Author: Cynthia Prairie

State lawmakers return to Annapolis to be sworn-in and celebrate before the tough stuff starts; lots of photos of opening day; budget cuts are the talk of the day; while leaders are reluctant to talk tax hikes, they will consider them — if county’s ask; Pat McDonough to introduce 16 bills to crack down on illegal immigration; and State Center redevelopment put on hold.

O’Malley to remain “open-minded” over new taxes; not all state workers who seek buyouts will get them; looser requirement over Rocky Gap slots are sought; state ethics panel warns legislators over room offers; Munson to volunteer in Annapolis; and Baker hopes to move federal agency from Rockville to Prince George’s.

Maryland is moving ahead with health care reform, even while congressional Republicans vow to dismantle it; lobbyists are lining up to beat the drum for their slots-bidders; medical marijuana has new meaning for state senator suffering from cancer; civil unions unlikely to cause rift between Kittleman, other Republicans; 1,400 state workers sign up for buyouts; FBI takes over probe of fiery packages; Kamenetz to tout legislative priorities in Annapolis; and Maryland public schools rank No. 1.

Tax hikes, budget cuts and filling the gaps, immigration crackdown, tuition for some illegals among issues expected to dominate the General Assembly session, which starts Wednesday; O’Malley wants to keep $250 million for school construction; farmers take issue with Chesapeake Bay plans; Maryland congressional delegation reacts to colleague’s shooting in Arizona rampage; several chats with new state reps in Annapolis; and Prince George’s exec seeks ethics measures.