Opponents to same-sex marriage are finally organizing: some predict a successful referendum to repeal it if it should pass the House; advocates are hopeful it will pass; Gov. O’Malley vs. Gov. Christie in a dustup over political philosophy that gets national attention; O’Malley talks cybersecurity at governors’ conference; septic ban bill likely to move forward; hearing on legalizing marijuana this afternoon; Kamenetz seeks to raise licensing fees in Baltimore County; and the first and only African American mayor of Annapolis dies.
Month: February 2011
Video: Interview about same-sex marriage with Del. Heather Mizeur
Len Lazarick sits down with Delegate Heather Mizeur to discuss the progression of the gay marriage bill and what is next for the bill . Filmed and Produced by Fosie Weston of OnTheHillMedia.com.
O’Malley criticizes Wisconsin Gov. Walker and spars with Texas Gov. Perry
Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) called Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s efforts to eradicate union employees’ bargaining rights a “drama” and a “circus” during a panel discussion hosted by Politico Friday. O’Malley said he learned as mayor of Baltimore: “When you’re facing tough challenges, when you have to overcome things like the imbalances in the pension system, I think it best when you bring people together to do that, and I think when you try to vilify or make one side of the equation the enemy I think you’re asking for trouble.
Blog: Benson tries to make up for missed vote
All 47 senators were present during the debate on same-sex marriage in the Senate Thursday night, but when the vote was called, one senator — Sen. Joanne Benson — was not in the chamber to cast her vote against it.
At Friday morning’s legislative session, Benson attempted to rectify that.
State Roundup, February 25, 2011
Gay marriage bill passes Senate, discussion begins in House today. Opponents promise a referendum on the controversial measure; unions wage pre-emptive fight to ward off threats faced in Wisconsin and other states; reliable power bill targets utilities, PSC; some legislators concerned with slow pace in House.
Same-sex marriage bill clears Senate; supporters say it will bring in $94 million to Maryland economy
The Maryland Senate passed a bill allowing same-sex marriage with a 25-21 vote Thursday night, which supporters said would be a $94 million boon to the Maryland economy and bring in $3.2 million in state taxes.
Conservative delegate persuades O’Malley to support cut in death taxes on family farms
A newly elected conservative Republican legislator has pulled off a fairly remarkable feat: Frederick County Del. Kathy Afzali persuaded Gov. Martin O’Malley to support and personally testify on her bill to cut death taxes on family farms.
Higher tolls coming on bridges, tunnels and highways
Public hearings about toll increases on several of Maryland’s tolled roads and bridges will start in the next few months, Transportation Secretary Beverley Swaim-Staley told a Senate budget subcommittee on Thursday.
State Roundup, February 24, 2011
Gay marriage bill passes initial Senate vote with a few amendments; final vote expected today before it goes to the House; Miller irked by number of amendments offered; bill expected to easily pass the House although one delegate wants to put it up for referendum; all this is occurring while Obama decides to pull back from defending Defense of Marriage Act’s constitutionality; O’Malley proposes incentives to lure wind turbine makers; bill to halt rivals’ interference in slots licensing likely to pass; bill would raise penalties in some fatal driving charges; state retains AAA bond rating; and Howard Exec and MACo chief Ulman to appear on Rodricks to talk government issues.
Same-sex marriage bill moves closer to passing Senate
After adopting amendments further removing religious organizations from the issue, the Senate gave preliminary approval to a bill allowing same-sex marriage in Maryland on Wednesday with a vote of 25 to 22. The controversial bill could be coming up before the Senate for final approval as soon as today, said Senate President Mike Miller.
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