I know more now about my legislation protecting professors’ work product than I did when I testified in support of House Bill 62.       

             That’s because I’m about to meet with the chairman of the subcommittee to which the bill has been referred. 

             Before the full committee, I was discussing policy.  Now, I will be dealing with words. 

             What’s the effect of removing this phrase from the bill?  Of using language that the University of Maryland system (and its lawyers) have relied on for many years or creating a new definition? 

             My chief of staff drafted a memo.  As I edited it, I learned more about the issue. 

             Tomorrow, I’ll give it to the subcommittee chair. 

 — 

             Over the years, I’ve gotten lots of nicknames. 

             I picked up a new one tonight. 

             Senator Bobby Zirkin introduced to me the crowd at the Jewish community’s Advocacy Day reception as the “dean of the Jewish delegation in Annapolis.”

             Like most nicknames, it has the added virtue of being true.