Cynthia Prairie, Author at MarylandReporter.com

6th District Republicans debate taxes, foreign policy in bid to challenge Delaney

Republican congressional candidates vying for the chance to represent Maryland’s 6th District favor dramatic changes to the federal tax structure, a shift in healthcare policy and stronger foreign policy. Nearly all want to defund Planned Parenthood. All candidates were fiscally conservative when it came to taxes.

State Roundup, March 11, 2016

Former criminals line up to register to vote; Blue Maryland, Red Virginia consider jointly giving up party control over redistricting; Noah’s Law advocates complain of weakened legislation thanks to amendments; bill would help ensure that police conduct searches with probably cause; Gov. Hogan announces new education spending for K-12 and universities; Morgan State seeks state funding for new center; Senate OKs bill to end mandatory 6-year term of Baltimore City police commishes; Baltimore City mayoral hopefuls debate; and Ben Carson expected to endorse Donald Trump.

Bipartisanship sneaks into Senate

There has been much talk of bipartisanship at the State House this legislative session, but not a lot of evidence of it, until Thursday morning in the Senate. “I want to thank the governor,” said Senate President Pro-tem Nathaniel McFadden, the chair of the all-Democrat Baltimore City delegation. Republican Gov. Larry Hogan on Thursday morning provided an additional $12.7 million in his third supplemental budget for Baltimore City schools, money the school district had lost due to declining enrollment.

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.

Cynthia Prairie

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