O’Malley takes to the airwaves to spread the word that a special session can only come if there is consensus; some blame the budget issue on O’Malley’s eagerness for the 2016 presidential race; policymakers say sooner is better for a special session, as many local governments foresee deep buts and layoffs because of “doomsday budget;” LaFerla concedes 1st district Democratic primary, throws support to Rosen.
Len Lazarick
State officials’ ethics disclosures to go online
State lawmakers and their executive appointees would now post their required ethics statements on the Internet beginning January 2013, if the governor signs the bill as expected.
Economists say Maryland needs wind energy, but fracking more
Economists that political bickering should not overshadow that Maryland needs to find new solutions for its energy future. They say the state should consider a range of resources — not just offshore wind and natural gas, but land-based wind, solar, geothermal and nuclear, too. The state currently imports about 30% of its electricity, making it the fourth largest energy importer in the U.S.. (Watch animation of fracking and see map of offshore wind.)
Campaign finance transparency measures pass General Assembly
Campaign finances would become a bit more transparent in the future because of several bipartisan bills enacted by the legislature this session.
Analysis: Spring chill hits Democratic leaders over budget
The body language seemed to convey the lingering hostility. Senate President Mike Miller and House Speaker Michael Busch stood stiffly behind their chairs, waiting for Gov. Martin O’Malley to arrive at Tuesday’s bill signing. The usual celebratory atmosphere after the 90-day session was muted by the failure to enact the tax hikes the night before, forcing the implementation of a budget with another $500 million in budget cuts.
Video: O’Malley calls budget cuts ‘really a damn shame’
Before bill signing, Gov. Martin O’Malley called the cuts to education “really a damn shame.” Senate President Mike Miller says “the issue is a lack of trust.”
Judges will contribute more to their pensions
A judicial pension bill came down to the wire Monday night and passed the General Assembly just minutes before the official end of the 2012 legislative session. Judges will now pay 8% of their salaries, up from 6%.
General Assembly adjourns, passing ‘doomsday’ budget without tax hikes
The members of the General Assembly passed a $35.6 billion balanced budget as they were required to do by midnight Monday. But without the income tax hike they failed to enact, it is the doomsday budget that contains $512 million in additional cuts, much of it to education.
Podcast: General Assembly members on an unsettled finish
Duane Keenan talked to Speaker of the House Mike Busch and different members of the legislature about the abrupt ending of this year’s legislative session and what may come next.
General Assembly approves stormwater fee for nine counties
Despite a Republican filibuster attempt in the Senate, the General Assembly successfully passed legislation that would implement a stormwater pollution fee to raise revenue to cleanup the Chesapeake Bay.
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