News Clips 03-17-2008
STATE NEWS
Teachers union backs
http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080316/METRO/23498550/1004
The union representing the state's teachers announced yesterday that it had voted to support passage of a November referendum on legalizing slot machines.
"The referendum establishes an Education Trust Fund and dedicates half of future proceeds to our public schools. It provides
"Because of our state's precarious fiscal outlook, if this referendum fails, students, teachers and support staff will be left with outdated facilities, larger classes, outdated textbooks and shortages of materials. School systems will be left with fewer resources to recruit and retain the best teachers and support staff," Miss Floyd said.
Support from the Maryland State Teachers Association, one of the state's largest unions, is widely considered to be crucial to passing a slots ballot initiative in November.
Lawmakers have tied legalized slots to education funding, even naming the bill that sets the location and number of slot machines "The Maryland Education Trust Fund — Video Lottery Terminals." State lawmakers are counting on the slots referendum to generate $650 million to help close a long-term budget shortfall and fund hundreds of millions of dollars in increased education spending.
In his 2002 successful campaign for governor, Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., a Republican, said he would legalize "slots for tots" — a plan to fund landmark education spending with more than 10,000 slot machines at racetracks across the state. Mr. Ehrlich's slots plans were defeated in the House of Delegates.
Teachers union backs slots referendum
Endorsement follows threats to school funding
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.teachers16mar16,0,6381489.story
The state teachers union voted late Friday night to support voter approval of slot machine gambling in a November referendum, the union announced yesterday. The endorsement comes after Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller <http://www.baltimoresun.com/topic/politics/thomas-v-mike-jr-miller-PEPLT004538.topic> warned the powerful union that they needed to support the proposal to legalize slot machine gambling or be prepared for severe cuts in education funding. Other state leaders and some local teachers associations had urged the 67,000-member group to remain neutral or seek more input before weighing in.
After five years of bitter deadlock in
Slots opponents in recent days accused Miller of essentially holding the union hostage by "threatening" to assign the responsibility for funding teacher pensions to local school jurisdictions, a move that would almost certainly force them to impose severe budget cuts.
They also cried foul when legislation considered a top priority by the teachers association - which would create a labor relations board to negotiate labor disputes with the union, removing that power from the State Board of Education - stalled for more than a month in a Senate committee.
Consensus is close on cuts to O'Malley's budget
Stem cell research a sticking point for House, Senate leaders
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.spend15mar15,0,4171584.story
Senate and House of Delegates leaders are nearing consensus on deep cuts to Gov. Martin O'Malley
<http://www.baltimoresun.com/topic/politics/government/martin-omalley-PEPLT007459.topic> 's budget, including major reductions for Chesapeake Bay <http://www.baltimoresun.com/topic/travel/tourism-leisure/waterway-maritime-transportation/chesapeake-bay-PLREC000053.topic> cleanup, health care, transportation and economic development.
Some differences have developed between the two chambers - such as a dispute over how much should be cut from the state's stem cell research funds - but the legislature appears united behind a goal of slowing down state spending to compensate for a weakening economy.
The Senate approved the budget on a 38-7 vote yesterday as some Republicans said further spending cuts are needed on top of trims identified by the legislature.
"We are asking the people to pay more and more for our government when they have less and less ability to pay," said Sen. Janet Greenip <http://www.baltimoresun.com/topic/politics/janet-greenip-PEPLT002524.topic> , an Anne Arundel County Republican. "Let us give the taxpayers a break. Let us really go to a lean budget for the state of
But there are several potential bones of contention, both large and small.
First among them is the House's move to fund the state's embryonic stem cell research grant program at $15 million - an $8 million cut - compared with the Senate's efforts to bring that funding down to $5 million.
Some Republicans have called for cutting the entire $23 million O'Malley proposed.
In yesterday's House hearing, Del. John L. Bohanan Jr. <http://www.baltimoresun.com/topic/politics/john-l-jr-bohanan-PEPLT000548.topic> , a St. Mary's County <http://www.baltimoresun.com/topic/us/maryland/st.-marys-county-PLGEO100100618000000.topic> Democrat, asked fellow members of the Appropriations Committee to vote down an amendment proposed by Del. Gail H. Bates, a Howard County Republican, who sought to cut all the money this year.
"I'm suggesting this is the time to hiccup," Bates said, noting the economic downturn. The committee voted against Bates' amendment and several other GOP efforts to impose more cuts. Bates and Del. Susan L.M. Aumann, a Baltimore County Republican, said more reductions were necessary to prepare for the possibility that the economy will get worse.
Tax report stirs fears
Reach of levy on tech service concerns firms
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.computer15mar15,0,5843428.story
Amid growing momentum for a repeal of
"Companies will be lined up in droves to leave the state if the tax is not repealed," he said.
While the technology tax has been described as largely a "business-to-business" levy, Franchot's office made clear yesterday that people who purchase services for home computers are also subject to the tax "regardless of their business or nonbusiness use."
Franchot said enforcement challenges and an exodus of businesses could mean the tax will generate far less than the $200 million estimated by legislative analysts. The levy was pushed through in the final hours of November's special legislative session, which was convened to address a $1.7 billion structural deficit in the state budget.
Franchot said enforcement challenges and an exodus of businesses could mean the tax will generate far less than the $200 million estimated by legislative analysts. The levy was pushed through in the final hours of November's special legislative session, which was convened to address a $1.7 billion structural deficit in the state budget.
Though a repeal of the technology tax is looking more likely now than it did at the start of the current General Assembly session, there is no firm consensus that a personal income surcharge on millionaires, as O'Malley would prefer, is a palatable alternative.
Assembly moves on foreclosures
<http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.foreclosure16mar16,0,1761777.story> http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.foreclosure16mar16,0,1761777.story
Legislation aimed at helping
One administration bill approved by the Environmental Matters Committee would stretch out the time before foreclosure can take place, from 15 days to more than four months.
Another measure would make mortgage fraud a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison or a $5,000 fine, or both.
Kathleen Murphy, president of the Maryland Bankers Association, said the foreclosure bill "codifies the best practices of responsible lenders."
Lenders welcome the requirements for giving borrowers more notice of impending foreclosure, But Del. Anthony J. O'Donnell <http://www.baltimoresun.com/topic/politics/anthony-j-odonnell-PEPLT004914.topic> , the minority leader from Southern Maryland, said he was worried that the mortgage fraud bill would make lenders and brokers "black hats du jour."
A provision allowing plaintiffs to collect treble damages would be "opening up a new realm for trial lawyers" at the expense of "an industry that's in distress," O'Donnell said.
Lawmakers focus on slots spending
Bills would tighten rules on reporting expenses linked to Nov. referendum
<http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.slots16mar16001522,0,7484962.story> http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.slots16mar16001522,0,7484962.story
Lawmakers in
When legislators decided in last fall's special session to put the question of legalizing slots to a referendum, they also took a step to give voters more information about how much was being spent, and by whom, to influence the outcome.
The slots legislation included a provision requiring any corporation that spends more than $10,000 on campaign materials to file reports with the state Board of Elections before and after the vote Nov. 4.
Besides targeting corporate spending, lawmakers voted last fall to require any committee formed to influence votes on the slots referendum to file an extra spending report Oct. 10, four weeks before the Nov. 4 election.
Gambling ballot measures in other states have resulted in hefty contributions to groups campaigning for and against them.
House OKs bill to let liquor stores in Carroll sell on Sundays
<http://www.examiner.com/a-1282940~House_OKs_bill_to_let_liquor_stores_in_Carroll_sell_on_Sundays.html> http://www.examiner.com/a-1282940~House_OKs_bill_to_let_liquor_stores_in_Carroll_sell_on_Sundays.html
Most store owners in Westminster <http://www.examiner.com/Subject-Westminster.html> , the county seat in the center of Carroll, opposed the bill because they thought that if many other stores stayed open on Sunday, it would pressure them to do the same, said Del. Tanya Shewell <http://www.examiner.com/Subject-Tanya_Shewell.html> , a Republican representing Westminster.
The Carroll bill, which needs Senate approval, would allow stores to sell alcohol from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. It would take effect July 1.
Anne Arundel councilmen devise school capacity plan
http://www.examiner.com/a-1282007~Anne_Arundel_councilmen_devise_school_capacity_plan.html
A plan to increase Anne Arundel <http://www.examiner.com/Subject-Anne_Arundel.html> ’s public school capacity will make for more “realistic” classroom sizes and make it easier for people to build homes.
“People will see 105 and 110 percent and believe that we’re overcrowding schools … but even at those percentages, we’re not,” said Councilman Jamie Benoit, D-District <http://www.examiner.com/Subject-Jamie_Benoit.html> 4, who, along with District 3 Councilman Ron Dillon, is proposing the changes.
The proposal will likely add more students in some schools, particularly those where development is being considered.
The councilmen’s efforts come after the council took control of the school capacity chart, a listing of which schools are overcrowded and no longer open to new students.
The chart has been the bane of many home builders in the county. If a school system is deemed “closed” to new students, a developer would wait at least six years before building new homes. But several schools are on the chart can handle more students, officials said. The proposal would reduce that time to three years, saving home builders money spent on interest on undeveloped property, and ultimately reducing housing prices, Benoit said.
Leggett Unveils $4.3B
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/17/AR2008031701061.html
Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) this morning announced a $4.3 billion budget blueprint that would raise property taxes, eliminate 225 government jobs and trim spending for police and fire services.
Leggett's proposal to increase property tax bills by 9 percent for the average homeowner reflects a weakened economy and was "absolutely necessary," he said, to protect critical government services.
"It's something I really did not want to do, but something we have to do," Leggett said during a morning briefing with the County Council, which must approve the budget. Under his plan, 1,000 county employees would be offered an early retirement package with a $25,000 incentive. Budget writers expect about 100 workers to accept the offer. Of those jobs, about 50 would be eliminated in addition to 175 other positions. Chief Administrative Officer Timothy Firestine said he anticipates the county "will be able to manage without anybody hitting the street who doesn't want to go."
I-270 stop gains (clean) energy
http://washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080317/METRO/836711222/1004
Rep. Roscoe G. Bartlett loves talking about energy conservation, but there is one audience he hasn't been able to reach: the thousands of tourists who drive through his
Now the Maryland General Assembly is considering a bill that could help revive the Republican congressman's dream of combining the latest energy-saving technology with a highway rest stop along busy Interstate 270 near
The bill has bipartisan support and backing from the administration of Gov. Martin O'Malley, a Democrat. It would create a state
The measure doesn't specify a location for the center's headquarters, but Mr. Bartlett and other proponents favor the Goodloe Byron Scenic Overlook, a 15-acre parcel owned by the State Highway Administration along I-270, just south of Frederick and with views of the Monocacy National Battlefield.
The center would have bathrooms, but its mission would be public education, not tourism, said Charles B. Adams, director of environmental design for the State Highway Administration.
"It would be a learning experience for people," he said. Mr. Bartlett, who drives a Toyota Prius and thinks the world's crude-oil supplies may have peaked, said the need for such a site is greater now, with oil near $110 a barrel, than it was in 2003, when oil was priced at less than $40.
"I think the public interest will be even greater, and we're excited this is going to happen," he said.
EDITORIALS/OP-EDS
More sunshine, not less
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/editorial/bal-ed.sunshine16mar16,0,5923877.story
The flow of information between government and citizens is changing rapidly with new technology.
Making government more accessible and accountable to citizens is a multipronged process.
One-party control of state government not healthy for anyone
By
http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2008/03_16-56/OPN
Everyone knows
Our nation's founders understood the importance of balance, moderation and separation of powers in the halls of government. The two-party system that has evolved in this country reflects those priorities.
By its nature, the two-party system promotes compromise and keeps both parties from swinging too far to the right or the left, lest middle-of-the-road voters abandon a party that has drifted too far afield.
A quick review of the balance of power in the various branches of our state government reveals the extent to which
Obviously, Republicans are not generally welcomed into this elite club.
Of the six currently sitting judges (there is one vacancy), five are registered Democrats and the party affiliation of one is unknown. There's not much of a Republican perspective on that court. Marylanders are ill-served by an imbalance of this magnitude. As Lord Acton observed, "Power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely." The Democratic Party's overwhelming dominance of
Even the Democratic Party itself would benefit from a more equal balance of power. Competition is healthy and keeps us on our game. After all, Duke wouldn't be Duke for long if it played
Mind the Gap
Who will pay $200 million a year to close
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/16/AR2008031602167.html
MARYLAND LAWMAKERS are wrestling with the consequences of their slapdash move late last year to single out computer services firms by whacking them with a 6 percent sales tax. The levy, approved with virtually no debate, hearings, consultation or forethought, is almost without precedent in other states, and there is good reason to think that it will drive businesses out of Maryland <http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/related/topic/Maryland?tid=informline> if it goes into effect July 1 as scheduled.
The tax should be repealed, as Gov. Martin O'Malley <http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/related/topic/Martin+O'Malley?tid=informline> (D) finally acknowledged on Thursday. The question is how to compensate for the $200 million in annual revenue that it was to yield at the expense of computer programmers, installers, repair companies and other specialists.
Of course, one answer is to slash state spending.
A Republican proposal for further budget cuts was defeated.
A Democratic bill under consideration in Annapolis <http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/related/topic/Annapolis+(Maryland)?tid=informline> would apply a 6 percent state income tax for residents making more than $750,000 and a 6.5 percent rate for taxable income of $1 million or more, compared with 5.5 percent now.
Granted, taxpayers who clear $1 million a year make a convenient target. But an increase in the income tax is preferable to arbitrarily soaking the computer services industry, which is one of the state's most promising avenues for economic development.
Eggs, with a side of conspiracy theory
http://www.baltimoresun.com/bal-md.vozzella16mar16,0,913850.column
Perhaps gossip hounds finally have had their fill of the Paris Hiltons of the world. Now they're trailing Tony Caligiuri, breathlessly reporting where Rep. Wayne Gilchrest's chief of staff has - get this - eaten breakfast.
It is the most important meal of the day, but still!
Caligiuri's breakfast was big news on politickermd.com last week because he had it at a gathering of "Republicans for Kratovil." That's Frank Kratovil, the Democrat and Queen Anne's County state's attorney running for Congress against state Sen. Andy Harris, who beat Caligiuri's boss in the bitter GOP primary.
Politickermd wondered: Did Caligiuri's presence suggest that Gilchrest would cross party lines and endorse Kratovil?
Harris campaign manager Chris Meekins weighed in on the site: "I'd call it bi-polar support, not bi-partisan." (Reached Friday, Meekins said he stood by his comment, calling Caligiuri and some co-workers "disgruntled staff members trying to keep their jobs.")
What did Caligiuri make of all the interest in what he claimed was a "completely canoodle-free" meal?
"I thought it was the funniest thing I've ever seen," Caligiuri said. "I have to say the only thing more pathetic than being interested in where and with whom I've had breakfast would be the fact that a campaign would criticize somebody for even listening to a political speech by someone of a different political party. That probably crystallizes what's wrong with American politics right now."
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