to fight Maryland's DREAM Act; a sociologist asks why opponents backed the Act once community colleges were added; gas tax hike and funding the Transportation Trust Fund continue to be controversial; delay in revenue from slots shouldn't surprise anyone in Anne Arundel County; as harness track racing begins, will the horsemen return?; Constellation merger will delay BGE rate hike request; Leggett security tab makes it in next budget; judge backs Leggett over unions; and Fort Howard redevelopment plans offered. [...more]
May 6, 2011
Looking at Lt. Gov. Brown and his role in the O'Malley administration; primary vote move means Maryland will have more delegates to DNC Convention; no temporary Arundel slots means less revenues for the state, schools, horse racing; Mooney voted for in-state tuition to illegals in '03; looking at transportation taxes from different viewpoints; camp fees to state increasing as much as 1,900% this summer. [...more]
May 5, 2011
Cordish Cos. cans slots at Arundel mall for this year; Baltimore City can begin search for new slots vendor; sponsor vows to bring transgender anti-discrimination bill back to General Assembly; state signs off on $257 million for school construction; O'Malley speech paves way for increase in road funding and a special session; Ehrlich loves Chick-fil-A; and federal government hopes to get rid of excess property. [...more]
May 4, 2011
Opponents of instate tuition for illegal immigrants are optimistic that their petition drive will succeed, while supporters say the effort will cost the state millions of dollars; environmental groups ask O'Malley to veto waste-to-energy bill; renewable mandates may not be so green after all; April slots revenue is $13.6 million, bringing 2011 total to $77 million; Ruppersberger got "heads-up" from CIA director Panetta on assault on bin Laden; latest illegal fish netting haul hits 3 tons; Montgomery County won't fight feds on illegals crackdown; but will tax 5 cents for grocery bags; Frederick County teacher picks up White House honors; and Leslie Johnson hearing canceled. [...more]
May 3, 2011
MTA offers feds, state officials different ridership numbers; state to sue PA firm over fracking pollution in Susquehanna watershed; state senator blasts state delegate over waffling on same-sex marriage bill; taxpayer share of Schaefer's final tour unknown; new poaching net found in Bay; Democrats hope redistricting will help regain congressional seat; Leggett largesse costs county; and Howard council approves speed cameras at schools. [...more]
