Capital News Service

Happy Maryland Day!

Happy Maryland Day!

Today celebrates the landing of the first English settlers to Maryland on this date in 1634. Here are two interactive graphics from Capital News Service, one a quiz about Maryland state symbols, the other an interpretative analysis of the Confederate references in the current version of the state song, “Maryland, My Maryland.”

Justice Reinvestment bill expected to return to Senate Wednesday

Justice Reinvestment bill expected to return to Senate Wednesday

Legislation that aims to reduce Maryland’s prison populations, corrections spending and recidivism rates is expected to return to the state Senate Wednesday, after concerns were raised Monday over committee amendments to the bill. The Justice Reinvestment Act would alter criminal penalties and provisions on sentencing, corrections, parole and supervision in an effort to focus correctional resources on “serious and violent offenders,” according to a legislative analysis.

Md. revenue estimates down slightly for coming year

The Maryland Board of Revenue Estimates on Wednesday decided to write down state revenue estimates for fiscal 2016 and 2017 by approximately $51 million from estimates made last December. State Comptroller Peter Franchot said the new estimates reflected weak sales throughout Maryland during the recent holiday season. Economic growth has continued to be stagnant in the last few months.

Activists, legislators tout statewide poll results before hearing for Clean Energy Jobs Act

Legislators, environmental activists and renewable-energy workers congregated outside the Maryland State House Thursday, trumpeting statewide polling results that found a majority of respondents — across ideological and geographical lines — in favor of a bill that sets new goals for renewable energy consumption and puts $40 million aside for more clean-energy jobs training.