Maryland’s economy would suffer disproportionately from the likely downsizing of the federal government in coming years, perhaps losing 150,000 jobs if the 22% reduction in spending recommended by the president’s budget commission were implemented, a new report says.
Len Lazarick
University of Baltimore lost track of unused student aid, failed to collect overdue tuition and didn’t verify residency
The University of Baltimore lost track of $350,000 in unused loan and scholarship checks, did not take steps to collect overdue tuition, and did not always verify that students were eligible for reduced in-state tuition, according to state auditors.
Analysis: O’Malley needs better explanation for switch on gay marriage
As Gov. Martin O’Malley rolled out his enthusiastic support for a same-sex marriage bill Friday, he was curiously unable to articulate how his thinking had changed so much in just five or six years.
State revenues $300 million above estimates, but comptroller urges caution
Revenues for the fiscal year that just ended are expected to be $300 million above estimates, but Comptroller Peter Franchot strongly recommended Gov. Martin O’Malley and legislative leaders place the money in the state’s rainy day fund to prepare for more tough economic times ahead.
State Roundup, July 22, 2011
State looks at online travel, shopping as new revenue source; Obama at University of Maryland today; O’Malley will announce support of same-sex marriage legislation; O’Malley blames congressional Republicans for debt impasse; DREAM Act referendum petitions to be certified today.
Pension system gains $6 billion on investments, 20% rate of return
Thanks to an improving national economy and careful portfolio management, the State Retirement and Pension System blew past its estimates and gained $6 billion in fiscal 2011, a 20% rate of return. The performance was nearly three times the benchmark rate of return of 7.75%, set by the system’s board of trustees.
Blog: Public redistricting hearings start, maneuvering behind the scenes
The 12 public hearings by the Governor’s Redistricting Advisory Committee on the shape of congressional and legislative districts officially begin Saturday with two hearings in Western Maryland. But much of the maneuvering on the district lines is going on behind the scenes.
State paid $207,000 in mental health claims for people listed as dead, audit finds
Because it did not verify information, the state Mental Hygiene Administration paid claims to people who might not have been eligible and were dead, an audit found.
Free public wi-fi coming to State House in 2012; website redesign planned
The entire State House complex will provide free public wi-fi access starting with the 2012 legislative session. The Joint Advisory Committee on Legislative Data Systems unanimously approved a measure on Wednesday to allow the public to access the Internet for free from all meeting rooms and office areas throughout the complex. The committee also supported a recommendation to redesign the General Assembly website which has changed little in the last decade.
Franchot urges cabinet secretaries to abandon $1.5B State Center project
Questioning the practicality of “undertaking a commercial real estate venture of this magnitude in the midst of the worst economic climate since the Great Depression,” Comptroller Peter Franchot has joined the chorus of voices objecting to the $1.5 billion State Center project in midtown Baltimore.
Franchot wrote a letter to General Services Secretary Alvin Collins and Transportation Secretary Beverley Swaim-Staley saying he’s concerned about the economic impact – both on the government’s coffers and on taxpayers – of moving forward with the project right now.
Recent Comments