This bill is before us today because people put aside their differences.

I was on the House floor yesterday, speaking about the bill that would finance the redevelopment of Pimlico Race Course.

This compromise came about after Mayor Jack Young temporarily withdrew the City‘s lawsuit against the owners of Pimlico.

At our best, this is what we do in this House everyday: we listen to testimony, there are witnesses on both sides, and we tell them, “Work it out.”

That happens frequently on my committee. Yet again a half hour ago.

A state agency wants its bill to pass unamended. A group that’s affected by the bill wants an amendment.

As subcommittee chair, I told both parties to meet and report back to us by 10:00 a.m.

Then I got an email from a lobbyist for another relevant group.

I wrote back, “You can tell them that I have asked you to join their discussions.”

Nothing concentrates the mind like an early end to the session.