State Treasurer Nancy Kopp is expected to be easily re-elected to another four-year term by a joint session of the General Assembly this morning after she was easily renominated by a special legislative committee late Wednesday afternoon.
Month: February 2011
Blog: What happens when the camera goes off?
About three-quarters of the way through Wednesday’s Board of Public Works meeting, a rainbow test pattern replaced Gov. Martin O’Malley, Treasurer Nancy Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot for the 27 people who were watching it broadcast on their computers.
Bills offer some property tax relief
Two bills would offer some property tax relief by capping increases on owner-occupied homes at 5%, and allowing business to pay property tax bills in two installments, as homeowners can now do.
State Roundup, February 23, 2011
The Senate will take up debate on gay marriage beginning at 10 a.m. today — expect it to be a long session that could continue into tomorrow; six senators propose “Maryland First” budget of tax hikes to restore funds to schools, health care and roads; legislators working across party lines to legalize medical marijuana; bill would add cameras to catch drivers who pass school buses as well as hike fines and add points; Gladden testifies to change name of mountain; ICC opens to traffic; and rockfish net season reopened for short while.
Maryland First plan combines progressive measures for a projected $827m in revenues
A group of six senators unveiled on Tuesday a package of bills designed to raise an estimated $827 million in new revenues to help take the sting out of budget cuts proposed by Gov. Martin O’Malley.
“The plan is intended to expand the conversation about balancing the budget and to reduce the pain in the budget cuts,” said Sen. PaulPinsky, a Prince George’s County Democrat and one of the senators behind the “Maryland First” plan.
Lockdown for transportation trust fund examined, questioned
A constitutional amendment that would lock down the money in the transportation trust fund was supported by lawmakers, local officials, business people and petroleum lobbyists – but financial analysts and some delegates questioned why such a measure is needed.
The bill, proposed in the House by Del. Susan Krebs, was debated in front of the House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday afternoon. Krebs, a Carroll County Republican, said that there are myriad transportation needs in the state, and not always enough money to make them happen. Proceeds of the transportation trust fund, which was created in 1971, are meant to be spent solely on transit needs.
State Roundup, February 22, 2011
Ribbon cutting for the ICC, Ehrlich attends, but no cars till after today’s snows; another dime-a-drink bill introduced — this one wouldn’t direct funds to health care; resolution to rename mountains to get hearing; some see septic proposal as anti-rural; bill would force insurer to directly pay ambulance provider; Clagett named to bays panel; and Johnson’s own words aided FBI.
Advocates urge senators to prevent proposed cut in per-pupil spending
Despite the state’s continuing problems balancing its budget, education advocates – from State Superintendent Nancy Grasmick to community leaders – pleaded with members of a Senate budget subcommittee on Friday not to cut funds from schools.
Gov. Martin O’Malley has proposed a total of $6.4 billion for public school education in his fiscal year 2012 budget, a figure he described as “level funding.” But the total amount winds up being 4.6% less than schools are receiving in the current fiscal year, due to a loss of federal stimulus dollars.
State Roundup, February 21, 2011
Mooney issues “action alert” to sway undecideds against gay marriage; French firm in MARC bid target of two bills seeking disclosure over involvement in Holocaust; quarter of Marylanders who register to vote at MVA aren’t added to the rolls; Miller expects drink tax to pass; bill targets mega-poachers; Frederick fees rejected in Annapolis; O’Malley takes a swipe at GOP while at DGA; ICC set to open; State Farm, SHA team up to put more emergency vehicles on road; Glendening reconsiders position on life without parole; Jockey Club fails to submit financial reports; cow naming controversy on the Eastern Shore; and long-time supporters of ex-Prince George’s Exec Johnson bear burden of their backing.
Video: An interview with House Republican Leader Tony O’Donnell
House Republican Leader Tony O’Donnell talks about his objections to gay marriage, federal health care implementation and new taxes with Len Lazarick of MarylandReporter.com and Bryan Sears of Patch.com.
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