Len Lazarick, Author at MarylandReporter.com

Plaster doesn’t need third career in politics, but he wants one

Mark Plaster has a big, black, 38-foot RV with his name plastered all over it. You may have seen it in Annapolis or Bowie or Olney or Burtonsville or Silver Spring or Towson or Columbia or Baltimore. In other words, you may have seen the RV all over the odd-shaped 3rd congressional district, the second most-gerrymandered district in the country. “That’s why we bought the bus,” said Plaster. “We want to have a presence throughout the district.” Republican Plaster is running (or should that be riding?) for Congress, hoping to unseat Democrat John Sarbanes.

State Roundup, January 25, 2016

Now that the blizzard is over, Maryland will seek federal disaster aid as the cleanup continues throughout the state and crews work to restore power to those who lost it; meanwhile, many government offices are closed as roads continue to get plowed, but the General Assembly will still kick into gear later today; Dems expected to wrangle over Hogan’ budget; Montgomery delegate introduces legislation to encourage STEM studies; Harford sheriff backs end to handgun license fee; seven state lawmakers hope to make the jump to Capitol Hill, including Del. McDonough, who hopes to oust U.S. Rep. Ruppersberger; former Lt. Gov. Brown — who is also running for Congress — is chipping away at gubernatorial campaign debt; and civil trial of John Leopold postponed by snows.

Rascovar on Hogan’s conflicted budget

At first glance there is lots to like about Gov. Larry Hogan, Jr.’s new budget. It’s largely a status quo blueprint that keeping spending under expected revenue growth without harming ongoing programs. There’s a bit of sunshine for just about every group – liberals, conservatives, environmentalists, law-and-order types, urban dwellers, rural residents and suburbanites.

State Roundup, January 22, 2016

Gov. Hogan declares a state of emergency as Maryland braces for a blizzard starting later today; meanwhile Democrats overturn Hogan’s 2015 vetoes to decriminalize possession of pot paraphernalia and restore rehab funding to Annapolis art center. But a vote on giving voting rights to ex-felons upon jail release is delayed awaiting new Montgomery senator; Montgomery Dems back Del. Zucker for Senate seat; Hogan’s budgeted higher education funding getting mixed reviews; one year into a four-year term, and Hogan hints at seeking a second term; and former news anchor Jack Bowden dies.

Maryland lawmakers override 5 of Hogan’s vetoes; Senate delays on felon voting rights

Despite impassioned speeches from Republicans, the Democrat-controlled Maryland Senate voted Thursday to override three of Gov. Larry Hogan’s vetoes from last session, and decided to postpone voting on a fourth.

Montgomery County should declare “Perestroika” on liquor sales

When government tries to control a particular industry and interfere with natural market forces, even when it comes to something as straightforward as selling cars or liquor, it leads to all sorts of problems, like inefficiency, limited product choice, artificially high prices, and corruption.

State Roundup, January 21, 2016

Gov. Hogan unveils $42.3 billion spending plan that includes tax cuts, outsourcing and adding to the rainy day fund; down the street, House lawmakers override three Hogan vetoes from last year including giving ex-felons right to vote upon release; justice reform panel pushes legislation for treatment for non-violent drug users; businesses continue to advocate for Angel Investor Tax Credit; Washington Post editorial board calls for end to Montgomery County liquor system; Hogan to celebrate one-year anniversary of inauguration; In race for Baltimore mayor, Sen. Pugh fundraising leads Dixon; and as BPW gets ready to allow state funding of school air conditioners; Baltimore County school board steps in with $10 million.

Hogan’s $42 billion budget not causing much indigestion — yet

Legislators and nonprofit groups are still digesting the $42.3 billion budget Gov. Larry Hogan submitted Wednesday. But there were few signs of indigestion over a proposal that increases spending by $2 billion (5%), while setting aside a record $1.5 billion in reserves and surplus. “We don’t know until we get into all the details” is the way House Speaker Michael Busch summed it up after breakfast with the governor and fiscal leaders. House Appropriations Committee Chair Maggie McIntosh had lots of unanswered questions, as well.

Maryland House overrides three of Gov. Hogan’s vetoes

The House voted Wednesday to override three of Gov. Larry Hogan’s vetoes, including legislation that would give voting rights to ex-felons. A three-fifths majority is needed in the House for an override, and 85 votes — just enough — were cast to override the voting rights veto, with 56 opposed, including all 50 Republican delegates.

What a difference a year makes with Gov. Hogan

On Thursday, Gov. Larry Hogan celebrates the one-year anniversary of his inauguration. In his inaugural speech, Gov. Hogan said, “We seek the freedom to compete without the undue burden of high taxes and bureaucratic regulations, which make us less competitive.”
In that sentence, Gov. Hogan outlined the underlying philosophical belief of not only his gubernatorial campaign but his views on governance itself.

Len Lazarick

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