Len Lazarick, Author at MarylandReporter.com

State Roundup, January 18, 2016

U.S. Dept. of Commerce to move bureau from D.C. to Suitland; expect Dems, Hogan to tussle over surplus; MD-DC-VA attorneys general unite to fight gun violence, illegal sales; Frederick woman fights to get death with dignity bill passed; bill would tack on jail time for parents who host underage drinkers; Attorney General’s office urges lawmakers to clarify fantasy sports laws; delegate seeks to close loophole that allowed former Gov. O’Malley to purchase mansion furniture cheaply; opponents cheer plan to remove Confederate monument in Baltimore as plan on the move to erect one to Divine; Severna Park resident creates tartan plaid that he hopes gets state recognition; and O’Malley barely gets 15 minutes of fame.

S.C. Democratic Debate: NBC makes it a two-person race

In the debate and its coverage before and after, NBC made the Democratic contest a two-person race, with O’Malley barely mentioned, except to say he got 2% in the latest national poll, down from 4% in December. By that measure, of course, O’Malley wouldn’t be on the stage at last week’s Republican main debate; he’d barely make the undercard debate. Commentary by Len Lazarick of MarylandReporter.com and Professor Richard Vatz of Towson University.

Rascovar on Hogan’s budget dilemma

Tumbling oil prices, a bear market for stock and 401(k) investors and a sharp economic pullback in China and other developing countries could wreak havoc in Maryland as Gov. Larry Hogan prepares to release his budget for the coming fiscal year. Even before lawmakers get a chance to analyze what’s in Hogan’s conservative spending plan, the state’s revenue assumptions for the next 18 months could be out of date.

Economist advises senators: Spend on infrastructure, education; lower income tax, broaden sales tax

In what has turned into an annual performance to the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, the chief economist with Moody’s Analytics said that while Maryland’s economy is performing close to the national average, it needed to do more to grow its performance. Repeating recommendation from a September Moody’s Analytics Report, economist Mark Zandi said Maryland should focus on reducing key taxes and costs, investing in infrastructure, and reducing the perception of business unfriendliness. The economist said Maryland needs to build or maintain businesses that rely on demand from the private sector for growth.

State Roundup, January 15, 2016

Arundel State’s attorney investigating former Gov. O’Malley’s purchase at slashed prices of mansion furniture; Secretary Brinkley says business panel rejected idea of raising sin, gas taxes; Green Energy Jobs Act touted by lawmakers, environmentalists; Senate Pres Miller chides Gov. Hogan, urges better communication; Miller says deep tax cuts unlikely despite Hogan’s wishes; activists lobby for voting rights for ex-felons; Sen. Pugh to push again for paid sick leave; Gerard Evans tops list of highest earning lobbyists; and U.S. Rep. Edwards takes on Baltimore City issues in Senate campaign.

Gov. Hogan takes ‘no position’ on Curtis Bay incinerator

Asked about the long-smoldering fight over a 160-megawatt trash incinerator proposed in south Baltimore, Gov. Larry Hogan said at a forum Wednesday that he has “no position on it because I don’t have the facts.” The woman who asked the question found Hogan’s reply “infuriating,” even though he promised to have his staff meet with her and the group opposing the incinerator. “We’ve been fighting this proposal for four years,” she said. But Hogan’s environment secretary knew a lot about the project.

Vatz: Analyzing S.C. GOP Debate

Professor Rick Vatz says Kasich and Rubio excelled; Trump was Trump and had a good night; Cruz was brilliant but insulting; Christie was strong; and Rand Paul thankfully is gone.

Activists and ex-felons demonstrate to override Gov. Hogan’s veto

Activists, former felons and clergy members on Thursday were urging the General Assembly to override Gov. Larry Hogan’s veto last year of legislation that would expand voting rights for people on parole and probation.

State Roundup, January 14, 2016

On opening day, before the political games begin, lawmakers, Gob. Hogan express optimism, openness, accessibility for a cooperative session; Hogan expects tax cut plan, manufacturing lure legislation to pass — especially since he borrowed pieces from Democrats; environmentalists push Clean Energy Job Act; Sen. Gladden urges lawmakers to keep Baltimore City’s low-income residents top-of-mind in addressing policing issues; Annapolis Summit sits down with Gov. Hogan, Senate Pres Miller, House Speaker Busch and U.S. Sen. Mikulski; Comptroller Franchot dissed by Miller?; and presidential hopeful O’Malley invites PG Exec Baker to next debate.

Opening day roundup: Miller begins 30th year as Senate president, veto overrides postponed

Amid a sea of Maryland state-flag neckties and toddlers in suits, legislators of the Maryland General Assembly were gaveled in for the first day of the 2016 session. Senate President Thomas V. “Mike” Miller Jr. and House Speaker Michael Busch, both Democrats, were reinstated in their leadership positions. It is Miller’s 30th legislative session as president, the longest-serving presiding officer in any U.S. legislature. Miller, 73, is now also the longest-serving member of the Maryland General Assembly, first elected to the House of Delegates in 1970.

Len Lazarick

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