http://blogs.mddailyrecord.com/eyeonannapolis Notes from the Maryland legislative session Thu, 10 Apr 2008 22:02:32 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en The State House is closed for renovation, most lawmakers have gone back to their districts and their day jobs, and I’ve headed back to Baltimore.   This was my first session covering the General Assembly for The Daily Record, and I enjoyed it quite a bit. I was glad there was so ... http://blogs.mddailyrecord.com/eyeonannapolis/2008/04/10/good-bye-on-annapolis/ During an afternoon visit yesterday to Baltimore’s State Center, Gov. Martin O’Malley touted a new law that encourages “transit-oriented development” around commuter trains, buses stops and other public transportation outposts.   State Center, home to 3,500 Maryland employees, right on the Light Rail and Baltimore Metro, is targeted for an office, residential ... http://blogs.mddailyrecord.com/eyeonannapolis/2008/04/10/omalleys-hopes-for-transit-oriented-development/ When I saw legislative staffers wheeling a TV into the House lounge Monday night, I thought I knew what was coming. Serious as our solons are, they have been known to sneak out to watch big sporting events during a floor session or two. I figured the NCAA men’s basketball ... http://blogs.mddailyrecord.com/eyeonannapolis/2008/04/08/a-little-sport-on-the-side/ It took until the final day of the session, but it’s finally happened.   Smith Island Cake appears headed for designation as our state dessert. The House passed a measure to award the many-layered, chocolate-frosted yellow cake with the state’s highest honor (for a cake). The Senate has already passed a similar ... http://blogs.mddailyrecord.com/eyeonannapolis/2008/04/07/introducing-your-official-state-dessert/ Wall Street is keeping a close eye on State Circle today as the General Assembly continues to work through a bill that would finalize a proposed settlement between the state and Constellation Energy Group Inc.   The deal is in trouble because the Senate’s version of the bill includes requirements for new ... http://blogs.mddailyrecord.com/eyeonannapolis/2008/04/04/new-york-has-its-eye-on-annapolis/ I’m sitting in a hearing room, listening to a discussion of whether to repeal the computer services sales tax with an income tax and a package of budget cuts.   Senators are complaining that the press has not given enough play to the magnitude of the budget cuts that the state has ... http://blogs.mddailyrecord.com/eyeonannapolis/2008/04/02/the-press-takes-notice/ Minors who want to use an indoor tanning salon would have to bring a parent with them, under a bill that is nearing final approval in the General Assembly. That prospect brought out some spirited discussion and some strong opinions in the Senate Tuesday.   The bill made its way toward final ... http://blogs.mddailyrecord.com/eyeonannapolis/2008/04/01/should-maryland-regulate-indoor-tanning/ Find out here.   The Comptroller’s office has released its list of Maryland’s top delinquent taxpayers. At the top is Remote Surveillance Tech Solutions Inc., based in Temple Hills, which allegedly owes $430,262 in withholding. One corporate officer, Alphonso A. Tillman, owes the state $136,468.90, according to the Comptroller’s list.   From the list: “No ... http://blogs.mddailyrecord.com/eyeonannapolis/2008/03/31/are-you-one-of-the-worst-tax-violators-in-maryland/ A bill that would change the definition of beer to include flavored malt beverages has created a little bit of controversy.   It’s all about the taxes. Malt beverages, like Smirnoff Ice, are taxed as spirits, while beer is taxed at a lower rate. Opponents of the bill — who call these ... http://blogs.mddailyrecord.com/eyeonannapolis/2008/03/28/what-counts-as-beer-its-all-about-the-taxes/ The Senate Finance Committee resolved a brouhaha over energy efficiency programs late Wednesday, directing some money from the sale of greenhouse gas emission credits toward programs to cut power use, and sending some back to ratepayers to reduce bills.   A bill that creates a “Strategic Energy Investment Fund” originally would have ... http://blogs.mddailyrecord.com/eyeonannapolis/2008/03/27/a-little-rate-relief-from-greenhouse-gas-emission-credits/