20080326 News Clips

NewsClips 03-26-2008

STATE NEWS

Rate relief gets a boost

Senate panel backs electricity credit of about $5 a month

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-te.md.rates26mar26,0,6006638.story

Anxious about soaring electricity costs, a Senate committee voted to give households a break on monthly bills by using money that had been set aside by Gov. Martin O'Malley for energy efficiency and conservation. The proposal would provide a credit estimated at $5 a month to help consumers cope with double-digit increases in electricity rates. O'Malley, a Democrat, has pledged to address rising rates and Maryland's energy crunch, but lawmakers said yesterday that he hasn't done enough to help consumers. "We've promised them rate relief, but we've given them no relief," said Sen. E.J. Pipkin, an Eastern Shore Republican who proposed the rate credits. The proposal faces some resistance in the House of Delegates, and senators could still amend the legislation before sending it to the full Senate for a vote. The General Assembly is considering a number of administration bills this year aimed at increasing reliance on conservation as well as on renewable energy in an effort to stave off rolling blackouts, which state officials predict could come by 2011 without some intervention.

Morgan funding could be held

House panel offers strongest response yet to audit report

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.morgan26mar26,0,4778687.story

A House of Delegates panel decided yesterday to strip $3 million in planning money for Morgan State University's business school from next year's budget and to restrict another $3 million in building projects until the school overhauls its procurement processes, which are under criminal investigation by the state attorney general's office. Yesterday's action by the House Appropriations Committee's education subcommittee was the strongest response yet by the legislature to an audit report that found millions in questionable contracts at the Northeast Baltimore school. University officials have said they have taken appropriate action. Despite repeated apologies from Morgan State officials and promises that corrective actions have already been taken - including the dismissal of a senior construction manager - the audit has undermined confidence in Annapolis with the school's administration. House Majority Whip Talmadge Branch of Baltimore sat in on the meeting and praised the committee's decision as "not heavy-handed" and one that deals "no real penalties, from what I can see." But he cautioned that if Morgan State does not undertake serious reform, "next year, they'll deal with the committee again."

Cell Phone bill meets with static

House panel split on move to limit drivers' cell use

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.cellphone26mar26,0,4418884.story

Legislation to ban using a cell phone while driving ran into opposition yesterday, eliciting a mixed reception in a House committee that has killed similar bills this year. The bill - which senators approved on a vote of 26-21 - would outlaw talking on a hand-held cell phone or text-messaging while driving. But hands-free devices and speakerphones would be permitted, and the first-offense penalty of $50 could be waived if the offender gets hands-free gear.
"That bill is a dropped call," Del. Anthony J. O'Donnell, the minority leader from Southern Maryland, predicted after the hearing. He said cell phone use is just one of a number of driver distractions, and that the bill doesn't really deal with the larger problem. Attitudes on the measure don't fall along party lines. Del. Tanya Thornton Shewell, a Carroll County Republican who has co-sponsored similar bills in previous years, said her family's vehicle was hit from behind by a young driver talking on a cell phone. Del. Maggie L. McIntosh, a Baltimore Democrat and chairwoman of the committee, who was not present for the hearing, said she personally supports the cell phone driving ban. But she said many members of her panel remain steadfastly opposed. She predicted that it would be a close vote on the panel. "The House has never warmed up to that bill," McIntosh said.

Senate bill to limit trial by jury in civil cases fails

Change would mean amending constitution

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.jury26mar26,0,798200.story

The state Senate failed twice yesterday to pass a bill calling for a constitutional amendment that would raise the minimum amount of damages sought in order to convene a jury trial in a civil lawsuit. Under current law, people suing or being sued for $10,000 or more in District Court can request a jury trial in the Circuit division. Opponents, including Democrats and Republicans, argued that even in relatively small lawsuits, plaintiffs and defendants should have the right to be judged by a jury of their peers. "Just because you're mad at insurance companies, don't take it out on the little person," said Sen. Allan H. Kittleman, a Carroll County Republican. The law can only be changed by an amendment to the Maryland Constitution, which requires a three-fifths majority vote to pass; the matter would then go before the general public in a referendum.

Consensus on tech-tax repeal lacking

Miller, Montgomery Co. legislators at odds over how to make up for loss of revenue

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.tax26mar26,0,3664490.story

Gov. Martin O'Malley and top General Assembly leaders met yesterday evening to develop a plan to repeal Maryland's new computer services tax, but they failed to reach a consensus on new tax increases or budget cuts to make up for the $200 million a year the tax is expected to generate.
Although leaders in the Senate and House of Delegates declared they would work together toward a repeal, they found themselves no closer to agreement than they were after a similar meeting two weeks ago. Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller said lawmakers from Montgomery County held the key to breaking the deadlock, noting that they were the most adamant opponents of both the "tech tax" and the proposed levy on those earning more than $1 million annually. He said the county also receives the most in state transportation funding, leaving its representatives reluctant to redirect that money. Busch said last night that the powwow had been "very productive," but he said he remains reluctant to make up the shortfall from a tech-tax repeal with money that had been set aside for transportation. Sen. Ulysses Currie, a Prince George's County Democrat who chairs the Senate committee that oversees the state budget, said O'Malley needed to put forward a proposal to settle the matter. "The ball is in his court," Currie said.

Scholarship tax-credit bill advances

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.br.schools26mar26,0,6457307.story

The Senate gave preliminary approval yesterday to a bill that would allow businesses to receive $5 million in tax credits for sponsoring scholarships at private schools. In about 30 minutes of often-contentious debate on the chamber floor, lawmakers struck down multiple attempts to water down or limit the bill, which opponents say amounts to a public subsidy of private schools. Under the bill, businesses would receive an income tax credit for 75 percent of their contributions to nonprofit organizations that provide scholarships to students and teachers at private secondary schools.

Fallen Soldier Privacy Act Likely Headed for Governor's Desk

http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2008/03_26-3/GOV

A bill outlawing the use of dead soldiers' identities for commercial purposes is expected to reach the governor's desk after being amended to alleviate free speech concerns. Earlier in the legislative session, House and Senate lawmakers both considered bills prohibiting businesses from using the name or image of a dead soldier without the family's consent, but First Amendment concerns led to several changes. "Our goal was to make sure businesses weren't using the names of soldiers for commercial gain without the consent of the fallen soldier's family," said Delegate Nicholaus Kipke, R-Anne Arundel, who sponsored the House version of the bill. Senate sponsor Sen. Bryan Simonaire, R-Anne Arundel, said he is currently unaware of any businesses in Maryland that would be targeted. He said the legislation is intended to be a proactive deterrent. "It's very hurtful and painful to these parents," he said.

O'Malley keeps winning, but mistakes hurt

http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080326/METRO/315212327/1004

Democratic lawmakers say Gov. Martin O'Malley is a work in progress and that problems he faced as Baltimore's mayor have followed him to the State House. "This is a totally different dynamic for him," said Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr., Southern Maryland Democrat. "You need more than charm or good looks. You need to have some substance in your discussions and people need to be reasoned with." Mr. Miller said Mr. O'Malley was used to dealing with a 15-member City Council but now must struggle with 188 state lawmakers, including a small but forceful Republicans caucus. Mr. O'Malley also brought to Annapolis a strained relationship with state schools Superintendent Nancy S. Grasmick. Early in the General Assembly session this year, Mr. O'Malley spoke about a plan to oust Mrs. Grasmick, but in February, he called an unexpected news conference to publicly make peace with her. He dismissed the idea that past political missteps have influencing his ability to govern the state.

Senate OKs expanded collection of DNA

http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080326/METRO/751498625/1004

The Maryland Senate yesterday voted to expand DNA sampling in the state's legal system, approving the collection of genetic material from people who have been charged with violent crimes and burglary. The Senate voted 36-11 after accepting amendments similar to those in a bill approved by the House of Delegates last week. The changes were made to allay criticism that the legislation was too invasive to people who are presumed innocent until proved guilty. The Legislative Black Caucus said an earlier version of the bill went too far and would unfairly target minorities. Despite the amendments, some Republicans and Democrats say the bill goes too far. Sen. Alex X. Mooney, Frederick Republican, said he had questions about how well DNA samples would be protected and how they would be used while in storage. We need to look at these things much more carefully," Mr. Mooney said.

Kids' Health Insurance Plan Moves Forward

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/25/AR2008032503073.html

The Maryland House of Delegates agreed yesterday to encourage more working-poor families to enroll their children in a state health insurance program but stopped short of mandating enrollment and withholding tax credits from parents who don't sign up. In Maryland, despite almost a decade of marketing efforts by state government and social service agencies, nearly 90,000 children eligible for subsidized health insurance are not enrolled. Another 40,000 whose parents have higher incomes lack private insurance. This hard-to-reach population is the focus of the Kids First Act, which won preliminary approval in the House. The state would use the annual rite of income taxes to begin to identify which children are uninsured and encourage their parents to enroll them in subsidized plans.

EDITORIALS/OP-EDS

Reining in Morgan

Our view: Greater oversight of construction projects is justified

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/editorial/bal-ed.morgan26mar26,0,2219397.story

In the wake of a troubling audit, a legislative panel's decision to delay some construction projects at Morgan State University sends a proper warning for the school to get its house in order. A House of Delegates subcommittee voted unanimously to eliminate or restrict $6 million for various capital projects - actions that must still be approved by the full House and the Senate. Morgan officials complain that as a historically black institution, the university is being singled out for harsher treatment than other institutions that receive state dollars. But until the school has an experienced director with a fully staffed office to manage construction projects, more oversight by lawmakers is justified.

Editor's notebook

http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2008/03_25-11/OPN

Marylanders had better resign themselves to the use of automated cameras to catch speeders, at least in work areas, school zones and residential neighborhoods. As of last week, versions of this legislation had passed both the House of Delegates and the state Senate, and an approving Gov. Martin O'Malley is waiting with his pen poised. There was debate on whether this is a civil liberties violation. But there is no right to speed or to violate any other rule of the road. Now that the cameras are definitely coming, we hope that they do, in fact, make the roads safer.

BUYBACK - The most sweeping of the crime-fighting ideas recently brought up by Mayor Ellen Moyer and the aldermen - a curfew - has been getting the bulk of the attention. But other ideas are up for discussion, too, including a possible gun buyback program for Annapolis. But, unfortunately, even buybacks of real guns, when tried periodically, in Annapolis and elsewhere, never seem to accomplish much. It's not just that the supply of guns is virtually limitless. Those doing the buying just can't offer anything close to what guns are actually worth to the hoodlums and drug dealers who are causing the problems. So the guns actually piled up the buyback tend to be ancient firearms that were sitting disassembled in the back closets of law-abiding citizens. There must be more productive crime-fighting efforts for the city to spend the money on.

Females make great strides in politics

http://www.gazette.net/stories/032008/carrnew15334_32385.shtml

When Anita Stup ran for Frederick County Commissioner in 1982, voters seemed more interested in the style of her hair, than what she could do for the county. ‘‘Should Anita wear her hair up or down? That was an issue,” said Stup, a Republican who lives in Frederick. During the last 30 years, women have increasingly been stepping out of traditional roles and throwing their hats into the political arena. In Frederick County, a woman leads the Board of County Commissioners, several are members of the Board of Education, one sits on the county’s delegation to the General Assembly, and several serve as leaders on the municipal level. Stup paves the way During the 1980s and early 1990s, Stup was one of the leading female politicians in Frederick County. She served as a county commissioner from 1982 to 1990, and from 1986 to 1990, she served as board president. In 1990, Stup was elected state delegate for District 3. She was the only Republican woman in the House and the only female state delegate in all of Western Maryland. ‘‘I was very proud,” Stup, 63, said. ‘‘The voters have always been very good to me.” Stup said her time in office ran smoothly. Now retired from politics, Stup continues to keep tabs on local issues and believes she paved the way female politicians in the county today. ‘‘Absolutely,” she said.

For Katie Nash, 25, that challenge is exciting. Nash, chief of staff for state Sen. E.J. Pipkin, (R-Dist. 36), already has a political resume that many would find daunting. Calling herself a ‘‘moderate Republican,” Nash is a member of the Republican Women of Greater Frederick, and waved signs in support of George W. Bush during his presidential campaign. She also served on the Frederick County Republican Central Committee. Nash now hopes one day to run for an elected office in Frederick County. ‘‘I do see a life of public service ahead of me,” she said. ‘‘I graduate in May, so we’ll see from there. There are a lot of exciting things happening in Frederick.”