Cynthia Prairie, Author at MarylandReporter.com

Vatz on the GOP debate: Can Rubio’s strong performance make a difference in the race?

In Thursday’s CNN Republican debate, the major suspense appeared to be as follows: whether the Republicans were going to opt for Ted Cruz and deny the nomination to the holder of a plurality of delegates, Donald Trump, risking losing his supporters and/or his running as an independent, writes Rick Vatz in MarylandReporter.com

State Roundup, March 10, 2016

State board reduces revenue estimates by $51 million as budget secretary urges lawmakers to reconsider mandated spending hikes; Senate passes bill to pull bee-killing pesticides from some retail shelves; gun control advocates, opponents descend on Annapolis as new set of bill considered; bill would extend time a sex abuse survivor could sue abuser; Senate delays vote on UMB-UM partnership; environmental groups sue EPA over river decision; and Pugh and Dixon polling in a virtual tie for Baltimore City mayor.

Bill requires healthier choices in vending machines on state property

Vending machines are stocked with many guilty pleasure snacks and beverages. But people might see less of these traditional snacks and drinks in certain areas if the legislature passes HB 1498. The bill would require that at least 75% of packaged food and beverage options on state owned or managed grounds meet a healthy standard

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.

State Roundup, March 9, 2016

Gov. Hogan, Secretary Brinkley go after lawmakers over mandated spending increases and Hogan bill to limit them; environmentalists concerned with pollution from burning waste for energy; advocates seek to protect disabled parents from losing children; gun advocates to rally in Annapolis as gun control advocates testify; ex-inmates seek clearer path to employment; Hogan continues to steer clear of presidential politics; and in a neck and neck U.S. Senate race, Emily’s List tosses more bucks to Donna Edwards.

Hogan budget chief spars with Democrats over spending mandates

Budget Secretary David Brinkley sparred with Democratic legislators Tuesday over the Hogan administration’s proposal to gain relief from legislative spending mandates that exceed projected revenues. Prior to Brinkley’s testimony before the House Appropriations Committee, he joined Gov. Larry Hogan at a press conference in which the governor defended the initiative.

Senators begin trimming Hogan budget

Senators on the budget committee on Tuesday began doing the only things they can do with Gov. Larry Hogan’s $42.3 billion budget — cutting it around the edges and fencing off money for special purposes. That included a $58 million cut in Medicaid reimbursement to health care providers — based on lower enrollment estimates — and cutting part of Hogan’s modest legislative agenda, $3 million for Early Graduation Scholarships for students who complete high school in three years or less.

State Roundup, March 8, 2016

With Maryland getting a third of renewable electricity from burning trash, environmentalists seek definition of “renewables;” new poll says Marylanders back both a cigarette tax hike and an income tax cut; appropriations panel to hear bill that would relieve governor of spending mandated by the legislature during revenue shortfall; Baltimore City liquor board dust-up in the Senate; Howard County Council votes to keep “rain tax;” candidate Trone questions touch screen voting; and Edwards books airtime.

Md. voters back income tax cut, cigarette tax hike; Hogan still flying high; Senate race close

Maryland voters of all parties favor cutting the state income tax rate by 10% and raising the cigarette tax by $1 a pack, a new Gonzales Research poll found. Gov. Larry Hogan continues to gain high job approval ratings of almost 70%, with even a majority of Democrats approving his performance. The Democratic race to succeed Barbara Mikulski in the U.S. Senate continues to be neck and neck between Reps. Donna Edwards at 41% and Chris Van Hollen at 42%.

State Roundup, March 7, 2016

State’s unwieldy liquor laws took a long time to write, could take longer to right; House Speaker Busch pressured Del. Vallario on expansion of interlock ignitions; Gov. Hogan’s attempt to cut business filing fees fails; Senate OKs limit to audio recordings on transit buses; emails to governor from PSC nominee draws concern about lack of independence; legislators consider bill to extend pension benefits to sons of slain deputy sheriff; bill would call for auction of furniture from governor’s mansion; congressional candidate Trone sues state over ballot printing; congressional race gets the NYT’s treatment; and Gov. Hogan’s sister dies in North Carolina.

Cynthia Prairie

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