March 11, 2013
The Maryland Senate gave its approval to offshore wind energy on Friday, but not before a heated debate questioning whether it is a wise decision for the state to subsidize and invest in the developing technology. Proponents described it as a forward-looking law that would pave the way for energy independence and reduce the emission of greenhouse gases by capitalizing on an environmentally friendly source of electricity. Opponents described the bill as “corporate welfare” and a boondoggle for taxpayers. [...more]
March 6, 2013
House Appropriations subcommittees began the process of cutting Gov. Martin O'Malley's proposed $37 billion budget Wednesday, but the reductions were relatively modest.
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February 24, 2013
The already heated debate over new gun control measures heats up as Gov. Martin O'Malley's proposed new restrictions moves to the Senate floor on Tuesday.
In this 12-minute video, MarylandReporter.com pits Del. Mike McDermott, a Lower Shore Republican and police officer who opposes new gun licensing rules, against Vinny DeMarco, a long-time advocate for more gun control who heads Marylanders to Prevent Gun Violence. [...more]
February 22, 2013
Can “Change Maryland” actually change Maryland into a state friendlier to business?
That’s what almost 400 executives explored Thursday morning at the first large event sponsored by Change Maryland [...more]
Gov. Martin O’Malley’s bill to expand voting debuted in Annapolis Thursday, calling for more early voting days, same day voter registration and an opportunity for all Marylanders to obtain absentee ballots online.
But critics, including members of the governor’s own party, sounded off about the potential for voter fraud, some even suggesting that certain parts of the bill be delayed until security could be improved. [...more]
February 18, 2013
It was not a great week for openness and transparency at the State House. Perhaps it is more accurate to say it was business as usual in Annapolis, with a few events reminding us that while much of the public business has become remarkably accessible over the Internet, much of it still happens behind closed doors.
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February 12, 2013
A tax-weary legislature has no stomach to raise needed transportation revenues. Everybody agrees that a good transportation network of roads, highways, bridges and mass transit are an essential underpinning of the Maryland economy. But there’s no agreement on how to pay for this transportation system in the 21st century. [...more]
February 4, 2013
As Maryland legislators debate whether to repeal the death penalty, Gov. O’Malley and foes of executions have repeatedly claimed that it costs more to kill a murderer than to let him live. A commission O'Malley appointed agreed, but advocates for executions disagree with the analysis. [...more]
February 3, 2013
With the first hearing on Gov. Martin O’Malley’s gun control package set for a Senate hearing Wednesday, pro-gun legislators are loading up their arguments against the proposals.
The lawmakers said that O’Malley’s proposed gun-licensing fees in SB281 could exceed $400 per person, bringing the dawn of a new era when “only rich people could afford guns.” [...more]
January 31, 2013
There was something new in Gov. Martin O’Malley’s State of the State address Wednesday, something refreshing, a lot of the same old same old and something very disappointing. [...more]
