MarylandReporter.com (https://marylandreporter.com/author/len-lazarick/)
Riverkeepers, researchers and volunteer monitors have long kept an eye on water quality from the ground and from the river. But, with the help of technology that’s suddenly far more accessible, they’re taking to the skies, too.Unmanned aerial vehicles, also called UAVs or drones, have recently become so affordable and easy to fly that they are winding up in the hands of more environmentalists.
On prescription drug costs, I believe we struck a fair balance between what we are providing to state retirees and what we are asking the rest of our citizens to pay for in the future.
MarylandReporter.com’s Len Lazarick remembers the first time he met Harry Hughes, the unlikely candidate for governor, and his unlikely victory in 1978.
The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration has added hours, staff and appointments at its offices to cope with the increased volume of drivers who must present four or more different documents to obtain a Real ID drivers license that complies with federal law.
When the secretary of the Senate told me in January that ex-senator P.J. Hogan was trying to get former President Bill Clinton to be the speaker for the annual dinner of Senates Past, we both agreed that was highly unlikely. But lo and behold, the surprise guest keynote speaker for the annual reunion of former senators Thursday night was none other than the 42nd president of the United States.
The same poll last week that found 60% of Maryland voters support making the minimum wage $15 — with 43% strongly supporting — also found that support for the move passed by the House of Delegates Friday dropped sharply when voters were told it would raise prices and cost jobs.
Larry Hogan keeps defying Newton’s third law of motion, which states, “what goes up must come down.” Statewide, 78% of voters approve of the job Hogan is doing as governor (48% “strongly approve”), while only 16% disapprove.
Delaying state employees’ 3% pay raise tops the list of proposed additional budget cuts legislative analysts are recommending to cope with a revenue shortfall of $200 million to $350 million they are expecting to be announced next week.
Maryland voters in November re-elected a Republican governor for only a second time in history, but they also elected a Democratic legislature that has moved further to the left. A new Goucher College taken earlier this month found broad support among Maryland adults for some of the top policy initiatives by Democrats that are not on Gov. Larry Hogan’s wish list.
The new driver’s license requirements demanded by federal law are not only producing long lines at Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration offices, but anger and frustration for many who are having their documents rejected to get a compliant REAL ID. The process seems to be worse for older citizens who are having their original birth certificates rejected, and for women of any age who have had their last names changed by marriage or divorce.