Today we've got renewed coverage of sex offender bills, slots discussion heats up as the state considers rebidding Rocky Gap and the legal battle over slots at Arundel Mills continues. And Bob Ehrlich tests out a possible campaign message. SEX OFFENDERS: The Senate...
Month: March 2010
Tax credits for private schools may survive Senate objections
A proposal to grant tax credits for corporate donations to private schools survived back-to-back attempts to weaken it in the Senate and is expected to come up for a final vote in that chamber this week.
Opponents offered amendments to limit the amount covered by the tax credit. The proposed limit for contributions counted toward the credit is $200,000.
Liquor legislation is complicated, confusing and very local
From beer tastings in Washington County and a wine festival in Garrett, from caterer’s licenses in Somerset to micro-breweries around the state, there are 68 bills relating to minute changes in alcohol regulation making their way through the General Assembly this year.
Most only affect one jurisdiction, like a bill for a dance hall license in Prince George’s County, or even parts of a jurisdiction, such as the closing hours for bars in downtown Baltimore and the percentage of food restaurants with liquor licenses can sell in Baltimore’s upscale Harbor East.
Bill would require greener state purchases, but manufacturers balk
Maryland would have to look for environmentally-friendly products when making state purchasing decisions, under a bill backed by Gov. Martin O’Malley, but opponents are concerned the measure could cost the state hundreds of factory jobs.
The Green Maryland Act of 2010 proposes a shift to purchasing products for state agencies that are biodegradable, non-toxic and recycled.
State Roundup March 16, 2010
TEACHERS’ PENSIONS: Shift some of the costs of teachers’ pensions to the counties is “back on the table,” writes Michael Sanderson for Conduit Street (MACo) blog. Considerations for the cut may save about $60 million according to this Associated Press article posted...
Senate subcommittees cut $200 million from governor’s budget
Two Senate budget committees cut about $200 million from Gov. Martin O’Malley’s $32 billion budget, with community colleges and private colleges taking major hits, along with dozens of other health and education programs.
“What we’ve done is ugly,” said Sen. Nancy King, D-Montgomery. “We still may have to cut more.”
City roads money, other programs survive panels’ axe
Baltimore City is likely to keep its share of the money that the state puts aside to help it fix its roads, as a Senate budget subcommittee rejected a plan to share $30 million in city highway aid with the 23 other counties.
That was one of dozens of proposed spending changes rejected by two Senate subcommittees as they cut about $200 million from the governor’s $32 billion budget.
Public broadcasting faulted for spending millions without approval
The Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission has been faulted for spending millions of dollars for services without properly seeking competitive bids, executing a contract or requesting approval from the Board of Public works — all of which are in violation of state procurement regulations.
The findings come from a report released Monday by the Office of Legislative Audits. All told, the spending adds up to about $2.7 million.
State Roundup March 15, 2010
Today's roundup looks at state budget cuts being considered as the Senate begins its decisions on the spending plan, Sunshine Week for open government brings lots of coverage, and the state is still struggling to distribute food stamps and other benefits effectively....
Analysis: Could Ehrlich fix the state and supply a positive vision?
In the next few weeks, we expect to learn the answer to the question many began asking Bob Ehrlich nearly two years ago: Is he going to run for governor again?
It is clear that the Ehrlich “family” — friends, staff and especially his wife Kendel — is behind a rematch between him and Gov. Martin O’Malley. That was one of the factors he mentioned to me at a dinner in May 2008. But the key questions, he said then, were “Can I win and can I fix it?”
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