20070906 News Clips

News Clips

Sept. 6, 2007

STATE NEWS

House to look for solutions to $1.5 billion budget shortfall

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.busch06sep06,0,1681219.story

House Speaker Michael E. Busch says leaders in his chamber will hold briefings over the fall on tax proposals and slot machine gambling in an effort to find solutions to Maryland's projected $1.5 billion budget shortfall. The Anne Arundel County Democrat said he remains opposed to handling the budget problems in a special session, which Gov. Martin O'Malley and Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller support. He said he is opposed to legalizing slots but will listen to the O'Malley administration's proposals on the issue.

O'Malley legal counsel to be insurance chief

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.tyler06sep06,0,4555628.story

Gov. Martin O'Malley plans to make one of his closest advisers the new insurance commissioner, a job that could play an integral role in efforts to expand health insurance coverage and maintain the availability of property coverage in risky coastal zones. O'Malley will appoint Ralph S. Tyler III, a former Baltimore City solicitor who is now the governor's legal counsel, officials said.

Del. Warren E. Miller, a Howard County Republican, said that if the commissioner sides too heavily with consumers, insurance companies will stop writing policies in the state. "I hope we don't go back to the days where the regulator was wanting something for free," Miller said. "You have to be fair and balanced."

Rare mosquito-borne virus found on Shore

Risk to humans low because insects feed mostly on birds, official says

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/health/bal-mosquito0905,0,4820979.story

A rare mosquito-borne virus that infects birds, horses and humans has been found in an Eastern Shore swamp, its first appearance in Maryland in four years, state agriculture officials say. Risk of the virus remains low for humans and horses because the infected mosquito species, Culiseta melanura, feeds primarily on birds. Reported cases are extremely rare. There have been 250 cases nationwide since 1964, and only four since then in Maryland, according to the CDC.

Blacks in suburbs failing Md. exams

Poor results at some high schools called surprising

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/education/bal-te.md.tests06sep06,0,6220406.story?page=1&coll=bal_tab02_layout

When Maryland's top school officer proposed that the state back away from its tough high school testing program last week, one reason might have been the troubling performance of some suburban schools. An alarming pattern of failure is surfacing: Minority students, especially African-Americans, are struggling to pass the exams in the suburban classrooms their families had hoped would provide a better education.

"It's inexcusable," said Ella White Campbell, a retired city educator and executive director of the Liberty Road Community Council. "You can't say it's income that's the problem. And education levels are very high. ... The disconnect is in the fact that you have an educated community that has not realiz ed kids are not getting the basics."

"It is shocking, in the sense that these children should be achieving at a higher level," said Jack Jennings, president of the Center on Education Policy, an organization that has studied high-stakes testing across the nation.

But after several years of enforcing tests for graduation, Jennings said, high percentages of students are usually passing. The question, he said, is whether Grasmick and the state board can muster enough legislative support to keep the standard intact. "Now you can see the motivation," he said, for Maryland School Superintendent Nancy S. Grasmick to propose that students who repeatedly fail tests have an opportunity do a senior project instead. The State Board of Education will consider the plan next month.

Electronic message signs bill wallows in debate despite no adoption in sight

http://www.examiner.com/a-919067~Electronic_message_signs_bill_wallows_in_debate_despite_no_adoption_in_sight.html

Anne Arundel County Councilman Jamie Benoit knew his signs bill would not get any love. He didn't get support from the county administration, and 11 of the 12 people who testified at Tuesday's council meeting opposed the bill.The bill did get the most attention of any bill, as council members devoted more than an hour to debating a bill that many knew wouldn't pass.

Benoit cited safety issues, claiming the signs are a big distraction for drivers. Cohen said he sponsored the bill mainly for the aesthetic issue, saying the electronic signs damage the county's image. The new law could create an "enforcement nightmare" and overburden county employees, said Alan Friedman, director of governmental affairs for County Executive John R. Leopold.

Solar water heating system affordable with tax credits

http://www.examiner.com/a-919057~Solar_water_heating_system_affordable_with_tax_credits.html

Energy-efficient home improvements can have long- and short-term cost effects for Marylanders. There are federal, state and, in some cases, local tax credits available to people who pay for energy-saving home improvements, said Bob Cassel, director of tax services for Baltimore-Washington Financial Advisers. "I'm not sure how many people are aware of these credits," Cassel said. "They get to upgrade their home at a low cost and those changes are saving them money in the long run."

Through the state's Solar Energy Grant Program, which went into effect in January 2005, the Maryland Energy Administratio n issues grants to residents who choose solar water heating for their home. Homeowners may receive back 20 percent of a system's cost or a maximum grant of $2,000.

Miller urges special session

http://www.washingtontimes.com/article/20070906/METRO/109060057/1004

Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. is telling chamber leaders to prepare for a special General Assembly session by next month to resolve a state budget crisis, charging ahead with plans regardless of House leadership opposition and further widening the rift between the state's "Two Mikes."

Mr. Miller, Southern Maryland Democrat, has told Senate budget committee members that they will meet through the month to prepare for a special session at the end of October, said Senate Minority Leader David R. Brinkley, a Frederick Republican on the chamber's Budget and Taxation Committee. "What Miller is doing is trying to cast light on the indecisiveness," Mr. Brinkley said yesterday. "He wants to see some movement one way or the other."

The Choice of the Maryland GOP: Ron Paul

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/annapolis/2007/09/the_choice_of_the_maryland_gop.html?nav=rss_blog

A curious thing happened this year at the Maryland Republican Party booth at the State Fair: A GOP presidential straw poll was won by Ron Paul, the idiosyncratic congressman from Texas who is a fierce critic of the Iraq war.

All told, nearly 1,000 people cast ballots in the Maryland GOP's first-ever presidential straw poll at the Fair. The party said the straw poll was open everyone of voting age, regardless of party affiliation, who stopped by the GOP booth.

"The final vote showing Ron Paul won is a lesson for all campaigns of how grassroots politics can make all the difference," said Chris Cavey, first vice chairman of the Maryland Republican Party and co-chairman of the party's State Fair Planning Committee. "The Paul campaign repeatedly e-mailed their base of support to turn out at the State Fair to cast a vote for Dr. Paul, and in doing so, demonstrated that a small organized operation can beat the odds."

County Schools Face Test of the State's Making

Even as Class of 2009 Posts Strong Results, Exit Exams Have Yet to Achieve a Passing Grade

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/05/AR2007090501133.html

Montgomery County's Class of 2009 has attained pass rates near 90 percent on each of the High School Assessment exams that all students must take to graduate.

But while the pass rates are relatively high on each of the biology, English, algebra and government exams, officials don't yet know how many students have passed all four tests. Tension is mounting across the state over the exams, which place Maryland among a growing number of states -- about half -- that require students to demonstrate basic skills in return for a diploma.

Education leaders say they support the notion of an exit exam but feel Maryland's test could rob worthy students of a chance to graduate if, for example, they lack adequate English skills.

To allay such fears, state Superintendent Nancy S. Grasmick last week proposed an alternate route to a diploma for students who fail exit exams but still want diplomas: a portfolio of academic projects that demonstrate mastery of the subject.

More county students taking SAT, but scores decline
School officials applaud increase, say improved curriculum will raise scores

http://www.gazette.net/stories/090607/prinnew150913_32361.shtml
The number of Prince George's County students taking the Scholastic Aptitude Test, a college entrance exam, has increased, however, overall test scores declined this year. involve more children in taking the test," said Owen Johnson, chairman of the county school board. ''It just indicates that we're doing what we need to do to prepare those kids for college. That means that people are paying attention to it ... and that's great news for us." County school officials said the lower scores could be attributed in part to the increase in test takers, including those who would not have considered taking the SAT in previous years but were encouraged by teachers and administrators.

Frederick commissioner wants county to lead legal challenge
Jenkins' proposal challenges 1982 decision that public schools must educate illegal immigrants

http://www.gazette.net/stories/090607/carrnew63425_32356.shtml

Frederick County Commissioner Charles A. Jenkins said Tuesday that he wants the county to lead the way in a legal challenge to a 1982 Supreme Court decision that forces schools to enroll illegal immigrants. In order for parents to enroll their children in Frederick County Public Schools, they must prove residency in the county, their child's date of birth, and vaccinations.

Jenkins (R) is proposing legislation that would require all agencies that receive county money - which includes schools - to verify that the people they help are in America legally, before the funding is provided. Jenkins believe s the federal government has failed to protect the U.S. border, and he wants to submit a bill to the Maryland General Assembly that would set up a challenge to the Supreme Court's 1982 decision.

State Horse Park Is Up for Discussion in Howard

Site Could Generate $9 Million in Tax Revenue, Study Estimates

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/05/AR2007090500153.html

Howard County officials might consider whether they want to pursue a state horse park that encountered local opposition in neighboring Anne Arundel County.

County Council member Greg Fox (R-Western County) was scheduled to introduce legislation this week that would create a task force to study whether the county should proceed with a state facility sought after for several years by Maryland equine enthusiasts.

A state feasibility study last year estimated that spending by horse park visitors could total more than $122 million and generate more than $9 million annually in state and local tax revenue.

EDITORIALS/OP-EDS

Close that loophole

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/bal-ed.taxes06sep06,0,2475514.story

The average taxpayer should be fuming over the recent legislative audit of the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. Not because of the various oversights or recordkeeping problems the auditors uncovered. Those are correctable. Not so the legal loophole that has allowed owners of multimillion-dollar commercial properties to dodge taxes that the rest of us routinely pay. And the problem is getting worse.

Gov. Martin O'Malley says he wants to close the loophole, and the House of Delegates has voted to do so in the past. The chief obstacle is the state Senate, where members seem to prefer racetrack owners to homeowners. It's time those who own the state's most valuable commercial properties paid their fair share. Before the legislature raises any taxes or fees to close the state's projected $1.5 billion deficit, it should make sure the existing ones are being applied equitably.

We're wealthiest on the backs of others

http://www.examiner.com/a-916855~Editorial__We_re_wealthiest_on_the_backs_of_others.html

Maryland edged New Jersey to win the wealthiest state in the country label according to recent U.S. Census statistics.

Many economic development officials gushed about the result - showing the state's median income reaching $65,1 44 in 2006 - saying it signified the strength of Maryland's economy and the quality of its work force.

But the reason Maryland holds that position is in large part because it siphons tax dollars from other parts of the country in the form of high paying federal government jobs and positions created by federal government contracts. That is not a stable foundation on which to build a strong economy long term.

NATIONAL NEWS

House votes to rename I-395 in Ripken's honor

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-md.ripken06sep06,0,7771229.story

On the 12th anniversary of Cal Ripken Jr.'s record-tying 2,130th consecutive game, the House of Representatives voted yesterday to rename a section of Interstate 395 after the former Orioles star.

"He inspired the people of Baltimore every season with his quiet and unassuming dedication to his work and continues to do so in retirement through numerous charitable works and his youth baseball foundation," said Rep. John Sarbanes, a Baltimore County Democrat who sponsored the measure.

The rest of Maryland's House delegation co-sponsored the bill, as did Reps. Mike Doyle of Pennsylvania and Joe L. Barton of Texas, managers, respectively, of the Democratic and Republican congressional baseball teams.

Bartlett's suit against county sent back to district court

http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/news/display.htm?StoryID=64691\

An appeals court overturned a U.S. District Court judge's dismissal of a lawsuit brought against Frederick County by a developer and Rep. Roscoe Bartlett, R-6th, and his wife.

The lawsuit accuses the county of breach of contract by denying a public water and sewer request for a proposed nursing home and retirement community on the Bartlett's Buckeystown property. The suit will be sent back to district court in Baltimore.

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