I frequently depend upon the insights of the readers of this diary. Last Thursday, I wrote that I wasn’t going to repeat the mistake I made 20 years ago of letting money from the settlement with Big Tobacco go to Medicaid, instead of programs that would reduce the number of people who smoke. My bill …more >
I learn from my mistakes. In 2000, when a settlement was looming in the lawsuit brought by the states against the tobacco industry, I introduced a bill creating a separate fund for the monetary damages Maryland would receive. My legislation required that the money be spent to address the harms caused by smoking, most importantly …more >
House Bill 526 would allow medical laboratories to advertise about their tests and procedures. Attorney General Brian Frosh does not think that the bill offers “meaningful protection to consumers.” For instance, it does not require that a physician ordering a lab test “be in a bona fide physician-patient relationship with the consumer.” How do you …more >
With a fiscal note of $19 million, House Bill 677 will not pass. I knew that before I began my testimony. My legislation would provide benefits to individuals who are not eligible for the federal Food Stamps program, now known as SNAP. Two categories of people could be affected: federal workers if there is another …more >
“It’s not too early to start planning our witnesses for the hearing on our bill. Below is to get the discussion started.” I sent that email to the advocates I’m working with on a bill being heard next week. I proposed two panels of witnesses. My email had the desired effect. It prompted a discussion …more >
The identical Senate version of my SLAPP bill got an unfavorable report in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee late yesterday. That means the House bill is dead as well. Even if the bill is amended, it is now guaranteed unfavorable action in the Senate. I wrote the people who testified for the bill: “Our strategy …more >
“Some pretty big bullies.” I had used words like meritless, frivolous and intimidating. Both the witness and I were testifying on behalf of my SLAPP bill. A SLAPP is a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation. Such lawsuits are often brought by a business against a private citizen, who spoke out against a development proposal in …more >
A hate crime is a criminal act committed because of a certain characteristic of the victim. Maryland’s hate crimes law dates back to 1988 when House Bill 1095 was enacted. I introduced that bill. Five years later, I attended the oral argument at the Supreme Court on Wisconsin’s hate crimes statute. In a unanimous decision, …more >
Mark Iwry grew up in Mt. Washington. We’ve known each other since childhood. Mark’s parents – Sam and Nina Iwry — were born in Poland. They both escaped the Nazis and fled to Shanghai, where more than 20,000 Jews found refuge. I asked Mark and his wife Daryl to join me, my mother, and brother …more >
Frank Robinson died today. I had this conversation with him at an Orioles Fantasy Camp. “I never saw Jackie Robinson play, but you’re the most intense competitor I’ve ever seen. Who taught you that?” “My high school coach,” Frank responded. “He said, ‘You’re not going to make a great play in the field every game. …more >
