20080408 News Clips

NewsClips 04-08-2008

STATE NEWS

Session 2008 Ends: Lawmakers Approve Constellation Deal; Reject O'Malley Global Warming Bill; Speed Camera Bill Dies

http://wbal.com/stories/templates/news.aspx?articleid=4419&zoneid=2

Lawmakers spent all day and evening Monday considering hundreds of bills. One of the last bills approved would ban the expansion of electronic bingo machines, which legislative leaders claimed amounted to illegal slot machines. A bill backed by Governor Martin O'Malley to place speed cameras in highway work zones did not pass. A conference committee did approve a compromise version of the bill, but the full Senate did not consider it before midnight, because Republicans had threatened a filibuster. 'Speed cameras are gone, and I think it's clear if there had been a majority in the Senate, it would have come up," Senate Majority Whip Allan Kittleman told WBAL News. In one of the final major votes of the session, lawmakers gave final approval to a multi-billion-dollar settlement between the state and Constellation Energy over monthly credits to BGE customers. Lawmakers decided to kill the governor's proposal to address climate change by slashing carbon emissions. The governor told WBAL News last night that he will introduce the bill again next year. This morning, Governor O'Malley will sign more than 100 bills enacted during the session, including the repeal of the computer service sales tax. The governor will also sign legislation to help homeowners facing foreclosures, as well as create a new state Department of Information Technology. The governor is expected to decide the fate of hundreds of other bills over the next two months.

Democrats see victory as session concludes

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-te.md.session08apr08,0,2454892.story

The General Assembly adjourned last night after an annual session that saw the passage of new protections for homeowners against foreclosures and new funding for consumer energy efficiency incentives but the failure of legislation authorizing statewide speed cameras and banning the use of hand-held cellular phones while driving. O'Malley and legislative leaders highlighted their achievements in spite of an economic downturn that hampered their ability to roll out new spending initiatives. Much of the legislature's agenda this year has been dominated by O'Malley's priorities, because major spending bills introduced by lawmakers were generally rejected because of budget concerns. Republicans, however, said that many new Democratic initiatives would hurt taxpayers and businesses. "A lot of things we've done will be very damaging, especially the economic ones," said House Minority Leader Anthony J. O'Donnell, who represents Southern Maryland.

BGE's customers to get $170 rebate

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-te.md.rates08apr08,0,3890845.story

BGE customers will get one-time rebates of $170 and other benefits totaling $2 billion in the coming years under a settlement agreement with the utility's parent company approved by the General Assembly last night. The deal passed in the final hours of the General Assembly session after the Senate reversed course on an amendment seeking to partially reregulate Maryland's electric utilities. The agreement ended a bitter public and legal feud, with both sides agreeing to drop lawsuits against each other.
But the truce was cast in doubt Friday, when the Senate tacked an extra provision onto the settlement. The amendment, offered by Rosapepe and Sen. E.J. Pipkin, an Eastern Shore Republican, would have required any new power plant built in Maryland to offer its electricity for sale in the state and to be subject to regulation by the state Public Service Commission. Sen. Nathaniel J. McFadden, a Baltimore City Democrat who voted for the Pipkin-Rosapepe amendment, said he had been getting a lot of pressure from O'Malley's office. McFadden said his constituents are excited about the $170 credit, but he worried it wouldn't be enough because it would just be a one-time payment.

DNA collection bill wins approval

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-dna0407,0,5838470.story

The Maryland General Assembly cruised toward adjournment tonight, approving an expansion of DNA sample collections in Maryland's legal system. The DNA measure allows the collection of genetic material from people who have been charged with violent crimes and burglary. With most of the heavy lifting behind them, lawmakers were working on some final details in the waning hours. Lawmakers decided to set up a panel to review capital punishment and whether it should be repealed. Another bill that has been getting attention in recent days is a proposal to change state law to fill the seat of departing Rep. Albert Wynn. The General Assembly also approved the state's $1.5 billion capital budget, which includes $333 million for school construction, about a third of the budget for state buildings.

Lawmakers pass county police force referendum

http://www.examiner.com/a-1326669~Lawmakers_pass_county_police_force_referendum.html

Voters will decide the primary police agency in Carroll after a bill creating a referendum survived lawmakers’ infighting. On the last day of the General Assembly’s session, Del. Susan Krebs, R-District 9B, threatened to block the bill’s passage if Sen. Larry Haines, R-District 5, did not stop holding up two other bills supported by the delegation. One of those bills allowed liquor stores in Carroll to stay open on Sundays; the other expanded the board of commissioners from three to five members elected by districts, a measure that failed two years ago. Krebs said Monday her plan to use the police referendum as leverage worked, and all the bills were expected to pass. “We’ve had a number of local bills not get through the Senate and we’re getting a little frustrated about it,” Krebs said. “We’re working as a delegation and we’re trying to get all the bills through, and then we find out he’s working behind the scenes.” County commissioners voted unanimously in October to create a police department with an appointed chief while reducing the Sheriff’s Office and abolishing the state’s only Resident Trooper Program, in which the county contracts troopers to patrol it. But Sheriff Kenneth Tregoning and many residents have spoken against it, and they say the public was excluded from the decision.

DNA sampling extended to felony suspects

http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080408/METRO/364012598/1004

The Maryland General Assembly cruised toward adjournment yesterday, signing off on a $2 billion settlement with Constellation Energy Group Inc. and approving an expansion of DNA-sample collections in Maryland's legal system before adjourning for the year at midnight. But lawmakers ended up killing a bill to address global warming by slashing carbon emissions. A House committee voted down a proposal to slash carbon emissions 25 percent by 2020. The DNA measure allows the collection of genetic material from people who have been charged with violent crimes and burglary. "The DNA bill was our top public safety priority, and that will, in essence, allow local police officers to be able to solve more violent crimes and get predators off the street — put them behind bars before they rape or murder other citizens again," Gov. Martin O'Malley told reporters. Lawmakers decided to set up a panel to review capital punishment. The proposal came after it became apparent earlier this year that lawmakers were not going to abolish the death penalty. Legislation needed final approval from both chambers by midnight, or the bills would die for the year. Many other bills needed fine-tuning to eliminate differences between the House and Senate versions. But Sen. Allan H. Kittleman, Howard Republican, said much of the session was devoted to cleaning up errors made during November's special session. Lawmakers ended up repealing a $200 million computer-services tax and replacing it partly with a tax on people who make more than $1 million a year. He also said the General Assembly should have made more budget cuts. "We said it many times — that we don't have a revenue problem in Maryland," Mr. Kittleman said. "We have a spending problem. ... We just have this desire to spend money."

Funeral home bill advances

With zoning OK, city chain could build in Balto. Co.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.co.council08apr08,0,3905991.story

A Baltimore funeral home chain likely will be able to expand to Baltimore County under legislation that unanimously won approval from County Council members last night. The zoning measure allows funeral homes to be built on cemeteries in certain rural areas with special permission. "It seems rather sensible," said Councilman T. Bryan McIntire, a north county Republican who co-sponsored the legislation with Councilman Kenneth N. Oliver, a Randallstown Democrat. Having a funeral home at the same location as a large cemetery reduces traffic, McIntire said. And because the company still must have permission of the zoning commissioner, a public hearing will be held before the new funeral home is approved, Oliver said.

EDITORIALS/OP-EDS

A notable decline in crime

Our view: Targeting violent offenders is paying off

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/editorial/bal-ed.murder08apr08,0,1166234.story

Frederick H. Bealefeld III has been doing police work for too many years to be giddy about the reported drop in murders in Baltimore. As the city's police commissioner, he can take a certain amount of credit for the apparent milestone: 50 murders in the first three months of this year, marking the lowest quarter in 23 years. But his guarded optimism about what the statistic means for Baltimore is a wise sentiment. Mayor Dixon has taken a more holistic approach to stopping the violence, calling for an end to wholesale arrests for quality-of-life crimes and emphasizing community-based programs that focus on prevention. But fewer murders in one 90-day period won't make residents in the most crime-ridden neighborhoods feel safe enough to sit on their porches at dusk or walk their dogs at night. As days grow longer and daylight lingers, the city's fight to take violent criminals off the street will face the test of a hot Baltimore summer. Success should be measured over time, not one day at a time.

Evil millionaires latest tax casualty

http://www.examiner.com/a-1326647~Evil_millionaires_latest_tax_casualty.html

Repealing the sales tax on computer services makes sense. But taxing millionaires to replace the lost revenue is about as logical as going to war to reap economic boom. This exchange only shifts the burden; it does not help to stimulate the economy as legislators and the governor claim. This is especially so because many entrepreneurs who would have been hit by the computer services sales tax will now see their incomes drained through another route. Anyway, even if our governor and legislators think the rich are trapped, that thinking is shortsighted. Maryland’s growth depends not just on those who live here, but those who choose to live and to start businesses in Maryland in the future. Gov. Martin O’Malley, who supported the tech tax before finding a less desperate, less vocal and smaller group to skewer, would serve all Marylanders well by outlining his vision for a fair tax system and sticking by it. That would help to prevent random acts of taxation in future legislative sessions and show members of the business community the state wants to foster the kind of stable tax climate they need to thrive.

20080407 News Clips

NewsClips 04-07-2008

STATE NEWS

Energy rebates hang in balance

Lawmakers have till midnight to save Constellation pact

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-te.md.session07apr07,0,6185976.story

By midnight tonight, Gov. Martin O'Malley must line up the necessary votes in the General Assembly to approve a $2 billion settlement he brokered with Constellation Energy Group or risk the deal's collapse. State officials and Constellation, BGE's parent company, reached a settlement two weeks ago to put an end to a dispute that's been simmering since the company sought a 72 percent electricity rate increase in 2006. But the Senate's decision to amend the legislation ratifying the agreement put the deal in jeopardy. The settlement legislation is one of a raft of bills that Assembly leaders hope to complete during marathon meetings on the last day of the three-month session. With so little time left before the legislature is expected to adjourn tonight, legislative leaders hope to quickly move the House's unamended version of the Constellation settlement bill through the Senate.

Today also is the last chance to pass a bill that would allow for a special general election in Maryland's 4th Congressional District. The seat will be vacated in June by Rep. Albert R. Wynn, who has announced plans to resign his seat in the House of Representatives to join a prominent Washington lobbying firm. The proposal, floated by O'Malley, was necessary to ensure the district does not go for months without representation. As the law now stands, O'Malley would have had to call a special primary and special general election, but the legislation would allow him to skip the special primary.

Senate passes bay bill

Effort to toughen Critical Area law amended to ease setback rules

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.critical05apr05,0,6447020.story

The Maryland Senate passed legislation yesterday that would further tighten shoreline development restrictions in an effort to save the Chesapeake Bay from decline, though legislators amended a key provision that the bill's supporters said would weaken the effort. By a 32-14 margin, the chamber voted to shrink the proposed 300-foot setback for some new construction on rural shoreline to 200 feet, a move that concerned the bill's sponsors and environmentalists, who worry that it might not provide enough protection to the bay from polluted runoff. The bill calls for greater coordination between the state and local governments on enforcing the 25-year-old Critical Area law, particularly when granting property owners variances from waterfront building curbs. Sen. J. Lowell Stoltzfus, another Eastern Shore Republican, said the only impact the amendment would have would be to make it so there is "a little less habitat for wildlife."

Delegates see vindication on 'tech tax'

House committee likely to vote on a repeal bill today

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.computer05apr05,0,5253605.story

The House Ways and Means Committee objected to Maryland's new tax on computer services during November's special legislative session, so when it was its turn yesterday to take up a bill to repeal the unpopular levy, some delegates saw it as an occasion for vindication. Under the bill, the $200 million sales tax on computer services, scheduled to take effect July 1, would be scrapped and replaced with about $110 million in annual revenue generated by a new income tax bracket of 6.25 percent on earnings above $1 million. The income tax increase would expire after three years. The Maryland Chamber of Commerce and Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce provided written testimony to the panel supporting a tech tax repeal but opposing the millionaires' tax and cuts to transportation projects.

Tighter lead-product limits advance

Bill that matches House measure faces a final Senate vote

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.lead05apr05,0,1078693.story

The Senate voted yesterday to strengthen pending restrictions on products that contain lead, matching a bill that has passed the House of Delegates. Julie Livingston, spokeswoman for the Toy Industry Association, issued a statement after yesterday's vote warning that if it passes as it is now, the bill "could ban many educational and fun toys Maryland children have played with safely for years." Toys are generally manufactured a year before they reach retailers' shelves, said Joan Lawrence, vice president for standards and government affairs for the association. Toy makers contend that national regulations would ensure better safety for children's products, and they point out that Congress is nearing final approval of broad reform legislation.

Emergency fund bill milks dry cow

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-ha.farm06apr06,0,2192815.story

The General Assembly has taken a baby step toward bringing Maryland in line with a handful of other East Coast states that have passed legislation to subsidize their beleaguered dairy farmers. State lawmakers have given preliminary approval to the creation of the Maryland Dairy Farmer Emergency Trust Fund, but with one giant drawback -- the bill lacks funding. "There was just no money in Annapolis this year to fund the legislation," said Del. Paul S. Stull, a Republican from Frederick, who was the lead sponsor. "We want to get the bill approved and then in better economic times, we can come back and get the funding," said Stull. "We might be able to get the funding in a year, or two years or three years." Stull said the price farmers receive for their milk was up last year and so far this year, but that is not expected to last. "History shows that prices will fall again," he said. "It scares me and it scares farmers that they don't know from month to month what they will be paid for their milk. They don't know if they will be able to survive."

Mistakes are made — and sometimes corrected

http://www.examiner.com/a-1324515~Mistakes_are_made___and_sometimes_corrected.html

The Maryland General Assembly makes mistakes all the time, just as newspapers do.

So many mistakes get made that each year the legislature passes the “annual corrective Bill,” which remedies technical errors made in the previous year’s legislation. It took the legislature several months to realize the computer services sales tax was a boneheaded mistake that could permanently cost the state jobs and economic momentum. Few people outside the industry knew how embedded its services are in every company large and small. In Saturday’s debates, delegates wondered whether they were substituting the mistake of a millionaires tax for the error of the tech tax. Gov. Martin O’Malley points out that Washington has given these millionaires big tax cuts. But House Republican Whip Christopher Shank points out that 1 percent of the top earners now pay 28 percent of Maryland’s taxes; the top 20 percent of earners pay two-thirds of state revenues.

Some of O’Malley’s initiatives must be resolved on final day

http://www.examiner.com/a-1324516~Some_of_O_Malley_s_initiatives_must_be_resolved_on_final_day.html

As the Maryland legislature heads into its final hours today, some of Gov. Martin O’Malley’s key initiatives on energy, the environment and crime remain to be resolved by midnight. At the top of the list is enabling legislation to complete the settlement with Constellation Energy, putting to rest nine years of legal wrangling over electricity deregulation. “I’m confident that however the governor wants to do it, whether it’s in conference committee or reconsidering the vote, that it’s going to be accomplished on Monday and that it will be passed without the crippling amendment,” Miller said. “I think we’ve got a lot of the heavy lifting out of the way,” said House Speaker Michael Busch, citing resolution on the budget, mortgage lending reforms and a repeal of the computer services tax.

Assembly trims $500 million from O’Malley’s budget plans

http://www.examiner.com/a-1324518~Assembly_trims__500_million_from_O_Malley_s_budget_plans.html

After a week of negotiations, the Maryland Senate and House of Delegates have enacted a $31.2 billion state budget for fiscal 2009, trimming almost $500 million from Gov. Martin O’Malley’s spending plans but leaving at least partial funding for new initiatives on health care and the Chesapeake Bay. The total approved budget is about 4.5 percent higher than this year’s. “Our spending will have to be closely managed,” said Senate Budget Committee Chairman Ulysses Currie. The budget passed both chambers with only some Republicans opposing it. “Many of us believe the state is spending too much money, and this [budget] even includes more spending” while constituents are struggling with higher gasoline, energy and food costs, House GOP leader Tony O’Donnell said.

Sex offender bills fail to move forward; disappointing advocates

http://www.examiner.com/a-1322113~Sex_offender_bills_fail_to_move_forward__disappointing_advocates.html

Lawmakers rejected a series of sex crime measures this year ranging from eliminating good-behavior credits to requiring child pornographers to register with the state’s sex offender database. Advocates for sex abuse victims also lamented the death of bills that would eliminate paternity rights for rapists. A House committee earlier this week heard testimony on a bill sponsored by Sen. Bryan Simonaire, an Anne Arundel Republican, increasing the mandatory minimum sentence for repeat child rapists from 10 to 25 years. “This bill is about consistency,” Simonaire said. “Obviously it’s not the intent of the legislature to give repeat offenders the same or less penalty as a first time offender.” As Del. Donna Stifler — a Harford County Republican — scrambled to advance her bill requiring updated photos on Maryland’s sex offender registry every six months, Sen. Nancy Jacobs had all but given up on her proposal to make registration requirements retroactive to October 1995. “Outlook not good, outcome not good,” said Jacobs, a Harford County Republican.

O'Malley touts 'hard work' and successes

http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080407/METRO/901591579/1004

Gov. Martin O'Malley acknowledges that the 2008 General Assembly session has been difficult, though mostly a success, as state lawmakers prepare to finish work today. Mr. O'Malley, a Democrat, recently called his first 14 months as governor worthwhile but the "most unpleasant" of his political career. Members of the Democrat-controlled General Assembly on Saturday approved a $31.2 billion budget that funds most of Mr. O'Malley's initiatives. They also have approved or are expected to approve all of his legislative proposals. Lawmakers also have approved a deal Mr. O'Malley brokered with Prince George's lawmakers and local leaders to take over the county's hospital system. However, Mr. O'Malley has struggled against slumping public support, old political foes and a slowing economy in the first two years of his term, leading him to lament last week about his difficult situation. The Assembly's small but forceful band of Republican lawmakers — they hold 51 of the 188 seats — said they will continue to hold Mr. O'Malley accountable. "A lot of stuff he has pushed through a compliant legislature will not have its effects felt for many months, or in some cases years," said House Minority Leader Anthony J. O'Donnell, Southern Maryland Republican. "I believe he may have done great damage to Maryland's future."

House OKs reprieve for PG hospital

http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080407/METRO/731125618/1004

The House has given final approval to legislation to keep the financially troubled Prince George's Hospital Center open until an owner can be found. The measure establishes a state-county authority to find an owner. The authority will consist of three people appointed by the county, three members appointed by Mr. O'Malley, a Democrat, and one member chosen jointly by the state House and Senate. In addition to the main hospital, the deal would include the 96-bed Laurel Regional Hospital, the Bowie Health Center, an emergency care center, and the 107-bed Gladys Spellman Nursing Center.

Lawmakers Lob Bills in Bid to Beat Buzzer

Hundreds of Measures Await Action in General Assembly Session's Final Hours

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/06/AR2008040601855.html

An ambitious plan to reduce carbon dioxide emissions believed to contribute to global warming was in limbo as the Maryland General Assembly headed toward adjournment today. Several issues were on track for final action today after lawmakers resolve differences, including a statewide bill authorizing speed cameras in work areas and neighborhoods, expanded DNA testing of criminal suspects, a commission to study the death penalty and a series of energy conservation measures. A bill allowing the governor to call a special general election this summer to fill the seat to be vacated by U.S. Rep. Albert R. Wynn is expected to pass. Several bills are still in the legislature's judiciary committees, including one that would add the display of nooses to Maryland's hate-crime laws and measures that would stiffen penalties for sex offenders.

Duties during session justify staying close to State House, they say

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/annearundel/bal-md.ar.expenses05apr05,0,7094326.story

Lawmakers representing the far reaches of Western Maryland and the Eastern Shore are expected to bill the state for lodging and meals during the session, but the practice is also popular among some legislators representing Anne Arundel County, home of the state capital. Despite living relatively nearby, they stay at hotels in Annapolis and bill taxpayers for thousands of dollars. Anne Arundel legislators, no matter how much or little they spent, defended having their expenses covered, especially lodging and meals. They said it comes down to what each lawmaker is comfortable with, based on legislative responsibilities that can extend to 14 hours a day, family situations, health considerations and how they believe they best serve their constituents. Nine of the 20 county lawmakers are freshmen, and a few said they lodged in the state capital frequently last year, their first in office, so that they could build relationships with their counterparts. Del. Nicholaus R. Kipke, a Pasadena Republican, said he learned quickly that if he wanted to get a bill through the House, he had to learn to lobby fellow lawmakers. Del. Steve Schuh, a Gibson Island Republican, said legislators should not be judged based on how much they charge the state for lodging and meals.

County budget holds line

'Conservative' plan is $34 million less than last fiscal year

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/harford/bal-ha.executive06apr06,0,5355913.story

Harford County Executive David R. Craig has proposed an $895.8 million budget for fiscal 2009 that addresses declining revenues with no jump in taxes and the smallest increase in spending in the past 10 years. "There is no tax increase and no increases in fees of any kind," Craig said. Craig called for fiscal conservatism as all county departments prepared budget requests, stressing he would not raise taxes and insisting staff work within projected revenues. Still, the proposal makes room for a 9 percent pay increase for the county's nearly 1,300 employees and includes salary upgrades for police, teachers and emergency workers. "We have to put our employees first," Craig said. Employees of the county public schools also would get a 3 percent cost-of-living adjustment and a 3 percent merit raise.

EDITORIALS/OP-EDS

Shortchanging teachers has long-term consequences

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bal-op.say07apr07,0,573896.story

Baltimore County teachers recently completed a one-day "work to rule" response to the fact that the county is not increasing their salaries to keep pace with inflation. County officials are trying to control spending. They are confronted with a familiar balancing act: how to attract and retain quality teachers, maintain fiscal responsibility and avoid significantly raising taxes in a time of economic uncertainty. Their resistance to raising salaries is therefore understandable. But we have to keep in mind the long-term consequences of such decisions. The officials of Baltimore County should be commended for trying to rein in costs, but they must remain cognizant of the long-term effects of their financial decisions. After all, one of the primary selling points of Baltimore County as a place to live and raise a family is the quality of its schools. I believe the old expression is: "You get what you pay for."

Gas pain might be changing our ways

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-md.dresser07apr07,0,1065904.column

It had to happen sometime. With gasoline prices pushing $3.50 a gallon, Marylanders might actually be changing their driving habits. The next thing you know, we'll be stopping for red lights. Last week, AAA Mid-Atlantic released a survey in which more than half of its Maryland members surveyed - 54 percent - said they are driving less often because of the soaring cost of filling their tanks. AAA spokeswoman Ragina Averella said Maryland motorists had remained steadfast in their driving habits through recent gas price spikes - choosing to cut back in other parts of the family budget. But now - faced with a looming downturn, the mortgage debacle and resurgent inflation - driving habits are no longer sacrosanct. The survey found that households with more than $75,000 in income were almost three times as likely to drive a fuel-efficient vehicle than those that make less. You have to make money to save money.

Officials can’t find cuts? They can start with themselves

http://www.examiner.com/a-1324504~Officials_can_t_find_cuts__They_can_start_with_themselves.html

As usual, our employees — the governor and legislators — missed the constitutional budget deadline. So they still had time to make some real cuts. We demanded they reverse the tech tax, and instead of finding ways to save, their first impulse was to find other taxpayers to stick it to. Why, every time we ask them to cut, do they refuse? Never do our leaders cut their own plush perquisites, inside deals for cronies and contributors, contracts for pals, cushy high-pay no-show/low-show jobs for allies. Those deepest into the public trough are the big hogs who — even when they get caught — never have to return our bacon. Is there any precedent to suspect Maryland leaders might not always spend taxpayers’ dollars with the utmost honesty and efficiency? Inspiring government workers and citizens is what leadership is supposed to be all about. We’re not getting leadership in Maryland. All we’re getting is the ancient petulance of avaricious dictators. So the next time politicians ask where to cut government spending, tell them to start with themselves.

NATIONAL NEWS

Transparency would help end pork excesses

http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2008/04_07-21/OPN

You can't always turn a sow's ear into a silk purse, but that doesn't stop members of Congress from trying when it comes to pet spending projects esoterically called "earmarks." At $149.1 million, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, who represents part of south county, came in fifth under the group's criteria for pork-barrel spending, according to published reports. Of the state's eight House members, only moderate Republican Rep. Wayne Gilchrest of Kent County, who lost in February's primary, has been an advocate of earmark reform. He ranks in the bottom half of the list. Just last week a group of Republican senators unveiled a plan calling for all earmarks to be detailed in spending bills in which the public can more easily find them, instead being hidden in obscure committee reports. That's sounds like a good step in disinfecting a potentially piggish practice that hides campaign funding paybacks and invites special-interest abuse.

20080331 Future of Solid Waste Public Hearing Dates Released

Future of Solid Waste Public Hearing Dates Released

News Release

For more information, contact: Cindy Parr,

Chief of Administrative Services ~ 410-386-2043

For Immediate Release

Future of Solid Waste Dates Released

March 31, 2008

The Carroll County Board of Commissioners has released the following dates for public meetings related to the future of solid waste.

Carroll County residents are encouraged to attend a public workshop which will take place on Tuesday, April 8th from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in Room 003 of the County Office Building.

This meeting will allow residents the opportunity to ask questions regarding solid waste options for Carroll County.

The Board of County Commissioners, Public Works Staff, and members of the Environmental Advisory Council as well as other industry professionals will be in attendance.

A Public Hearing will be held on Thursday, April 10th from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in Room 003 of the County Office Building.

Carroll County residents are invited to attend and offer their views as they relate to Frederick County’s invitation for Carroll to become a partner in a waste to energy facility.

On Thursday, April 17th at 11:30 a.m., in Room 311 of the County Office Building, The Carroll County Board of Commissioners will deliberate and make a decision regarding the Frederick County offer.

# # #

20080407 Dog for sale

20080407 Dog for sale

Hat Tip: CJ

I received this is an e-mail and I guess since it’s Monday all day today; it made me laugh.

Even if you don't own a dog at present, you'll appreciate the efforts of this owner to sell her dog.

Read her sales pitch below...

Dog For Sale

Free to good home.

Excellent guard dog.

Owner cannot afford to feed him anymore, as there are no more thieves, murderers, or molesters left in the neighborhood for him to eat.

Most of them knew him as 'Holy Sh*t.'

*****

It’s Monday all day today

20080404 News Clips

NewsClips 04-04-2008

STATE NEWS

Senate vote might nullify BGE pact

Power plant regulation runs afoul of terms

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.rate04apr04,0,6054848.story

The Senate voted yesterday to regulate any new power plants built in Maryland, brushing aside warnings that its action could scuttle a $2 billion settlement of the state's prolonged legal battle with Constellation Energy Group. While considering a bill to ratify the settlement, senators voted 27-18 in favor of an amendment that would require all new power plants built in Maryland to first offer their electricity for sale in the state and be regulated by the Public Service Commission. Sen. Thomas M. Middleton, chairman of the Finance Committee, warned that the change "puts the agreement in jeopardy." The settlement with Constellation announced last week is contingent on the legislature approving a bill ratifying the terms without any deviation, he said. Sen. E.J. Pipkin, an Eastern Shore Republican who introduced the amendment, hailed the Senate vote.
"This is three years of working through tedious documents and paperwork to say enough is enough," he said. "Tonight, the Senate went on record saying it wants to take regulatory action for relief on ratepayers." The Senate vote came after the House had given preliminary approval to the Constellation settlement bill, despite some delegates' questions and complaints about its being rushed through.

Senate votes to repeal computer services tax

Offered in its place are millionaire surcharge, a combination of cuts

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.computer04apr04,0,4794851.story

The Maryland Senate voted last night to repeal the computer services tax and replace it with a combination of cuts and an income tax surcharge on millionaires. The bill would scrap sales tax on computer services (expected to generate about $200 million a year) and instead impose a three-year surcharge on personal earnings exceeding $1 million. Del. Christopher B. Shank said House Republicans consider the computer tax "hastily enacted and ill advised" but would not support the Democratic majority's alternative tax on millionaires. "Their solution is to impose yet another tax is not necessary on a segment of the economy that can easily leave the state, find tax accountants and other tax avoidance strategies," said Shank, a Western Maryland Republican. "It sends yet another message about Maryland's negative business climate at an extremely bad time." Sen. David R. Brinkley, the minority leader from Frederick and Carroll counties, tried to replace the income tax surcharge with trims from state funds dedicated to transportation, the environment, health care and higher education. He also proposed using part of the Maryland Auto Insurance Fund's surplus. "There are alternatives to raising the income tax yet again," said Brinkley, who also tried to make the case for using more of the state's general fund reserves. Repeal of the computer services tax would be a major victory for business groups that warned the levy could destroy Maryland's high-tech industry. But the proposed alternative has received a cold reception from some business interests who lobbied hard for a repeal.

Arundel policy change finds more suspected illegal immigrants

http://www.examiner.com/a-1320116~Arundel_policy_change_finds_more_suspected_illegal_immigrants.html

Anne Arundel County Executive John Leopold's office says a new policy at county jails has helped flag foreign-born prisoners for federal immigration officials. Under the policy that began in March, federal authorities are contacted immediately when immigrants are processed at the jails so their status can be checked. In the four weeks since the new policy began, 45 inmates were reported, more than half were identified as possible candidates for deportation proceedings and 13 were released to ICE custody.

County budget moves forward as General Assembly session concludes

http://www.examiner.com/a-1319940~County_budget_moves_forward_as_General_Assembly_session_concludes.html

The winners and losers in the fight for next year’s funds in Carroll will soon take shape as commissioners delve into their budget — albeit several weeks late. The county had delayed the budget process, waiting to see how much money the state would cut from its contributions to the county as it tried to close a $1.7 billion structural deficit. With the General Assembly’s session ending Monday, the county plans to hold nearly a dozen work sessions, public hearings and agency meetings into the next several weeks in time to introduce its proposed budget by the end of April and adopt it by the end of May. Harford County released its proposed budget last week. It included reduced spending on construction projects and about the same amount for day-to-day operations. Howard introduced its proposed capital budget last week, and Anne Arundel will propose its budgets in May.

Vouchers likely to win support

http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080404/METRO/753727229/1004

School-choice supporters appear likely to win a sizable victory in this year's General Assembly. The Senate has already passed a bill that gives a tax credit to businesses who donate to scholarship funds for private schools, and a House committee is scheduled to hear the measure today. Supporters of the Building Opportunities For All Students and Teachers in Maryland bill say the tax credit is important to help keep open Catholic and other tuition-based private schools, which are often alternatives to failing public-school systems. The powerful Maryland State Teachers Association opposes the measure, saying the state cannot afford to give handouts to private schools when its public schools are cash strapped. The supporters say they have 74 sponsors on the House version of the bill, three more than needed to win approval. "The program is very popular," said Delegate James E. Proctor, former high school principal and a lead sponsor of the proposal in the House. "People think that it's a Catholic school proposal, that it's a Catholic voucher, but in reality any education organization — public, private, parochial, whatever — can participate."

U.S. Might Pay for Part Of Bethesda Road Work Montgomery Welcomes Navy's Reconsideration

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/03/AR2008040303745.html

The Navy will ask the Pentagon to consider paying for some of the road and Metro improvements needed for the expansion of the Navy hospital in Bethesda, reversing a decision that had dismayed county and state leaders, according to a report being issued today. The hospital's expansion is part of the Pentagon's base realignment plan, known as BRAC, which calls for closing Walter Reed Army Medical Center in the District and moving much of the care of wounded soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan to Bethesda. "The fact they're putting it into DAR is good news," Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) said. "It reflects an understanding that there will be an impact on the community. Of course, it's just a first step."

Repealing levy could hurt road projects

Montgomery, Prince George’s forced into transportation dilemma

http://www.gazette.net/stories/040408/polinew205522_32359.shtml

With the Senate approving the repeal of the $200 million computer services tax on Thursday and more cuts to the transportation budget in the offing, Prince George’s and Montgomery lawmakers are hoping their road projects will stay on course. ‘‘This region has the second-worst congestion in the country,” Henson said. ‘‘That’s why the department has such an aggressive transportation program. Any cuts to the Transportation Trust Fund would affect projects, but we understand the General Assembly has difficult decisions to make.” Whether cuts to the transportation fund will stop any projects in Montgomery or Prince George’s poses a dilemma for the counties’ lawmakers.

For schools, no news from General Assembly is good news

Session sees school funding and Grasmick staying, for now

http://www.gazette.net/stories/040408/polinew205524_32360.shtml

For education advocates, perhaps the biggest news of the 2008 session is what did not happen. Teacher pension costs were not shifted onto the backs of counties. Longtime state schools Superintendent Nancy S. Grasmick was not ousted. And a funding formula to give money to schools where the cost of education is the highest looked likely to be left untouched as the chambers entered the weekend prepared to work out final details of the budget. The Maryland State Teachers Association is pleased that schools have not borne the brunt of budget cuts and hopes that will still be the case on Sine Die. While the new spirit of cooperation has not yet brought Grasmick and O’Malley together to launch any new initiatives, O’Malley did include $7.6 million in a supplemental budget submitted on Monday for a program to offer special education services to children from birth to 3 years old. While the feelings between the two probably have not changed, putting their differences aside was ‘‘good government,” Hoffman said. ‘‘I’m grateful for it. I think everybody is.”

Wynn's early exit leaves tough choice, hard feelings

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-md.wynn04apr04,0,1362419.story

When he decided to leave Congress before the end of his term to join a Washington lobbying giant, Rep. Albert R. Wynn left his constituents with a choice: Pay for a costly special election to fill his seat or go unrepresented in the House for the remainder of the congressional session. The dilemma is rankling even some of his fellow Democrats. "Congressman Wynn's decision makes more financial sense for him than it does for the state," state Sen. Jamie Raskin of Montgomery County, a Democrat whose district overlaps Wynn's, said yesterday. "It leaves a gap in representation, it causes controversy about a replacement, and then it raises issues about potential conflicts of interest." Asked whether it would be better for the constituents if he completed his term and spared taxpayers the cost of a special election - estimated by some at $2 million if both primary and general elections are required - Wynn declined to comment. O'Malley wants to push legislation through the General Assembly to allow the state to skip a special primary and go straight to a special general election. A single vote held quickly could cut costs to an estimated $1 million and allow the winner to enter Congress before the legislative year ends in September. State senators introduced a bill for a special general election in July, which would give the victor six months to serve in Washington. Peter James, the Republican nominee for the 4th District, said Wynn's decision symbolizes a culture in Washington that he is seeking to change. "That's why Congress has such a low rating," he said. "Guys like to take off and start lobbying. It's a shame it's all about the money to most people, it appears."

Ehrlich Back On Campus To Talk Persuasion

http://wbal.com/stories/templates/news.aspx?articleid=4270&zoneid=3

Former Governor Ehrlich was back on campus Thursday at Towson University as he spoke to students in a "Persuasion" class. Ehrlich has attended Dr Rick Vatz's class twice a year at Towson since the early 90's to speak about persuasion and answer questions from students of the professor of rhetoric and communication. "Don't be afraid to ever give your opinions," he told students in the lecture room. He told students to don't allow opponents to ever label them. "Because your opponents will always try to label you," said Ehrlich just before he took questions from the students in the lecture room at Towson University. "In debate, in a corporate environment, academic environment, (and in a) political environment, you never want to be labeled, ever. Unless it is accurate, because your opponents will always try to label you."

Tech Tax Repeal Gets Senate OK; O'Malley Says Lawmakers Should Not Worry About Approving "Millionaire Tax"

http://wbal.com/stories/templates/news.aspx?articleid=4264&zoneid=3

The Maryland Senate has given its final approval to legislation to repeal the state's computer service sales tax that was set to take effect in July. In the final vote, both those Senators Republican Nancy Jacobs and Democrat Roy Dyson voted against the bill. Another Republican, Barry Glassman of Harford County voted against the bill when the Senate took the final vote. Earlier today, the Senate rejected several Republican backed amendments. Those amendments sought to repeal the tech tax without creating a new 6.25 percent tax on people who make more than a million dollars a year. Late this afternoon, Governor Martin O'Malley spoke out for the first time about the computer tax repeal legislation. The governor praised the bill, but admits it will be a "tough vote" for lawmakers. The governor says lawmakers should not worry about the "political ramification" of voting for an income tax hike so soon after the special session. The governor says those facing the higher tax rate can afford it.

EDITORIALS/OP-EDS

Betting on a slots mirage

http://www.examiner.com/a-1319917~Betting_on_a_slots_mirage.html

We’re not finished with this session, but legislators should worry about the next. Specifically, how to pay for their profligate spending. They raised taxes in the special session. But what happens when legislators “need” more money again? Will they rely on slots revenue? Think again. The state’s revenue estimates for slots are increasingly looking like a pipe dream — if the measure passes next November. And what happens if the current credit crisis prevents the slots license winners from building the entertainment centers envisioned to house the machines? What’s clear is that slots are a big “if” on many fronts. Legislators must not build budgets with the predicted slots revenue factored into them. Even if the referendum passes, there is no guarantee the state will strike it rich.

Bad decision on tech tax dogs legislature

http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2008/04_03-57/OPN

Last year's legislative special session was supposed to get the state's serious fiscal problems off the table for 2008. It was not supposed to produce this, from a letter titled "Tech Businesses Welcome in the Commonwealth of Virginia": The letter, from a Republican state senator from Virginia, is an undisguised lunge at Maryland high-tech businesses alienated by the "tech tax," a new 6 percent levy on computer services, including software design and data processing. It's just a faint foretaste of what we'll see from Virginia and other states if the new Maryland levy actually takes effect on July 1. The General Assembly is in overdrive right now, and the debate might be settled soon. But as this is written, the option pushed by the governor was to pay for the repeal by a combination of budget cuts - including in the transportation fund - and an income tax surcharge on the 0.2 percent of the state's income tax filers who make more than $1 million a year. We're not enthused by either of these options ourselves, but the tech tax is pure folly and has to go. We hope the governor and legislators, this time at least, can come up with a fix that doesn't make the overall situation any worse.

State House surprises

http://www.gazette.net/stories/040408/polilee203928_32365.shtml

After a bruising November legislative special session, the state’s largest tax hike in history and the collapse of his approval ratings, Gov. Martin O’Malley offered an unambitious agenda for this year’s 90-day session. Looking for consensus ‘‘feel good” items, O’Malley focused on public safety, the environment and helping foreclosed homeowners. Expanding the state’s DNA database to help police fight crime was a sure crowd pleaser. Also, a wider DNA pool helps exonerate the innocent as often as it helps convict the guilty. So what’s not to like? Plenty, according to the Legislative Black Caucus, which vigorously opposed the bill and helped gut it. Hands down, the Black Caucus is the most important emerging political power in State House politics. In a Democratic-dominated state and state legislature, the black vote is greatly amplified. So when the Black Caucus mobilized against O’Malley’s DNA bill, crying ‘‘racial profiling,” the bill was doomed. Black lawmakers feared the police would target innocent blacks just to have their genetic fingerprints on file. ‘‘Once the government has your information, you might spend your life trying to clear your name when mistakes are made,” said one black official. Puzzled white lawmakers questioned their black colleague’s concerns. When one white delegate called their fears ‘‘irrational” black lawmakers took it personally and stormed out of the meeting room. After some hasty apologies and fence-mending, O’Malley’s bill was watered down to the blacks’ satisfaction. Now let me ask you a question: Which of the following three groups would you imagine least likely to support November’s slots referendum? The racetrack owners, the local governments or the state teachers union? Surprisingly, it’s the racetrack owners. They are withholding support until they get more concessions from the state. True, Senate President Mike Miller threatened the teachers with defunding their pensions but the teachers are powerful enough to call that bluff. Instead they’re going for the money. So, on Election Day, look for teachers passing out slots ballots at polling places. Perhaps their familiar ‘‘apple” logo will be replaced by three apples in a row, a slots jackpot.

Wrapping it up

http://www.gazette.net/stories/040408/poliras203923_32362.shtml

As weary legislators rush to wrap up their 2009 session in the State House so they can get out of town at midnight Monday, they leave behind some important unresolved problems. The biggest immediate worry is Maryland’s still-growing budget shortfall. Neither O’Malley nor the legislature was willing to make large enough budget cuts to eliminate Maryland’s on-going spending-to-revenue gap. Instead, they turned to one-time revenue gimmicks. They also stripped large sums of money from transportation projects and shifted that cash into the general fund. At this point, the governor has no choice. If revenues slump badly, his only realistic option is belt-tightening, even if it hurts programs near and dear to Democratic lawmakers and O’Malley. A second area of lingering concern focuses on Maryland’s inadequate supply of electrical power. Brownouts could become routine in a few years because state policymakers and politicians have largely ignored this burgeoning problem. Encouraging power companies to come into Maryland and build gas-fired power plants or wind farms won’t be easy given the state’s past nastiness toward Constellation and protests from local groups opposed to most forms of new energy production. The governor still has to develop a proactive power plan — one with strong legislative backing — if he wants to persuade Constellation and its competitors that erecting new energy facilities in Maryland isn’t a waste of their time and money.