Despite teacher pension shift, state still remains burdened under $19 billion; human trafficking bills stump lawmakers; Senate passes bill for casino in Prince George’s; State Center controversy arises anew with legislation over public-private partnerships; petition could O’Malley’s redistricting plan on November ballot; 6th Congressional race continues to grab headlines with GOP debate, profile of Dem Milad Pooran and interview with Rob Garagiola; and GOP pres candidate Newt Gingrich stumps in Maryland.
Month: March 2012
Full video coverage: 6th District Democrats questioned on a dozen topics
The Democratic candidates for the seat in the redrawn 6th Congressional District took part in a two-hour debate Sunday sponsored by AARP Maryland and MarylandReporter.com. The candidates answered questions on 12 different topics.
Septic control bill passes Senate
The Senate passed an O’Malley administration bill to increase control over septic systems for new developments in a 32-14 vote, with all 12 Republicans opposing a bill they called a move to centralized planning.
“This bill clearly is a down-zoning,” said Sen. Barry Glassman, who lives on a farm in Harford County. It will cause farms to lose 30-40% of the value of their land, he said.
Briefs: Redistricting petition drive; Newt in Naptown; no study of third Bay Bridge
Republicans and minority groups upset with new lines drawn for congressional districts are starting a petition drive to put the maps on the ballot in November. Newt Gingrich visits Annapolis. The Senate rejects a study for a third bay bridge.
State Roundup, March 27, 2012
House passes bill to provide health coverage to 700,000 uninsured, OKs bill to set up public-private partnerships, passes 7.5% tax for natural gas extraction and says yes to money making on fantasy games; MTA to ask for new E-Z Pass transponder contract; Dems in 6th District Congressional race attend forum; ethics complaint filed against one – state Sen. Garagiola; and the Arundel police chief appears before council, but refuses to speak on County Exec Leopold.
House approves public-private partnership bill, threatening pending State Center lawsuit
The House of Delegates approved a controversial bill backed by Gov. Martin O’Malley that would better define the state’s policy on public-private partnerships for major construction projects after a spirited debate on Monday.
House defeats bill to nearly double costs of hunting licenses
Legislation that would have nearly doubled the price of hunting licenses faced a rare defeat in the House of Delegates Monday night after a lively debate.
The bill would have increased the cost of a hunting license from $24.50 to $40 as well as imposed various other fees related to hunting stamps.
House approves 7.5% natural gas tax, highest in the Marcellus Shale states
House lawmakers Monday night passed a 7.5% state severance tax on natural gas in a 82-51 vote, after the delegates on Saturday fended off an amendment from Del. Wendell Beitzel, R-Garrett, that would cap state and local taxes on natural gas extraction at 7.5% combined.
Podcast: 6th District Republicans debate in forum Sunday
AARP and MarylandReporter.com sponsored a 6th District debate for all congressional candidates on Sunday. Duane Keenan was there and produced a podcast featuring the Republican candidates.
State Roundup, March 26, 2012
O’Malley moving toward privatization of some government facilities; House passes budget that includes income tax hike for upper incomes; education spending law requires maintenance of effort; bills would require sprinklers in new homes; 6th District Congressional race heating up with debates, money tallies; Maryland ranks 3rd for women; and early voting starts.
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