On Sunday, Michael Busch passed away. He was 72. Busch spent over three decades in the Maryland House of Delegates, and 16 years as the Speaker. He was a mentor to both sides of the aisle, a staple of Maryland politics, and a friend to many. As the general assembly wrapped up, everyone’s hearts were with the late Speaker.
Maryland lawmakers close out 2019 session, honor Speaker Michael Busch
Maryland lawmakers worked through bills and meetings to close the 2019 state legislative session on Sine Die, despite the somber mood set by Speaker Michael Busch’s death.
Schools may start before Labor Day as Senate bill advances
After several days of debate, a Senate bill to effectively rescind Republican Gov. Larry Hogan’s executive order starting Maryland public schools after Labor Day passed 31-13 on Tuesday, with Democrats voting yes and Republicans voting no.
Maryland Senate votes to return school start dates to local school boards
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan signed an Executive Order in 2016, requiring Maryland’s public schools to begin classes after Labor Day. Now, Maryland senators are pushing back, approving legislation giving local public school boards throughout the state the authority, again, to determine the start and end date of the schools in their county. The measure now moves on to the House.
Amazon incentive plan awaits Governor’s signature
Governor Hogan’s $8.5 billion incentive plan to help convince Amazon to build its second headquarters in Montgomery County won final legislative approval in Annapolis on Wednesday sending the bill on to the Governor for his signature.
Maryland bill addresses questions about state hiring policy
Concerns about a possible hiring-policy change at the Maryland Department of Health involving Gov. Larry Hogan’s appointments office prompted legislation that would add more oversight to enforce laws enacted by the state more than a decade ago.
Annapolis rally calls on Governor to fully fund mental health, addiction aid
-Hundreds rallied on Lawyer’s Mall in front of the State House on Thursday to urge Governor Hogan to “keep the door open” for those suffering from mental and behavioral health challenges. The demonstrators say the General Assembly last year expanded a program to tackle the heroin and opioid addiction problem. But, they say, the Governor’s budget proposal fails to fully fund it.
Pipeline protesters take frustrations to Hogan’s doorstep
Scores of environmentalists gathered Thursday night in Annapolis to protest a “Potomac Pipeline,” citing inaction on the part of the state in properly vetting the environmental impact of a project that would transport fracked natural gas under the Potomac River.
The Annapolis Bullpen: Budget, taxes and your wallet
This week on the Annapolis Bullpen podcast we dive deep into the budget. We explore how Maryland’s budget works, Gov. Larry Hogan’s priorities and how are the new federal tax laws going to affect the state and you.
Proposed Annapolis bill would allow victims of abuse to keep property records private
Members of the House Environment and Transportation Committee on Tuesday heard from supporters of a bill expanding protections for victims of rape, human trafficking, or stalking. The proposal would shield property records from abusers. In addition to the House bill there is a similar measure being considered in the Senate in addition to a duplicate bill being backed by Governor Hogan.