I won’t be in the room, but others will be. 

            On Thursday, a subcommittee is scheduled to discuss my bill broadening the exemption from the Public Information Act for the academic work done by professors at state colleges and universities. 

             The sponsor is not present when his or her bill is voted upon by a committee or subcommittee, unless he or she is a member.  That’s why an interest group will often seek a lead sponsor from the legislators on the committee that will consider a bill. 

             Since I’m not on the Health and Government Operations Committee, I’ve contacted the University System of Maryland lobbyist, and I’ve updated my sole co-sponsor on my revisions to the amendment I offered at the public hearing. 

             Both will be present when the subcommittee meets.  Both can also speak to the chairs of the committee and the subcommittee beforehand.   

             That’s why I asked only one person to co-sponsor House Bill 68. 

             I wanted someone in the room when I couldn’t be there.

             You’ve got to make your case on the merits, but if you’re not there, somebody else needs to do it for you.