20080319 News Clips

News Clips 03-19-2008

STATE NEWS

Constellation, Md. negotiating settlement

State, BGE parent sued each other over energy credits

http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bal-ceg0319,0,1910522.story

Constellation Energy Group Inc. and Gov. Martin O'Malley's administration are negotiating in an effort to settle lawsuits over $386 million in energy credits, administration and company officials said today. Rick Abbruzzese, a spokesman for O'Malley, said the state and Constellation have been in discussions for about a week. "I think it will take a little while, and the negotiators continue to work," Abbruzzese said, declining further comment. Constellation has been battling with the state over a 72 percent rate hike that went fully into effect last year as a result of a 1999 agreement to deregulate. Maryland lawmakers had approved $38.6 million in credits a year for 10 years. Constellation contends the credits were improperly taken because they were tied to a merger that did not go through.

Senate advances traffic measures

Bills would ban cell phones, OK speed cameras

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.traffic19mar19,0,4402735.story

The Maryland Senate moved forward yesterday with legislation intended to improve traffic safety by banning the use of hand-held cell phones while driving and by allowing law enforcement agencies to post cameras to catch speeders. After days of parliamentary moves and ardent debate, the Senate gave preliminary approval to the cell phone measure, which had appeared dead last week but now heads to a final vote in that chamber. Senators also approved the speed camera legislation after several days of debate. The debate now shifts to the House of Delegates. That chamber is expected this week to take up speed cameras, which are backed by Gov. Martin O'Malley. But prospects for the cell phone ban are more uncertain. Under the legislation, driving while using a hand-held cell phone or wireless communication device would be a secondary offense, meaning that motorists could be cited for violating the law only if they are pulled over for another traffic offense. The fine for a first offense would be $50. Drivers could still use cell phones if they are equipped with hands-free accessories.

The Senate voted 26-21 to approve the speed camera bill, while the House began debate on a companion measure yesterday. The lawmakers also lowered the proposed fine to $40 from $75, with some saying the purpose of speed cameras should be to improve safety, not raise revenue.

Video gambling bill heard

Assembly measure would ban slot-like electronic machines

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.slots19mar19001521,0,3154990.story

A bill that proponents believe would allow the state to get rid of thousands of video gambling machines in Baltimore-area bars and restaurants got a favorable hearing in a House of Delegates committee yesterday. If the legislation passes as written, it would require removal of all classes of slot-like electronic gambling machines that have proliferated in Maryland through legal loopholes and poor law enforcement. A similar Senate bill passed yesterday with only two opposing votes, but that legislation does not address the "video poker" machines that exist in bars and restaurants in Baltimore City and Baltimore County. Those machines are marked "for amusement only," but vice squads and critics say they frequently are used to make illegal payouts and prop up revenues in the establishments. Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller has said his chamber's version of the bill does not prohibit those machines because they are already illegal, and eradicating them is up to law enforcement. Representatives from numerous nonprofits, including volunteer fire companies and veterans groups, also opposed the measure, saying they depend on the money the machines provide.

Bill on couples' health rights gets OK

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.sbrief19mar19,0,7929011.story

The state Senate passed legislation yesterday that would give unmarried couples a number of health-related rights, such as medical and funeral decision-making and hospital visitation. The bill, approved 30-17, now moves to the House. The legislation would apply to gay and straight couples, but it is considered a priority for gay-rights activists as passage of broader bills on same-sex marriage or civil unions appears unlikely this year.

House puts off vote on collecting DNA

Black lawmakers walk out of meeting; many Republicans also upset with bill

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-te.md.dna19mar19,0,3102287.story

Gov. Martin O'Malley's bid to expand collection of DNA samples from criminal suspects is sparking intense debate in Annapolis, with black lawmakers so upset they walked out of a Democratic caucus meeting in protest. With objections from both ends of the political spectrum, the House of Delegates postponed debate on the bill until tomorrow. But critics in both parties say they remain concerned about the measure, fearing it could infringe on people's constitutional rights and might wind up costing far more than the administration has predicted. Carter's concerns are shared, to a degree, by some Republicans. Howard County Del. Warren Miller said he's still uneasy about the bill's impact on civil liberties, though he said he's more comfortable now that it has been amended. "My concern is just the fact that someone is accused of a crime doesn't mean they committed it," Miller said. He said he's also worried about the cost of expanding the database when the state is strapped for cash. The House black caucus is not unified on the bill. Three African-American lawmakers on the Judiciary committee voted for the amended bill, while Carter continued to oppose it. Now, committee leaders say they hope to give everyone with concerns one last chance to suggest changes before bringing the measure up for a full-fledged debate tomorrow.

Delay of dish-soap ban near in Senate

Companies ask time to get phosphorus out of detergents

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.detergent19mar19,0,1792855.story

The Maryland Senate is poised to delay the implementation of a statewide ban on dishwasher detergent containing polluting phosphorus that seeps into the Chesapeake Bay, in response to objections from consumer products giant Procter & Gamble, which said it cannot meet the original deadline. Senators gave preliminary approval yesterday to legislation that would push back the ban's implementation by six months, to July 2010. The change would come one year after the General Assembly passed the ban on nearly all phosphorus in the detergents, which environmentalists say are discharged into the bay through sewers and other avenues, and contribute to algae blooms, fish kills and dead zones. Environmentalists and some lawmakers decried the proposed delay. Sen. Brian E. Frosh, a Montgomery County Democrat, said that moving back the deadline for complying with the law would lead to an additional 7.5 tons of phosphorus ending up in the bay. He called the legislation a "license to pollute." Del. Doyle L. Niemann, a Prince George's County Democrat and sponsor of the delay bill in the House of Delegates, said that extending the ban's effective date was a "small price to pay" in exchange for the industry's support for phosphorus reduction. He also said that while other companies will be offering products that meet the lower-phosphate threshold in time, they have a smaller market share.

Proposal targets false campaign ads

http://www.examiner.com/a-1287411~Proposal_targets_false_campaign_ads.html

Maryland lawmakers are trying again to ban intentionally false campaign materials, pointing to 2006 campaign fliers that misidentified former Republican Gov. Robert Ehrlich and Senate candidate Michael Steele as Democrats. Members of the Maryland House of Delegates Tuesday debated a proposal that would prohibit campaign materials similar to the sample ballots supporters of Ehrlich and Steele distributed to black Democrats in Prince George’s County and Baltimore City on the eve of the general election. Opponents argued the proposal violates free-speech rights. House Minority Whip Christopher Shank, of Washington County, said the proposal sets a “murky precedent.” Del. Pat McDonough, a Baltimore County Republican, said courts will be inundated by requests to determine what constitutes “false.” “This is broad and vague, and that is going to launch nuisance lawsuits in the middle of the campaign,” McDonough said.

Senate OKs partner rights

http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080319/METRO/816753995/1004

With gay marriage a no-go this year, Maryland senators voted yesterday to allow unmarried couples more rights to make medical decisions for each other. The Senate voted 30-17 to allow domestic partners, who could be gay or heterosexual, to make medical or funeral decisions for each other if they meet certain criteria to show they are a committed couple. Unwed couples would have to show "mutual interdependence" such as joint checking accounts or common property ownership before qualifying for the decision-making powers. "In society today, we promote marriage. Marriage between one man and one woman," said Sen. Alex X. Mooney, Frederick Republican, who opposed the measure. "You're giving spousal rights to unmarried people." The only Republican to support the bill, Sen. Allan H. Kittleman of Howard and Carroll counties, said he wanted to allow couples who can't marry for legal reasons the medical rights spouses have. He cited elderly couples and a widow who cannot marry her longtime partner because she would lose benefits. "I rise in support of this bill, and it's not an easy thing for me to do," said Mr. Kittleman, the Senate's second-ranking Republican. Later, he added, "This isn't simply about homosexuality."

Md. Senate Passes Mortgage-Lending Reform

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/19/AR2008031902001.html

The Maryland Senate unanimously passed legislation this morning designed to control the housing crisis by stemming the rising tide of foreclosures in the state. Seeking to strengthen homeowner protections and toughen oversight of the mortgage-lending industry, senators voted to establish mortgage fraud as a crime subject to prosecution. The House of Delegates gave preliminary approval this morning to a similar mortgage fraud bill and is scheduled to debate other foreclosure legislation this afternoon.

Emergency Bill Approved to Ban Video Gambling.

'Amusement Only' Games Exempted

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/18/AR2008031802818.html

The Maryland Senate approved emergency legislation yesterday to ban the instant bingo machines and similar devices that have exploded across the state, many apparently in violation of gambling laws. But while the bill would eliminate hundreds of gaming machines in St. Mary's County and other parts of the state, it exempts games in bars and restaurants that have proliferated in the city of Baltimore and Baltimore County and that critics say are illegal. The electronic games, which are designed to resemble slot machines, are permitted in a few counties only if the proceeds go to charities or other nonprofit groups. At a hearing yesterday on a similar bill pending in the House of Delegates, Comptroller Peter Franchot (D) urged lawmakers not to weaken the ban by exempting the kind of machines found in the Baltimore area. "It is a loophole big enough to drive a truckload full of video gambling machines through it," Franchot said.

Rep. Bartlett says economy is voters' top issue

http://www.herald-mail.com/?cmd=displaystory&story_id=188916&format=html

Rep. Roscoe Bartlett, R-Md., also spoke about layoffs at Volvo-Powertrain North America's Hagerstown plant that were announced Monday. Those layoffs tend to be cyclical, Bartlett said, echoing what a company spokesman said Monday. Government should reduce regulations and taxes, freeing industry to be competitive, Bartlett said. He has no problem supporting the working poor, but opposes the minimum wage, he said. He called the minimum wage a "cruel hoax" that doesn't help people. Bartlett laid responsibility for the credit problems at the feet of an industry that irresponsibly encourages people to take on commitments they are unlikely able to keep and consumers who take on nearly unaffordable mortgages. "A major part of fulfilling the American dream was owning your home," he said. "Now, they don't own a home and their credit is ruined." Government has to find some way to end the crisis without setting a precedent for bailing people out when they make poor decisions, Bartlett said. As far as energy concerns, the country needs to find a "clearly sustainable" form of energy, he said. Until then, Bartlett said, he foresees a shift from trucks to trains as a way to move freight, driven by the high price of oil. Trains are five to six times more energy-efficient, he said.

Delegation may edit county's trash bill

http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/news/display.htm?StoryID=72636

The county's delegation of state lawmakers will decide in the next few days whether to change a bill that would give the Frederick County Commissioners more authority over trash hauling. The delegation decided to support the bill early last month, but now one of its opponents has proposed an amendment that would require more delegation oversight. The county commissioners say the change will make trash collection more efficient and cheaper for residents, while allowing the county to expand its curbside recycling program. Because it has been endorsed by the delegation and only applies in Frederick County, the bill will be given deference known as "local courtesy" by the General Assembly and is likely to pass. The amendment was proposed by Frederick County Republican Delegate Paul Stull, a member of the House Environmental Matters Committee, which has been assigned the bill. He said the new requirement will allow the delegation to look out for the interests of small businesses that haul trash to just a few clients and might not be able to compete as well in the bidding process. "That's all I want to see, is the protection of the small haulers," Stull said. Sen. David Brinkley, a Republican who supported the original version of the bill, said he favors the amendment as well. The delegation decided to support the bill based on assurances from the county, and he likes the amendment because it allows them to double check that those are being fulfilled. Delegate Joseph Bartlett said he could not support the bill because he still worries about small haulers losing jobs and that residents will not like their new service. "I think the more checks and balances in the system and the more eyes and ears on the process, especially with something new like this, the better off everybody will be," he said.

House Debates Budget; Delegates Reject Computer Tax Repeal

http://wbal.com/stories/templates/news.aspx?articleid=3544&zoneid=2

Last week it was the Senate, today it's the House of Delegates that's taking a turn making cuts to Governor Martin O'Malley's $31.5-billion budget proposal. House Democrats have drafted a budget with $100-million more in cuts compared to the St ate Senate. Republicans say the proposed cuts are not enough. House Minority Leader Tony O'Donnell has proposed doubling the cuts that Democrats have unveiled. The amendment was defeated 100-38. Delegates also rejected an amendment sponsored by Baltimore County Delegate Pat McDonough to repeal the $60,000 raises being given to the five members of the PSC. The House finished its budget debate after three hours. Tomorrow, delegates are expected to appprove the $31.1-billion budget. Senators and Delegates will have to work out a compromise budget, by the end of the month.

EDITORIALS/OP-EDS

Ehrlich is planning -- gasp! -- a comeback

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-md.vozzella19mar19,0,5881134.column

If the open campaign office and fundraising appeals have left any room for doubt, then consider this a news flash: Bob Ehrlich is seriously mulling another run for governor. I have that from a political adviser who meets regularly with Ehrlich and two aides to talk comeback strategy -- and who, for some reason, confirmed as much when I phoned him the other day. "I meet with Ehrlich and Paul Schurick and Greg Massoni ... about every other week," said Bruce Carlin, who was Ehrlich's chief of staff for the Maryland Transportation Authority Police and today works as a special assistant to Harford County Executive David Craig. Over breakfasts, lunches and dinners, Carlin said, they talk about "where the polls are, what the power brokers are saying in different counties. We still have our networks in each county, and they still report back to us." bounced that off Ehrlich spokesman Henry Fawell. His reply: "The governor's thinking on the issue has not changed since he left office." Which I take to mean that Ehrlich has been thinking about a comeback since he handed over the keys to the governor's mansion to Martin O'Malley. It's never too early to start, judging by the Bob Ehrlich for Maryland fundraising letter that arrived in mailboxes just this week.

NATIONAL NEWS

Special Education Funding Needed

http://www.abc2news.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=5df7776e-d180-4ffb-b1d0-05964805960a

Maryland Senator Barbara Mikulski got an earful today from parents, teachers and other advocates for special education. Mikulski is pushing the federal government for additional funds. So today she held a roundtable discussion to hear about the needs of Maryland special education students. Senator Mikulski says the federal government is mandated to help local governments fund special education, but has only released about half of the 21 billion dollars needed nationwide. Educators say they are short on teaching assistants and medical personel. These people are needed to help teach and care for students with severe disabilities. Senator Mikulski says this information will help in the battle to bring more special education funding to Maryland.