Month: February 2014

Advocates for workers and for business owners square off as debate begins over raising the statewide minimum wage with Gov. O’Malley urging passage and Arundel officials pressing for local rule; Republicans target National Security Agency’s electronic data collection with bills to penalize officials, cut off services at Fort Meade. Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Ruppersberger blasts attempt as “ill-informed;” bill would ban sale of energy drinks to minors; “safe reporting” legislation gets emotional as parent tells of son’s alcohol death; lawyers find Sen. Colburn’s “divorce in the dark” unusual; longshoremen reject contract at Port of Baltimore; and Gov. O’Malley questions feds on high number of non-criminal deportations from Maryland.

Maryland’s troubled health exchange getting the once-over. Cost expected to be $33 million higher, part of the system could be dumped and contractor could be fired. Meanwhile gubernatorial candidate Craig asks for more fiscal accountability; pro-business group’s study finds that minimum wage hike could lead to major job loss, hike in product costs while Montgomery County vows to stay with hike; Brown, Mizeur find common ground over marijuana law reforms as testimony begins in Annapolis; proposal would kill General Assembly housing reimbursement for legislators living within 50 miles of Annapolis; lawmakers wrestle over defining who is a journalist; Kurtz sends Valentine’s candy: Who are the state’s power couples?; Sen. Colburn’s divorce proceedings to stay private; and Gansler blasted for comments on Prince George’s.

State legislature begins looking at cutting the estate tax; lead contractor for the health exchange website said to have covered up “lack of relevant expertise;” energy drink ban for minors is sought; mother hopes to help children with seizures through legalized medical marijuana; city jail cellphone block works – a little too well for passersby; lawmakers push for fund to help treat babies with birth-related neurological injuries; Shore delegates rebuke Gov. O’Malley over remarks; Gansler proposes cut in ICC tolls; Democratic running mates clash in their first debate of primary season; and Arundel councilman ticketed for talking on cellphone while driving.

State says cellphone service blocked to inmates at city detention center; a new bi-partisan panel will oversee fixes to state’s health exchange;transgender protection bill imperiled; legislators wrestle over dog bite legislation; Gov. O’Malley says he’ll veto bill putting 5-cent tax on chickens; Del. Hershey pushes bill to ease financial burden on homeowners required to use best-tech septic systems; Sen. Ron Young’s annual balcony safety bill gets a warmer reception this time around; Lt. Gov. Brown hopes to reduce number of kids in foster care; Arundel pushes for more school construction funds; congressional hopeful decides to run for Harford County exec; and EPA seeks more changes to Harbor Point plan.