Len Lazarick, Author at MarylandReporter.com

Anger was Thursday’s theme at State House

Thursday’s theme at the State House was supposed to be “Democratic power grab,” but Thursday morning the theme of the day turned into “Democratic anger” about what Gov. Larry Hogan said, and what he has done or failed to do.

Senators debate empowering themselves to approve state schools superintendent

The Maryland Senate debated Thursday over an emergency bill that would give them greater influence over the Board of Education’s next superintendent appointee. The bill, which Republican senators characterized as politically motivated, would require the Democrat-controlled Senate to authorize the Maryland Board of Education’s appointee for state superintendent.

Montgomery Democrat proposes automatic voter registration

Maryland Sen. Roger Manno wants to eliminate voter registration, and instead automatically enroll every Marylander of voting age with a state-issued ID card or receives benefits from social services. On Thursday, Manno, D-Montgomery told the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee that it is time for Maryland to modernize its voter registration system and join states like Oregon and California that have already enacted similar legislation.

State Roundup, February 18, 2016

Maryland lawmakers question Gov. Hogan’s plan to delay college projects — some at HBCUs — to build city jail; senators introduce bill to require live streaming of State House floor sessions; health advocates continue to push for another hike in tobacco tax; bill would end “eye-witness” testimony on cohabitation to OK divorce; Dems, Republicans split over acceptability of smoking marijuana in public; congressional candidate Glenn Ivey addresses Supreme Court nomination fight in new ad; U.S. Rep. Harris endorses Ben Carson for president; and Special Olympian and friend to Gov. Hogan dies at 33.

Bipartisanship is a one-way street in Annapolis

There is a great deal of talk in Annapolis about bipartisanship. The reality of divided government in Annapolis, however, is that if you look past the rhetoric to the deeds of the state’s top elected officials it is clear that bipartisanship is a one-way street, says commentator Greg Kline. Maryland Democratic leaders, who dominate the General Assembly, seem to view their monopoly on state politics as nearly a divine right. As such, they regard Republican Governor Larry Hogan as a temporary interloper whose election was merely a fluke.

Health advocates back $1 a pack increase in cigarette tax

In an effort to discourage Marylanders from smoking, health advocates urged lawmakers Wednesday to back a bill that would raise the state’s $2-per-pack cigarette tax to $3. Taxes on other tobacco products would increase by 30% as well. In an effort to discourage Marylanders from smoking, health advocates urged lawmakers Wednesday to back a bill that would raise the state’s $2-per-pack cigarette tax to $3. Taxes on other tobacco products would increase by 30% as well.

State Roundup, February 17, 2016

Democrats’ proposed transportation package seeks accountability, public input and stirs continually boiling pot with Hogan administration; Senate Pres Miller would raise judges’ retirement age to 73; as Arundel dems seek diversity on school board, Republicans seek partially elected body; Gov. Hogan hikes arts funding; federal gerrymandering case attracting more plaintiffs; congressional candidate Szeliga opts to attend GOP fund-raising event, debate to go on without perceived fund-raiser; Alvin Thornton drops out of congressional race; Del. Carter backs Sen. Pugh in Baltimore City mayor’s race, which now has 24 candidates; and Jerry Connell, former delegate and state senator, dies at 88.

Senate president again proposes later retirement age for judges

Senate President Mike Miller is proposing legislation to boost the mandatory retirement age of Maryland judges from 70 to 73. VA similar bill — originally proposing 75 as the retirement age — unanimously passed the Senate last year and was subsequently sent to the House Judiciary Committee where it ultimately passed after amendments. It never received a final vote before the legislative session ended.

Dems seek more control of transportation funding; Hogan calls it ‘reckless power grab’

Complaining that decisions about Maryland’s congested transportation system are made with no accountability or public input, Maryland Democratic lawmakers on Tuesday announced legislation that would create an Oversight and Planning Board for the Maryland Transit Authority. Legislators said Marylanders also need more insight into how and why some projects are funded over others. Another bill announced Tuesday would create a scoring system for transportation projects to determine which get funding.

Comptroller seeks to withhold tax refunds from those with arrest warrants

The comptroller’s office would be able to withhold tax refunds from individuals who have outstanding arrest warrants throughout the state, under a pair of Maryland bills designed to provide criminal suspects with a financial incentive to turn themselves in.

Len Lazarick

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