An outside audit of how the state of Maryland spent almost $13 billion it got from the U.S. government found significant problems in some of the programs the state runs with federal dollars. These include eligibility problems with recipients of Medicaid and welfare.
Month: July 2013
State Roundup, July 25, 2013
Gov. O’Malley urges Marylanders to cut energy use even more or face higher utility bills; Board of Public Works OK’s BWI expansion, but not without angry words for concessions management company AirMall on its treatment of workers; BPW delays approval for major housing development on Kent Island, seeking assurances that the developer will adhere to wetlands preservation; BPW approves $65 million upgrade to drinking water and sewage systems; Prince George’s OKs its stormwater runoff plan; teachers seek moratorium on more student testing till curriculum catches up with Common Core; one of three bidders for a Prince George’s casino jumps ahead and buys land; Attorney General Gansler, who will be running for governor, announces plans for more transparency in government; Eastern Shore lawyer announces run for Del. Haddaway’s seat as she runs for lieutenant governor; U.S. Rep. Harris says his Zimmerman quotes were taken out of context; Baltimore City tax breaks given in error to remain; and Frederick County residents fight privatization of eldercare homes in court and BPW takes up issues.
Gansler proposes new inspector general to take ‘back room’ out of state spending
As he prepares to run for governor, Attorney General Doug Gansler is proposing a six-point Good Government overhaul to beef up accountability and transparency on state spending. This includes a new public information inspector general to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently and effectively.
State loan for Greene Turtle sports bar in Towson delayed
The Board of Public Works kicked a $240,000 loan to renovate and expand a popular sports bar franchise down the road on Wednesday. The board will instead decide whether to grant the economic development loan, which is 27% of total project costs, to the Towson Greene Turtle on York Road at the next Board of Public Works meeting on Aug. 21.
State Roundup, July 24, 2013
Statewide, student test scores have dropped, most likely attributable to the Common Core standards; Gov. O’Malley is expected to make an even more-ambitious push for renewable energy; meanwhile more Marylanders are concerned about climate change, according to a state study, and want government to work to mitigate the effects; while fewer Marylanders are in state colleges, the number of foreign students is up; huge and controversial Kent Island development to go before the Board of Public Works today; U.S. Rep. Delaney expected to make $69 million off sale of business; Del. Mizeur conducts a service-oriented campaign for governor; Republican Charles Lollar to kick off gubernatorial campaign in September; and still no GOP candidate for AG.
MarylandReporter.com ‘Best of Baltimore’ again; SPJ honors website
For the second year in a row, Baltimore magazine has named MarylandReporter.com the best “political website.” Last month, the Washington, D.C. chapter of the Society of Professional Journalist named MarylandReporter.com the winner of its blog category in the chapter’s 2013 Dateline Awards for Excellence in Local Journalism.
Maryland ranked 19th in growth in government spending, Tax Foundation says
Government spending in Maryland grew 30.5% over 10 years beginning in 2001, according to a nonprofit group that researches tax policies.
The Tax Foundation report ranks Maryland 19th overall in terms growth of government spending, which spans the administrations of three governors and two political parties.
State Roundup, July 23, 2013
Gov. O’Malley urges the federal government to continue funding for state’s aerospace industry; Comptroller Franchot pushes Howard businesses to use Affordable Care tax credits; Board of Public Works will address housing development plan IT rejected several years ago; U.S. Rep. Ruppersberger among lawmakers sponsoring legislation to honor Dr. R Adams Cowley of Shock Trauma; Attorney General Gansler touts transparency, accountability in government; rural county coalition begins planning for 2014 legislative session; Del. Cardin announces run for attorney general; Lt. Gov. Brown picks up more endorsements; and Harford teachers plan work-to-rule protest.
Franchot promotes federal health insurance tax credits for small businesses
Comptroller Peter Franchot will nudge thousands of Howard County small businesses to take advantage of additional tax credits available through the Affordable Care Act.
He joined a number of health care advocates and politicians in Columbia on Monday to announce his outreach to over 5,000 small businesses in Howard County.
State Roundup, July 22, 2013
Maryland Port Administration eyes new auto terminal for Sparrows Point, but some residents are concerned about dredging; Gov. O’Malley will emphasize state’s aerospace industry; Dels. Aumann and Cluster tapped as assistant minority whip and deputy minority whip by House GOP; Del. Cardin announces run for attorney general with campaign video; Hancock Republican seeks House District 1C seat; Prince George’s beats Anne Arundel when it comes to state funding for projects; and Frederick Commissioners President Young won’t deny four-member voting bloc.
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