20070315 State News

State News

March 15, 2007

H/t: GOPCharlie

House moves budget toward a final vote

http://www.washtimes.com/metro/20070314-104821-7700r.htm

House lawmakers gave tentative approval yesterday to the fiscal 2008 budget that includes no tuition increases for state colleges but more than half a billion in increases for K-12 public schools.

The $30.3 billion budget, which starts in July, includes $567 million extra for public schools in the final year of an education-reform plan known as the Thornton Act.

Still, state Republicans said the plan will result in fiscal disaster and suggested a spending freeze.

Such a plan would result in a delay in Thornton money to school districts and likely tuition increases at state colleges. Republicans who backed the plan said the state doesn't have much choice. Projections show the state could be $1.5 billion short next year.

"We have large, looming fiscal problems," said Anthony J. O'Donnell, Southern Maryland Republican who brushed aside arguments Democrats already cut Mr. O'Malley's proposal.

"If you have a dollar and you add 12 pennies to it, that's not a reduction," he said.

House GOP effort to cut budget falls short

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-md.cuts15mar15,0,7531993.story?coll=bal-local-headlines

House Republicans failed in an effort to force deep cuts in Gov. Martin O'Malley's proposed budget yesterday, a move they said was necessary to prevent tax increases next year but one that Democrats said would diminish public safety and hinder education.

With annual gaps of more than $1 billion between spending and revenue expected in the next few years, Republicans proposed cutting all new spending from O'Malley's $30 billion budget, a reduction of $800 million.

"If we begin to deal with the deficit issue this year, it's manageable," said Del. Gail H. Bates, a Howard County Republican who serves on the House Appropriations Committee. "If we wait and do nothing this year and that additional spending is in place, next year we're talking serious cuts."

House debates $30 billion budget

GOP amendment to freeze 2008 spending at 2007 level voted down Wednesday

http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/news/display.htm?StoryID=57923

Three Frederick County delegates defied their party Wednesday by voting against a GOP amendment to essentially freeze the state's 2008 budget at the 2007 level.

Delegates Don Elliott, Rick Weldon and Paul Stull were among seven Republicans who joined Democrats to vote down the GOP amendment to a $30.3 billion budget proposal debated in the House.

"Next year local governments will get clobbered," said Minority Leader Tony O'Donnell, R-Southern Maryland.

Delegate Joe Bartlett is a Frederick Republican who found himself in the minority of those of the eight-member Frederick County delegation who opposed the amendment. He agreed with O'Donnell.

"We are asking that our government live within its means, just like every family in my district," Bartlett said. "The problem is that government spends too much, and taxes are already too high. By rejecting this responsible and sensible amendment, we have condemned Maryland's residents to higher taxes in the future. Period."

Preliminary budget OK'd

http://www.herald-mail.com/?module=displaystory&story_id=160961&format=html

A Democratically ruled Maryland House preliminarily approved a $30 billion state budget Wednesday, squelching a Republican attempt to limit spending and delay additional school funding.

On the current course, Marylanders should "brace themselves for a massive tax increase next year," Del. Christopher B. Shank, R-Washington, said on the House floor, citing a projected $1.5 billion deficit.

Democrats argued that the Republican proposal would critically hurt funding in several crucial areas.

A Republican chart showed their proposed 2008 spending increase at 1.5 percent vs. 6.5 percent for the version on which the House voted.

Bid to Cut Md. Budget Fails

GOP Targeted Education Spending

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/14/AR2007031402777.html

The Maryland House of Delegates yesterday gave preliminary approval to a $30 billion state budget plan, turning back a Republican effort to slash education spending, and moved toward passage of an ambitious proposal to reduce the number of Marylanders without health insurance.

House Minority Leader Anthony J. O'Donnell (R-Calvert) called the GOP proposal "a simple solution" designed to avoid even more difficult choices in the coming year. "Massive tax increases," O'Donnell said. "That's what facing us unless we act now."

Indictment of Md. power

Prosecutors confront twists and challenges in Bromwell corruption case

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-te.md.bromwell15mar15,0,5271929.story

Five years ago, Thomas L. Bromwell Sr. learned how deeply FBI agents had penetrated his inner circle.

James Eick, a Bromwell friend, had agreed to wear a recording device for federal agents. He was to capture any potentially incriminating conversations with the former Maryland state senator suspected of accepting illegal kickbacks while in office, according to prosecutors.

Tougher Md. public information laws sought

http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2007/03_14-01/TOP

On the surface, Maryland has a tough public information law.

Unlike in 28 other states, its a crime to deny access to a public document. Violators can be convicted of a misdemeanor and fined up to $1,000.

But courts rarely impose such penalties, and advocates for open government believe thats partly because its difficult to pursue a case against someone suspected of violating the law.

While we have laws with very nice-sounding titles, theres no teeth to the enforcement, said Del. Michael Smigiel, an attorney who has represented newspapers in freedom of information cases.

Mooney gets call from cardinal

Keeler urges state senator to vote today for repeal of the death penalty

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.mooney15mar15,0,6281429.story?coll=bal-local-headlines

Sen. Alex X. Mooney fielded a surprise call this week from Cardinal William H. Keeler, who urged the Frederick Republican to vote today for a repeal of the death penalty.

Their five-minute chat, though notable because of the caller's position as archbishop of Baltimore, is one of many conversations Mooney has had as he considers his position on a bill to get rid of the state's capital punishment law.

Jessamy mourns death of intimidation bill

http://www.examiner.com/a-619945~Jessamy_mourns_death_of_intimidation_bill.html

Baltimore City States Attorney Patricia Jessamy said Wednesday shes upset the Maryland House Judiciary Committee killed a bill that would have strengthened Maryland law against witness intimidation.

Even though we failed this year, witness intimidation continues to be a very serious problem, Jessamy said.

Jessamy testified in February in favor of a House of Delegates bill, sponsored by Keith Haynes, D-District 44, that would toughen Marylands law against witness intimidation to include sentences of up to 20 years, instead of five years, for many crimes against children, domestic violence and sexual assault.

"Green" bills could affect local businesses

http://www.wcbcradio.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6899&Itemid=35

With a newly elected Democratic governor many observers believe the state of Maryland is demonstrating a large shift to the left in its public policy. One area of concern for western Marylanders is the push for environmental legislation, or green bills. State senator George Edwards said businesses such as AES and New Page could be at risk because they use coal.

Should all of Maryland Ban Smoking?

http://www.wcbcradio.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6898&Itemid=35

Should the state of Maryland follow the lead of Baltimore City and ban smoking in bars and restaurants? State senator George Edwards answered with a resounding no on Wednesday mornings Dave Norman show. Edwards said the reach of government in peoples lives is getting out of hand.

Decision to halt horse park brings relief, disappointment

http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2007/03_14-38/TOP

The state's decision to withdraw plans for an equestrian center at the former Naval Academy Dairy Farm in Gambrills has disappointed horse lovers but relieved the dairy's neighbors who are opposed to the plan.

Jim Steele, the chairman of Maryland Horse Industry Board, announced at yesterday's board meeting that plans to build the center on the 857-acre site have been dropped.

Hearing pushed on city raises

Councilman Mitchell says public should have a chance to testify on bill

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/baltimore_city/bal-md.ci.raises15mar15,0,4369401.story?coll=bal-local-headlines

Baltimore City Councilman and mayoral candidate Keiffer J. Mitchell Jr. called yesterday for a hearing and a vote on proposed pay raises for the city's elected officials, igniting what could become the first political showdown of this election year.

Responding to a proposal pending in the City Council that would give double-digit salary increases to the mayor, City Council president and other officials, Mitchell said the public should have a chance to testify on the bill. He said he does not support the raises.

Capital Notebook

O'Malley to name Brenner to PSC

Few senators at sex bill hearing

Wiretapping on school buses?

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.notebook15mar15,0,7224271.story?coll=bal-local-headlines

National News

Rep. Roscoe Bartlett presented with NAM Award

http://www.herald-mail.com/?module=displaystory&story_id=160957&format=html

Recognizing his strong voting record in support of American manufacturing and a pro-growth, pro-jobs agenda during the 109th Congress, the National Association of Manufacturers honored U.S. Rep. Roscoe Bartlett, R-Md., with its Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence during a presentation hosted by Volvo Powertrain North America.

The NAM Award is presented to members of Congress who vote in the best interest of the manufacturing economy at least 70 percent of the time on "key manufacturing votes" as designated by a special committee of NAM member companies, large and small. Bartlett's voting record was 75 percent.

Taking the battle to Congress

A shipbuilding association is pushing to boost the size of the U.S. Navy, and some legislators are now on board with the idea.

http://www.dailypress.com/business/local/dp-80867sy0mar15,0,2090152.story?coll=dp-business-localheads

With the size of the Navy's battle force fleet having fallen to 275 ships - the lowest level since before World War I - the American Shipbuilding Association has called on Congress to significantly increase the money the nation devotes to ships.

And now there's a move afoot to make that increase happen.

The fleet size issue is bound to come up during a hearing today on national defense sealift funding, said Lisa Wright, a spokesman for Roscoe Bartlett, R-Md., the ranking member of the Seapower & Expeditionary Subcommittee.

"He wants to build more ships," Wright said of Bartlett. "The oceans are the same size they've always been and the indispensable role of the U.S. as a world leader has not changed ... If you reduce the number of ships too much, you can't maintain the forward presence you need."

O'Malley travels to D.C. with funding requests

Governor gives wide-ranging list to Md. congressional delegation

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-te.md.delegation15mar15,0,4335957.story?coll=bal-local-headlines

On his visit to Capitol Hill yesterday to meet with Maryland's congressional delegation, Gov. Martin O'Malley brought with him a red binder fat with requests: 148 priorities worth more than $200 million.

Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin asked him to consider adding one more: global warming.

"Maryland the state is particularly vulnerable," the Democratic senator said. "Sea level change is clearly a matter that is of direct interest."

Signs Of Progress Seen In Baghdad Security Push. "Bomb deaths have gone down 30 percent in Baghdad since the U.S.-led security crackdown began a month ago. Execution-style slayings are down by nearly half. The once frequent sound of weapons has been reduced to episodic, and downtown shoppers have returned to outdoor markets favored targets of car bombers. There are signs of progress in the campaign to restore order in Iraq, starting with its capital city. ... 'I would caution everybody about patience, about diligence,' U.S. spokesman Maj. Gen. William C. Caldwell said Wednesday. 'This is going to take many months, not weeks, but the indicators are all very positive right now.'" (Robert H. Reid, "Some Progress May Mean Hope For Baghdad," The Associated Press, 3/15/07)

The New York Times' David Brooks Says The Democrats' Iraq Policy Is "Divorced From Realities On The Ground." "But does anybody think that Iraqi leaders, many of whom have seen their brothers and children gunned down, need a cold dose of reality delivered from the U.S. Congress? ... The intelligence agencies see chaos if the U.S. withdraws. Carl Levin, based on phantom intelligence, sees newly incentivized Iraqis returning to reason and moderation. ... What [Democrats] want to do is be against Bush without accepting responsibility for any real policy, so they have concocted a vaporous policy of distant withdrawal that is divorced from realities on the ground." (David Brooks, Op-Ed, "The Long Exit," The New York Times, 3/15/07)

The White House Says Senate Democrats' Iraq Resolution "Infringes Upon The Constitutional Authority Of The President." "The resolution 'infringes upon the constitutional authority of the President as Commander in Chief by imposing an artificial timeline to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq, regardless of the conditions on the ground or the consequences of defeat,' the White House statement said. 'The legislation would hobble American commanders in the field and substantially endanger America's strategic objective of a unified federal democratic Iraq that can govern, defend, and sustain itself and be an ally in the war on terror.' ... Administration officials said, if adopted, the Senate resolution would essentially make Congress a 'co-commander in chief,' a competing source of judgments on how to conduct the war. 'The Constitution commits the exclusive power to the president as commander in chief to make the decisions necessary to conduct the war,' said White House spokesman Tony Fratto." (Shailagh Murray and Michael Abramowitz, "Democrats' Resolution On Iraq Reaches Senate Floor," The Washington Post, 3/15/07)

U.S. And Iraq Launch Aggressive Campaign To Curb Oil Smuggling. "U.S. and Iraqi forces have launched an aggressive campaign to curb the oil smuggling that is helping to destabilize the fragile Baghdad government and finance insurgents, adding another facet to the Bush administration's latest pacification plan for Iraq. In concert with stepped-up military and reconstruction initiatives, U.S. troops for the first time are maintaining a round-the-clock presence at the sprawling oil refinery here, Iraq's largest. Soldiers from the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division also are cracking down on illegal gasoline stations, arresting refinery workers suspected of corruption and using sophisticated data-sifting methods to identify which senior Iraqi officials might have ties to black-market oil rings. The Iraqi government, meanwhile, has begun what it calls Operation Honest Hands, which put the entire refinery under Iraqi military control." (Yochi J. Dreazen, "U.S., Iraq Launch Campaign To Cut Oil Smuggling," The Wall Street Journal, 3/15/07)

Captured Al-Qaida Operative Khalid Sheikh Mohammed Confesses To Masterminding 9/11 Terror Attacks. "Khalid Sheikh Mohammed cemented his position as al-Qaida's most ambitious operational planner when he confessed in a U.S. military tribunal to planning and supporting 31 terrorist attacks, topped by 9/11, that killed thousands of innocent victims since the early 1990s. The gruesome attacks range from the suicide hijackings of Sept. 11, 2001 which killed nearly 3,000 to a 2002 shooting on an island off Kuwait that killed a U.S. Marine. ... President Bush announced that Mohammed and 13 other alleged terror operatives had been moved from secret CIA prisons to the U.S. Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay last year. They are considered the 14 most significant captures since 9/11." (Katherine Shrader, "Al-Qaida No. 3 Says He Planned 9/11," The Associated Press, 3/15/07)

OMB Director Rob Portman Says The Democrats' Path To Balancing The Budget Is "Paved With Higher Taxes, Higher Spending." "The Democratic blueprint fails to tackle the long-term fiscal debacle facing Social Security and Medicare, the federal retirement programs that will be swamped by the upcoming retirement of the Baby Boom generation. ... 'It's a missed opportunity because this is a nonelection year,' countered White House budget director Rob Portman in an interview. Traditionally, Congress is most aggressive on politically sensitive budget issues in such odd-numbered years. 'Their path to balance is paved with higher taxes, higher spending and what can only be characterized as budgetary slights of hand,' Portman said in a subsequent statement." (Andrew Taylor, "Few Tough Choices In Senate Dems' Budget," The Associated Press, 3/15/07)