Nothing concentrates the mind in Annapolis like a bill hearing. We now have a Pimlico bill. In a few weeks, we’ll have a hearing. Senate Bill 800 has been introduced by Senator Antonio Hayes. I will be introducing an identical bill in the House. Our legislation would finish the work of the study undertaken by …more >
There are many ways to make progress on an issue without passing a bill. A new one today. A constituent asked me to introduce a bill based on a law recently enacted in another blue state. I got the bill drafted. He shared this idea with his professional colleagues. They decided it was premature to …more >
I will be nervous when I wake up tomorrow. I have two bill hearings in the afternoon. My legislation is not difficult to explain. House Bill 93 would remove the limit on a stipend for a college student interning with the government or a non-profit. House Bill 94 responds to a constituent’s problem. George Mitchell …more >
“City … was one of the very special places in my life.” Russell Baker wrote that. The Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist and City College graduate died this week, as you likely know. His City is what public education can be. Ditto for me. Baker, a working class kid from West Baltimore, went to school with classmates …more >
Dear Editor: There is a fundamental flaw in the recent op-ed opposing Governor Hogan’s executive order prohibiting discriminatory boycotts of Israel in state contracts with businesses. The op-ed asserts that the executive order prohibits “the state from doing business with individuals and entities that engage in or support a boycott of Israeli businesses.” Among the …more >
Writing a letter to the editor is a lot like drafting a bill. Except I’m the drafter. I was reminded of that today. An op-ed critical of Governor Hogan’s executive order on the boycott of Israel was in this morning’s Baltimore Sun. Since I was very involved in the effort to pass legislation that prompted …more >
The witness was not a lawyer, but his response made it clear that this was not his first testimony before a legislative committee. “Are you considering legislation to address the issues raised at this briefing?” he was asked. “There is nothing on my radar I would suggest specifically,” he replied. When a reporter asks me …more >
The deadline looms. A bill drafting request must be made by 5:00 tomorrow for staff to prepare it in time for the next deadline, which guarantees that your bill will get a hearing. No guarantee of a vote on the bill after that hearing. Among the requests I made this weekend are: The Election Integrity …more >
My freshman colleague is already thinking ahead. “Do I have to co-sponsor bills that are controversial in my district?” he asked me at lunch. “Absolutely not,” I told him. “Co-sponsorship is the biggest waste of time in Annapolis. What counts is having a member advocating for your bill in the committee room where it happens.” …more >
“For those of us who have been given the privilege of serving, we could offer those men no greater tribute than to follow their example.” Governor Larry Hogan, Jr., in his Inauguration speech today, was referring to President George H. W. Bush, Senator John McCain, and Congressman Larry Hogan, Sr., his father. When President Bush …more >
