Cynthia Prairie, Author at MarylandReporter.com

State Roundup, December 9, 2015

Supreme Court unanimously sends redistricting challenge to three-judge Maryland court; poor PARCC scores push BOE to reconsider test’s usefulness; lawmakers seek to raise state’s clean energy goals; Medicaid computer system upgrade killed as Atty. Gen. Frosh considers suing contractor; lawmakers revive end-of-life legislation; state apparently sent towns millions that should have gone to Montgomery County; Gov. Hogan considers trade trip with DC and VA; and Emmitsburg to keep controversial WWI plaque.

Elementary, middle school PARCC scores fall short of readiness levels

Following the release Tuesday of new, statewide exam scores showing that fewer than half of elementary and middle school-aged students passed, Maryland Board of Education members appeared to be split over the practicality of continuing to use the exam in coming years.

State Roundup, December 8, 2015

Following a Sun report on continuing lead paint problems, lawmakers call for tougher enforcement; Maryland beekeepers seek labeling, restrictions in effort to stave off colony collapse; policing panel urges shortening time for police officers to respond to internal probes; Saylor commission releases report on training police in disability awareness; business panel mulls targeted tax hikes; College Park President Loh suggests changing name of Byrd Stadium; Emily’s List backs Peña-Melnyk; and more Baltimore City pols line up for Van Hollen.

Beekeepers hope legislators will act on pesticide to protect hives

Maryland beekeepers are again hoping that the state’s legislature passes a bill in 2016 to label a class of pesticides, neonicotinoids, as harmful to bees and restrict sales of the chemicals to commercial and agricultural applicators.

The Mikulski-Clinton email files

Maryland Sen. Barbara Mikulski and Hillary Clinton are good friends, as these email exchanges while Clinton was secretary of state show. The final email response from H to “Barb” in 2010 is amusing given the current presidential campaign. Hillary says: “How’s our friend, Martin [O’Malley] , doing? I know he has a rematch when he should be reelected by acclamation for steering the ship of state so well. Pls give him my best wishes.”

State Roundup, December 7, 2015

Legislative policing review panel cancels December meeting, raising questions on General Assembly action; in wake of California shootings, three politicians offer vastly different approaches; although lead poisoning drops in Maryland, its presence still profound; Hogan eyes rural counties for extra education funding; Maryland atty gen puts out help wanted sign for media mediator on information requests; Hogan talks to Baltimore City businesses before heading to Western Maryland; Ben Carson holds fund-raiser in city; Bernie Sanders to visit Baltimore this week; TU hires new president; and candidate field for Cecil exec grows.

Rascovar: Did Emily’s List make a mistake?

What in the world was Emily’ List thinking when it threw $1 million into the Maryland Senate primary race for a candidate who could be an easy mark for Republicans next November? Why would the women’s political empowerment group try to defeat a much stronger Democratic candidate who has an unblemished pro-choice record and strong support from elected female leaders in Maryland and women’s rights advocates? It’s a baffling call, writes columnist Barry Rascovar.

State Roundup, December 4, 2015

State Sen. Montgomery to resign; More than 4,000 handguns were not properly recorded in Maryland database; fewer women in Maryland political leadership rolls; Montgomery Elections Board members violated open meetings law; Gov. Hogan to tour Western Maryland; first lady will get the last say on husband’s head future; Montgomery officials ponder replacing liquor system funds; Baltimore County officials protest appointee, ask Hogan to name different school board member; Hogan plans to give Carroll $4 million in school funds, and Howard County continues to ask for education money.

State Roundup, December 3, 2015

Gov. Hogan’s reform panel urges massive overhaul of government structure, adoption of customer service model toward business needs; prison reform group says state could save $250 million by cutting 3,600 from prison population; Hogan questions reliability of state’s new voting system; judge rules that Bladensburg Cross not unconstitutional; Black Caucus members back Rep. Edwards for Senate; but union that helped Edwards now supporting Rep. Van Hollen for Senate.

Commission recommends overhaul of state government, streamlining regulations and improved customer service

Gov. Larry Hogan’s Regulatory Reform Commission is recommending a massive overhaul of Maryland’s “convoluted” governmental structure along with a host of small and medium-size changes to streamline regulations and focus state employees on helping businesses and citizens.

“We have to fundamentally change the mindset of the state’s regulatory mission from one of glaring bureaucracy looking to punish and change it into a customer service base,” Hogan said as he touted the commission’s initial 30-page report.

Cynthia Prairie

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