Author: Cynthia Prairie

Shoved between the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, the weather and O’Malley’s inaugural, today is unusually quiet in state politics: A General Assembly committee could hold hearings on reviving the death penalty within a month; filling health care gaps among priorities for the Legislative Black Caucus; expect clashes in the State House over immigration issues; O’Malley at College Park; and long-time Montgomery politician William Hanna Jr. dies.

Death penalty return anticipated; Several abortion-related bills to be introduced; Rocky Gap slots bill to be fast-tracked as “emergency bill;” Klausmeier bill would legalize poker, blackjack and other table games; veterans groups seek slots at their posts; lawmakers seek to overturn individual health insurance mandate; Steele bows out of RNC race; Ehrlichs said to be shopping around another radio show; and eight firms said to be interested in offshore wind projects.

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.