Budget, Major Initiatives Being Debated as Legislative Session Enters Final Weekend

Legislation on the budget, a teacher pension shift, casino gambling, wind farming and transportation infrastructure funding all were in limbo Friday, as the General Assembly prepared to wrap up for 2012.

Local groups concerned about proposed cuts to beach grants

Maryland groups worry about a proposal in President Obama’s 2013 budget that could eliminate federal funding for monitoring water quality at the beaches.

O’Malley, Advocates Participate in Developmental Disabilities Lobby Day

Gov. Martin O’Malley told advocates for the developmentally disabled Tuesday that his proposed budget provides more support for their needs, and that he’ll assure lost millions will be returned to the Developmental Disabilities Administration.

President Obama’s Budget Increases Funds for the Chesapeake Bay Program

Though overall funding for the Environmental Protection Agency was cut in President Obama’s 2013 budget, he proposed a $15 million increase for the EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program.

O’Malley’s Budget Targets Maryland’s Highest Earners

Gov. Martin O’Malley is proposing capping income tax deductions and rolling back income tax exemptions for Maryland’s highest earners as part of his plan to close the $1 billion hole in the state’s $14 billion operating budget.

Van Hollen Urges Big Reductions as Deadline Looms for ‘Supercommittee’

Maryland Rep. Chris Van Hollen still wants to “go big” with the congressional “supercommittee,” favoring $4 trillion in total deficit reduction over 10 years, even as he’s unsure that the group can craft a plan to curtail the deficit by its Nov. 23 deadline.

UMCP Athletic Department Criticized on Debt

University of Maryland students, donors and staff offered up suggestions on Monday on how to reduce the Maryland Athletic Department’s growing deficit.