A tax-weary legislature has no stomach to raise needed transportation revenues. Everybody agrees that a good transportation network of roads, highways, bridges and mass transit are an essential underpinning of the Maryland economy. But there’s no agreement on how to pay for this transportation system in the 21st century.
Month: February 2013
Motor Vehicle Administration reduces costs as transactions rise
While other units of the Maryland Department of Transportation have been roughed up at budget subcommittees in recent weeks, the Motor Vehicle Administration breezed through Friday before a Senate panel.
MVA came away unscathed from legislative budget cutters mainly because its number of transactions last year was up 3% to 12.1 million while its costs went down .4% and the productivity of its employees was up.
State Roundup, February 11, 2013
Bill would close loophole by making drunk sailing illegal; death penalty supporters admit capital punishment doesn’t really exist in Maryland; legislation would make it illegal to smoke in cars with minors present; same-sex marriage advocate backs former foe’s tax equality measure; bills seek to save endangered sharks by banning sale of shark fin soup and fins in state; GOP brings up controversial voter ID measure again; Alex Mooney resigns as GOP chair; and Kendel Ehrlich considers throwing hat in the ring for Arundel County executive.
Proposed voter ID law again draws hot debate in Annapolis
Republican legislators are back again, pushing controversial voter identification laws after failed attempts in prior years.
Sponsored by Republican Dels. Nic Kipke, Kathy Afzali and 32 other Republicans, but no Democrats, the contentious bill sparked heated debate last week in the House Ways & Means Committee.
Montgomery Republicans striving to turn county purple in 2014
With the help of state party leaders and a lot of data, the Montgomery County Republican Party – which boasts the largest number of registered Republicans in the state – launched an all out ground game Saturday at their annual convention in Rockville. Their goal in this targeted effort is to change Montgomery County from blue to purple by the 2014 election.
State Roundup, February 8, 2013
Gov. O’Malley touts two measures he hopes will put people back to work; lawmakers target big loophole in campaign financing law that allows wealthy to donate a bunch; legislation would force meat producers to reveal antibiotic use; similar bills on natural gas surcharge pass both houses; Frederick County lawmakers seek to repair transportation funding; former Sen. Tom Bromwell out of prison; and Julius Henson says he’ll run for state Senate.
Drug treatment advocates protest funding cuts to Md. rehab centers
Drug treatment advocates and addiction counselors testified at a budget hearing Wednesday to protest a proposed $4.5 million cut to the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Administration budget, which they said would have a devastating impact on Maryland’s cash-strapped drug treatment programs.
Two dozen delegates seek repeal of septic system limits
Residents of the Eastern Shore and other parts of rural Maryland are up in arms to defend their land rights which they believe are under threat as a result of last year’s environmental legislation commonly referred to as the Septic Bill.
Dozens of farmers and Maryland-natives rallied behind Del. Michael McDermott, R-Worcester, at a hearing Wednesday in the House Environmental Matters Committee on McDermott’s proposal to repeal the controversial bill.
State Roundup, February 7, 2013
Hundreds of pro-gun advocates take to the streets of Annapolis to rally against Gov. O’Malley’s proposals; meanwhile, a Senate panel begins taking testimony about the issue and hears mostly from pro-gun folks; much local gun data is unavailable for scrutiny, blocked by the federal government; in “Race to the Tots” program, legislators push for more early childhood education; state to get more federal aid for Superstorm Sandy cleanup; and ethics panel says Arundel councilmen seeking to become county exec cannot vote on nominees.
Proposals to reinforce Open Meetings compliance face hearing
Bills to increase compliance with the Open Meetings Act by public bodies in Maryland and stiffen penalties for violating the law will get a hearing Thursday afternoon in the House Health and Government Operations Committee. One of the bills, sponsored by Del. Dan Morhaim who chairs the Government Operations Subcommittee, is significantly different than what MarylandReporter.com initially reported in January.
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