Month: February 2013

State Roundup, February 25, 2013

As federal sequestration cuts loom, newspapers around the state are taking a look at how the sequestration cuts will affect defense and defense industry workers, related businesses, education and children; Govs. O’Malley and McDonnell, usually on opposite sides but now in the same boat, urge a solution to defense cuts; O’Malley’s voter expansion could lead to more fraud, some experts say; gun control nudges Beretta to ponder move; gun debate expected to heat up this week as it moves to the Senate; legislation would release some juvenile offenders to guardians; study sought over September school start; Maryland DNA law heads to the Supreme Court this week; U.S. Rep. Van Hollen the next Democratic House Speaker?; Neuman sworn in as Arundel County exec; and Baltimore County Councilman charged with DUI while operating county-owned vehicle.

Gun control debate video: Mike McDermott vs. Vinny Demarco

Gun control debate video: Mike McDermott vs. Vinny Demarco

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.

Proposal to cut health care funding for pregnant women sparks sharp opposition

Proposal to cut health care funding for pregnant women sparks sharp opposition

The legislature’s budget analysts have proposed to phase out Medicaid coverage for pregnant women with incomes between 185% and 250% of the federal poverty line on the basis that these women will qualify for the state health exchange implemented under Obamacare.

But officials from Maryland’s $7 billion Medicaid program argue that this shift would jeopardize access to prenatal screenings and other health services that pregnant women and their babies need.

State Roundup, February 22, 2013

Out of a field of 16, Howard County’s economic development chief to become next Arundel County executive; Gov. O’Malley’s bill to abolish the death penalty in Maryland heading for the floor of the Senate; after some modifications, O’Malley’s gun control bill also moves forward; bill would bar shackling some women inmates who are pregnant; Del. Afzali would make voter fraud a felony; House approves revised dog bite bill; and finally, in transparent government news today, Open Meetings bills approved by subcommittee, meanwhile, UM’s regents claim a “Twitter defense” for not informing public over Big Ten negotiations and Carroll County commissioners ask press to delay Public Information Act request.

O’Malley’s voting expansion proposal raises concerns about fraud, security

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.

State Roundup, February 21, 2013

Sen. Zirkin to back repeal of death penalty; state Senate urged to act to fund transportation initiatives, while divisions remain over benefits of mass transit and lack of will to push agenda; Gov. O’Malley’s offshore wind proposal inches forward; O’Malley shows support for college infrastructure funding; and a slew of candidates line up to complete Leopold’s seat as Arundel County exec.

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