Recent Prince George's County News (3 Dec 2010)

Public Safety

• Gory Prince George's:
  •  Cox, Brooks Drive, shot 10 Nov 2009, died 25 Nov 2010
  • RT @PGPDPressOffice: Victim from 2009 Shooting Dies-Investigated as a Homicide http://is.gd/iajvN 
  • RT @wusa9: Victim In 2009 Shooting Dies In Md. http://www.wusa9.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=123743&catid=158 via @AddThis 
• Police Corruption & Brutality:
• Post: Officer Sinisa Simic pleads not guilty to trafficking http://is.gd/i8GCZ 
• Examiner: FBI talks to Pr. George's officers about beating http://is.gd/i8LDX  
• RT @GreenbeltPatch: "When is enough, enough?" PGPD discuss most recent fed investigation: http://patch.com/A-cx3V 
• RT @mddailyrecord: FBI talks to Prince George’s County officers about beating: http://bit.ly/fXHlae 
• Sun: FBI interviewing Prince George's officers about beating of UM student http://is.gd/i9Iu4 
• RT @gazette_net: As many as 40 PG officers interviewed Thursday and Friday in connection with March beating incident: http://fb.me/CNqTY6PO 
• RT @wusa9: FBI Pressure in Prince George's Police Brutality Probe Called "Unconventional" http://bit.ly/gLvigW
• RT @postcrime: Feds take over investigation of police beating of student after basketball game http://wapo.st/eqj80N 
• Police Chief Hylton:  
• RT @GazPolitics: #PrinceGeorges community leaders criticize Baker, back police chief: http://tinyurl.com/276qgz8
• WTOP: Baker expresses concern over Pr. Geo. Police http://is.gd/ia2nx about 12 hours ago
• Crime & Police:
  • PGPolice: PGPD to Host the 27th Annual Cora Rice Community Christmas Party for Deserving Children (2933) http://is.gd/i8vGk 
  • RT @PGPDPressOffice: PGPD Investigates Citizen Armed Robbery in College Park http://www.nixle.us/78M7A 
  • RT @PGPDPressOffice: Armed Robbery Suspect Sought-Richard Clark http://is.gd/ibA69 
  • CollegeParkPatch: College Park Man Robbed at Gunpoint on Branchville Road http://is.gd/i9F7y
  • RT @CollegePrkPatch: Two armed robberies occurred within the same hour Thursday night in College Park: http://patch.com/A-cxX7 
  • RT @PGCrime FBI questions PGCounty police in beating of UMd student Follows previous interviews of arrested students http://tinyurl.com/2asx9nb about 13 hours ago

2011 Maryland General Assembly

• Gazette: Juvenile Services targeted as safety priority; Death penalty, fingerprinting, ignition devices loom as hot ... http://is.gd/i8LXW
• RT @TBDFactsMachine: MD State Sen. Jim Rosapepe (D-21) says there should be debate about closing corporate tax loopholes, raising the alcohol tax.
• RT @TBDFactsMachine: Rosapepe won't say directly whether he thinks Leslie Johnson should be seated, says it's a decision she has to make.
• RT @MDPolicy Would it be wrong to raise gas tax in MD? Not really, as long as we actually used it for #transportation. http://su.pr/2bpQQG 
• RT @MDPolicy What do you think about raising the gas tax in MD? Weigh in and get paid to do it http://su.pr/1Ef8ra #politics #transportation 
• .

Government & Politics

• Gazette (B.Rascovar): Republicans need to build from ground up http://is.gd/i8Mam (Barely mentions Prince George's)
• RT @WTOP: FR: @kryan1035 Gov O'Malley to be at Bmore County swearing-in, Lt Gov Brown to be in PG for Rushern Baker's swearing-in... 
• AFRO: Rushern Baker Prepares for County’s Top Office http://is.gd/iak8s 
• RT @PGD9Politico I met w/ @Mel4Council for 2 hrs today, & he answered some of my most pressing questions. Stay tuned for my 1st impressions. 
• Partying away the corruption:
• WTOP: Two counties, two very different inaugurations http://is.gd/i8QEs Seems biased but accurate ... PG: epicurean, glitzy; MoCo: fiscal responsibility 
• MEDIA ADVISORY: RINCE [sic] GEORGE¹S COUNTY EXECUTIVE-ELECT RUSHERN L. BAKER, III ANNOUNCES OFFICIAL INAUGURAL EVENTS ... http://is.gd/i9xi7 
• WTOP: Baker inauguration sets new tone in Pr. George's http://is.gd/ia2wB 
• RT @wusa9: Are you planning to attend the inauguration of Prince George's new county executive Rushern Baker on Dec. 6? http://bit.ly/gllgWu
• RT @PGD9Politico: Hardly the time to celebrate. RT @pgpolitics @WTOP: Baker inauguration sets new tone in Pr. George's http://is.gd/ia2wB 
• RT @kimmytweets Events start tmorro... For offl Inauguration info, updates & ticket purchasing, please visit http://www.pathtogreatness.org
• Scandals
• nbcwashington: Baker Will Not Weigh in on Leslie Johnson's Next Move http://is.gd/iak1s
• RT @PGD9Politico: By trying to avoid Leslie's Johnson's mudpuddle, @rushernbaker is stepping right into it. 
• MDDailyRecord: Now entering their appearances…new Prince George’s corruption counsel! http://is.gd/i8Fgd Prosecutor Leo J. Wise, also mentions Johnson defense attorneys William R. “Billy” Martin, Roland N. Patterson Jr., & Shawn M. Wright of Blank Rome LLP. 
• RT @TBDFactsMachine: Sen. Rosapepe (D-21) won't say directly whether he thinks Leslie Johnson should be seated, says it's a decision she has to make.
• RT @MDPolicy: What's up with all the corruption in PG county, #MD? From #politics to law enforcement... http://su.pr/2kY8wm 
• RT @CNSmd: Council members urge Leslie Johnson not to take council seat. http://tinyurl.com/2b8ebkh 
• Note: "Council Members, GOP Leaders, Urge Johnson to Step Aside" (CNS/MD Newsline) has GOP comments, unlike most reports http://is.gd/ia5FU 
• RT @ronjohn78: @pgpolitics @cnsmd leave Leslie alone. She's taking her seat. 
• Patch: Council Members, GOP Leaders, Urge Johnson to Step Aside http://is.gd/i9Wgl http://is.gd/i9Wif http://is.gd/i9WkC
• Big Brother:
• Post: Speed cameras and resentment linger (work zone gone, cameras persist) http://is.gd/i8Gm7  
• RT @postlocal: Some drivers unhappy that speed cameras remain long after road construction is complete: http://wapo.st/eJeIPJ
• RT @PGSentinel: College Park cameras capture nearly 1,500 lead-foot drivers in one week http://shar.es/Xfd0V

Education

• HyattsvillePatch: Cell Phones In School http://is.gd/i9HpQ 

Business, Transportation & Development

• RT @SuiteMagazine: The Suite holds first public unveiling of new website design at Collective Banking Group in Prince George's.
• RT @SuiteMagazine: The new Prince George' Suite site will be launched in January 2011. 
• RT @PGSentinel: One company plans on bringing some dough to Prince George’s County — literally. http://shar.es/XfgON 
• RT @PrinceGeorgians: Cheverly Wind Turbine: A Window Into The Not-So-Distant Future ( http://bit.ly/fsNH0Q ) #pgcounty #princegeorges 

Local (Municipalities)

• Bowie:
• RT @PGSentinel: The search is on for Bowie City Council http://shar.es/Xfqjn 
• College Park:
• CollegeParkPatch: Thoughts on Neighborhood Solidarity; What does it mean when city residents disagree? http://is.gd/i9ifG
• CollegeParkPatch: College Park Man Robbed at Gunpoint on Branchville Road http://is.gd/i9F7y 
• RT @CollegePrkPatch: Two armed robberies occurred within the same hour Thursday night in College Park: http://patch.com/A-cxX7
• RT @PGSentinel: College Park cameras capture nearly 1,500 lead-foot drivers in one week http://shar.es/Xfd0V 
• Greenbelt:
• Greenbelt Police Weekly Activity Report as of December 3, 2010 http://is.gd/i9hNO 

Other

• Gazette: WSSC seeks to flush out payments through tougher penalties; Res may face liens, security dep for unpaid bills http://is.gd/i8MCf 
• RT @PrinceGeorgesMD: JOHNSON APPROVES SIX NOMINATIONS TO NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES http://bit.ly/ib2ElN 
• RT @wusa9: Group Wonders If TSA Played Politics With Holiday Screening : http://bit.ly/ihb3pz 

Recent Prince George's County News (26 Jan 2010)

• List of 2010 Candidates updated.

Public Safety

• rt @PGCrimeSolvers Double homicide one year later - Karen and Karissa Lofton http://bit.ly/b6lE8s 
• Gazette: Glenarden man arrested in Landover double homicide; First slayings of 2010 not believed to be random http://bit.ly/9SEbF1 
• Gazette: Landover man charged in 2nd-degree murder of relative; Suspect in fatal stabbing .. has prior convictions in DC http://bit.ly/9iW3Wv 
• rt @PG_South $40 million civil trial under way in case of former county cop convicted of shooting deliverymen: http://tinyurl.com/y85gbk4 
• rt @PGCrimeSolvers Become a fan of the Prince George's County Crime Solvers Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pgcrimesolvers.  
• rt @PGFDPIO After searching a large area of Upper Marlboro for 1-1/2 hours; the search for a downed plane has ended with nothing found. 
• Post: NAACP wants Justice Department to investigate Hyattsville police department http://bit.ly/748QzR 

2010 Election

• rt @MDReporter Just what was former Prince George's County Executive Wayne Curry doing at yesterday's budget... http://bit.ly/bR4fA9
  
• rt @marylandmoment Wayne Curry works crowd @ first general assembly budget briefing; says O'Malley budget unfair to PG http://bit.ly/5AEv2c 
• MDPolWatch: Video from Wayne Curry political event http://bit.ly/6COAWW 
• rt @marylandmoment How Rushern Baker's slate could have raised more than $200,000 in a week: The jury is still out ... http://bit.ly/coT81w 
• rt @marylandmoment Donors who supplied Baker campaign with $206,000 unknown, so far: ... http://bit.ly/71eS3G 
• rt @CNSmd Owings, Hogan may have a shot at O'Malley: http://bit.ly/dwwc0N
  

2010 General Assembly

• Sen Harrington (D-47), Muse (D-26), Pinsky (D-22), Rosapepe (D-21) seek to unionize child care providers http://bit.ly/abbN1L (text unavail) 
• rt @MDNews_WTOP Both parties push for medical marijuana in Md. http://bit.ly/cGKcez 
• rt @MDNews_WTOP Md. bill would ban SWAT team use for misdemeanors http://bit.ly/bmZbUE 
• rt @EnvisionPrinceG Prince George's vs. Burger King? http://bit.ly/aBwo4K 
• rt @postmetro Prince George's County considers a "fast food" diet: http://bit.ly/8dtNIZ
  
• rt @marylandmoment Arthur Turner & Sen David Harrington (D-47) want to limit fast-food restaurants http://bit.ly/5AEv2c 
• rt @MDReporter The General Assembly's demographic makeup does not reflect the state's... http://bit.ly/6PQh3a 

Other Politics

• MDReporter: State could lose revenues in multi-state tax compact: http://bit.ly/6bTrZB ago
• Sun: Phantom sex offender board chairman speaks out; Board est during Ehrlich admin never met after O'Malley's election http://bit.ly/7m2FUj 

Other

• rt @GazPolitics Maryland lost 44,000 jobs in 2009: http://tinyurl.com/ydpfxvc 
• Examiner: Developers sue Metro over stalled Greenbelt development plan http://bit.ly/4Ci5ca
  
• MDPolWatch: Criticism of local news reporting in the MSM, "MSM Falls Down on Costco Story" http://bit.ly/8oTRTM 

Recent Candidate Filings

• Gerron Levi
• Candidate for County Executive
• Filing information: 
• Levi, Gerron
• Democratic
•  Mailing Address P.O. Box 197, Bowie, MD 20719
• Public (301) 249-1486
• Juris. Prince George`s 
• EMail levi@votelevi.com
• Status Active 
• Filed Regular - 01/15/10
• Ulysses Currie
  
• Candidate for reelection as Senator, District 25
• Filing information:
• Currie, Ulysses
• Democratic 
• Mailing Address 6621 Lacona Street, Forestville, MD 20747
• Public (301) 858-3127
• Juris. Prince George`s  
• EMail
• Status Active 
• Filed Regular - 01/25/10
• Steve Kemp
  
• Candidate for Board of Education, District 1
• Filing information:
• Kemp, Steve
• Non-Partisan 
• Mailing Address  10805 Lanham Severn Rd., Lanham, MD 20706
• Public
• Juris. Prince George`s  
• EMail citizensforkemp@aol.com
• Status Active 
• Filed Regular - 01/19/10

Recent News about Prince George's County (5 Mar 2009)

• POST: Miller To Sponsor Campaign Finance Bill-will join Sen. Pinsky in sponsoring the legislation (Wagner) http://tinyurl.com/bqg49w 
• POST: Pri. Geo. Tax Bill: On its Way to Official Death-subcomm. of PG House Del. voted to recommend .. (Helderman) http://tinyurl.com/acr629
• SUN: Health care plan outlined [near $2 billion Pinsky Proposal would require res. to have insurance (Smitherman) http://tinyurl.com/azancp 
• POST: Pr. George's Officer Cleared of Four Disciplinary Charges, eleven more pending (Davis) http://tinyurl.com/7yamga 
• GAZETTE: Police focus on seniors in Triad program-Crime prevent'n prog. to launch in Beltsville, Adelphi (Schuman) http://tinyurl.com/7pdemh 
• WJLA: Proposed Pr. George's Layoffs Would Slash Public Safety Staffing-public safety workers are among hardest hit http://tinyurl.com/6tesc9 
• GAZETTE: Another report of a student's mouth being taped shut-Kingsford Elem. teacher reassignd .. (King, updated) http://tinyurl.com/a3yraf 
• SoMD ONLINE: Cost of Requiring Financial Literacy May be to High (Sen. Muse bill) (Woodward, CNS) http://tinyurl.com/7alhkn 
• GAZETTE: Capitol Heights post office cuts hours; Officials evaluating tax season schedule (McGill) http://tinyurl.com/82apwl 
• GAZETTE: A good trade; 'Pre-apprenticeship' expansion provides student skills without cost to system (Editorial) http://tinyurl.com/a6ewco 
• GAZETTE: The hunt for money; Newfound funds spark questions about county budgeting (Editorial) http://tinyurl.com/a99ek4 
• GAZETTE: Searching for facts in inmate's death (Ronnie White case) (Letter, Arthur Garroway) http://tinyurl.com/7ctrvo 
• GAZETTE: Don't rush to get speed cameras (Mentions councilman Knotts)(Letter, Steven Brown) http://tinyurl.com/984ecj 
• GAZETTE: Prince George's lawmakers say they were stiffed on stimulus- Council upset that only one tr.. (Valentine) http://tinyurl.com/8xsx5p 
• GAZETTE: Wise High bolstering outreach after brawl-Some parents blame fighting on school's boundaries (Holzheimer) http://tinyurl.com/7cwj7l 
• GAZETTE: Legislators (Sen. Currie, Rosapepe, Peters) work to protect renters-Bill would notify tenants .. (Izadi) http://tinyurl.com/7qfz4s 
• GAZETTE: PG state's attorney investigates possible charges against county police officers - Police .. (Valentine) http://tinyurl.com/95o3z7 
• GAZETTE: Prince George's police expand crime tip line to include text messaging (Garner) http://tinyurl.com/8u78rz 
• GAZETTE: Residents testify in support of SWAT monitoring (Valentine) http://tinyurl.com/8coacw 
• PG-Politics Fwd: Heather Iliff Newsletter & Community Meeting - March: ... From: Heather Iliff Date: .. http://snipurl.com/d638z 
• PG-Politics Fundraiser for Councilman Dernoga: ... From: Laura Moore Date: Wed, Mar 4, 2009 at 9:38 P.. http://snipurl.com/d638r 
• PG-Politics Fwd: Rushern Baker Education Announcement: ... From: Rushern Baker Date: Wed, Mar 4, 2009.. http://snipurl.com/d638i 

---

(Posted 5 Mar 2009)

Recent News about Prince George's County (3 Mar 2009)

• Gazette: Fairmount Heights councilman arrested for impersonating police officer-Vehicle allegedly cont .. (McGill) http://tinyurl.com/bkjt9a 
• Post: O'Malley Wants to Force Utilities to Build Plants; Sen. Rosapepe wants state to buy them (Rein) http://tinyurl.com/bonomq 
• Gazette: Temple Hills man sentenced to 14 months for armored car robbery - Nearly $590,000 .. (McKeever) http://tinyurl.com/bfw8wx 
• Post: PG Corrections Officer Is Charged With Rape - had been on admin. leave since Jan. 15 jail incident (Mummolo) http://tinyurl.com/bfd42l 
• Post: Politician Charged With Impersonation - Fairmount Heights Town Council member (Davis) http://tinyurl.com/dkh4nl 
• Post: Officers in Taped Beating Suspended in Pr. George's (Castaneda) http://tinyurl.com/cx2ezk 

---

(Posted 3 Mar 2009)

Recent News about Prince George's County (27 Feb 2009)

• Gazette: PG County residents, legislators share foreclosure woes with congressional panel (Dean,Edwards) (Skalski) http://tinyurl.com/bncrxj 
• pgpubliced: FYI only-PGCPS Board Meeting/Action Update 2/26/09 (Rick Tyler) http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pgpubliced/message/2986 
• PG-Politics New Bill Reduces County Budget Shortfall Without Homestead Property : (Denise Foskey) http://tinyurl.com/dlajk9 8 minutes ago
• PG_Discussion Fwd: Please OPPOSE HB 979: This just in from Delegate Justin Ross on HB 979. (Naznin Adams) http://tinyurl.com/bwnrq5
• PG-Politics Fwd: Rushern Baker Education Announcement: ... From: Rushern Baker Date: Fri, Feb 27, 200.. http://tinyurl.com/d8sbam 
• PG-Politics Fwd: Leg. Update from Del. Victor Ramirez: ... From: Victor's Community List Date: Fri, F.. http://tinyurl.com/al6t3n 
• PG-Politics Re:Tax bills in Annapolis: I'm told that a vote will be taken on PG 414-09 (HB 979) (Amdy Carruthers) http://tinyurl.com/d4xg5m 
• PG Police: Police Make Quick Arrest on Homicide on Guilford Road http://tinyurl.com/czb4ye 
• " @DCAbloob Md House Commerce Committee hearing on Prince George's soccer stadium - 3/17 @ 1 p.m. 
• Reason Online: Link to text (http://tinyurl.com/b7nvqq) of Radley Balko's 26 Feb chat with Mayor Cheye Calvo http://tinyurl.com/cjqfyj 
• SoMD Online: State Wants to Usurp Cable TV Franchise Authority from Counties (Woodward, CNS) http://somd.com/news/headlines/2009/9500.shtml 
• PG_Discussion Tax bills in Annapolis: The Gazette has an article about yesterday's County Affairs C.. http://tinyurl.com/bb843n 
• MD Pol.Watch: For Prince George’s, State Aid is Never Enough (long analysis, Quotes Sen.Exum, Del.Ross) (Pagnucco) http://tinyurl.com/dgc2hx 
• Gazette: Earlier gubernatorial primary? Politics foiled bid for June '06 election (spons. by Del. Frush) (Brody) http://tinyurl.com/blcue4 
• Gazette: Lawmakers, restaurants battle over nutritional data; California, several... (Quotes Del. Niemann) (Brody) http://tinyurl.com/a9tthu 
• Diamondback: Commission pushes for state higher ed. goals (Quotes Sen. Rosapepe) (Stice) http://tinyurl.com/ctdw24 
• Diamondback: Lawmakers debate voting reform (Mentions PG County problems) (Stice) http://tinyurl.com/crgjqo 
• Post: Homicide Probe Underway in Langley Park Area (Williams) http://tinyurl.com/dm67wc 
• Post: Taxing Telecommunications: Film at 10 & 11 & ... (State, not local control; Mentions PG Comm.TV) (Helderman) http://tinyurl.com/d8khq8 
• Post: House Supports Allowing Trust Funds for Pets-Quotes Del. Vallario (Helderman) http://tinyurl.com/cdutkk 
• Post: In Md. and Va., Signs Of the Tough Times; Pr. George's, Arlington Plan Job Cuts (Hernandez & Vargas) http://tinyurl.com/bxkmqd 
• - @wusa9 Police Investigating Homicide In Langley Park : Officers found man in parking lot suffering from trauma.. http://tinyurl.com/bvynl5 
• - @TeamRonMiller just sent out his latest Team Ron Miller newsletter http://bit.ly/RqgrR #TCOT #HHRS #SGP #MDCons 

---

(Posted 27 Feb 2009)

Recent News about Prince George's County

• Examiner: Legislator(Del. Barnes) wants GPS devices for domestic abusers (AP) http://tinyurl.com/bjqg7t 
  
• PG-Politics: From Collins Bailey (Republican cand. for Congress, 5th Dist.) http://tinyurl.com/b68bsc , Full text: http://tinyurl.com/atnpqr 
  
• Sun: Md. senators (Rosapepe) outline re-regulation options (AP) http://tinyurl.com/aw8ezq 
  
• Maryland Moment: Johnson: Considering Statewide Run (Helderman) http://tinyurl.com/c7s6ym 
  
• WTOP, WJLA: Man found dead in Maryland apartment http://tinyurl.com/cowexq, http://tinyurl.com/ck3v64
  
• Gazette: Proposed Prince George's tax increase put on hold; Johnson backs off as support ... continues to erode http://tinyurl.com/cobevg
  
• WTOP: WSSC sends 9 percent rate hike to counties (AP)
  http://www.wtop.com/?sid=1605346&nid=25 

---

(Posted 19 Feb 2009)

Sun blog lists PG senators for and against death penalty repeal

Death penalty repeal: Will any senators change their minds?
Maryland Politics, 17 Feb 2009 (Green).

Julie Bykowicz, Laura Smitherman and Gadi Dechter have polled the Senate and found a slim majority opposed to Gov. O'Malley's plan to abolish the death penalty. As it stands, O'Malley would need to get all four undecided votes and flip one of the people currently in the anti-repeal camp. Here's the list, as it stands:

Question: Would you be inclined to vote in favor of a full repeal of the death penalty?

YES (19)

Ulysses Currie, Prince George's (D)
Nathaniel Exum, Prince George's (D)
David C. Harrington, Prince George's (D)
C. Anthony Muse, Prince George's (D)
Douglas J.J. Peters, Prince George's (D)
Paul G. Pinsky, Prince George's (D)

NO (24)

Thomas V. Mike Miller, Calvert and Prince George's (D)

DECLINED TO ANSWER (4)

Jim Rosapepe, Prince George's and Anne Arundel (D)

* * *

Shoot, if Jim Rosapepe isn't in the repeal camp, O'Malley's facing an uphill climb.

---

(Posted 18 Feb 2009)

PG Taxers seek to tax Internet sales

Comment:  As seems to be the routine in Annapolis, the sponsors of this bill have given it a misleading title and synopsis to try to hide the real purpose.

HB 337, SB 622

PG Sponsors:

• Delegates Howard, Ivey, and Ross
  
• Senators Currie, Peters, and Rosapepe
  

Entitled: Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement

Synopsis:

Removing a provision making the State's adoption of the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement contingent on the enactment by the U.S. Congress of legislation consenting to the Agreement; and requiring the Comptroller by October 1, 2009, to prepare and submit draft legislation and proposed regulations relating to the implementation of the Agreement to the Governor, the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, and the House Committee on Ways and Means.

House text Hearing 18 Feb 2009, 1:00 pm
Senate text Hearing not yet scheduled

---

(Posted 17 Feb 2009)

PG Porkers (Sen. Rosapepe)

Maryland has a fiscal crisis with a huge deficit looming despite the huge 2007 tax increase.  But Tax and Spend Sen. James Rosapepe (D-21), who voted for the tax increase, wants to spend even more of the money we don't have on non-essential, non-state government frills instead of maintaining essential state services like education and public safety.  How many more state employees will be laid off or furloughed to help buy votes for Sen. Rosapepe?

• SB 398, Creation of a State Debt - Prince George's County - Laurel Armory Anderson Murphy Community Center ($150,000)
  
• SB 400, Creation of a State Debt - Prince George's County - Historic Laurel Mill Ruins ($50,000)
  
• SB 401, Creation of a State Debt - Prince George's County - Laurel Boys and Girls Club ($300,000)
  
• SB 743, Creation of a State Debt - Prince George's County - Laurel Police Department Facility - Community Space ($350,000)
• Total: $850,000

---

(Updated 10 Feb 2009)

Legislators again seek to confiscate the value of old gift cards (Update)

HB 126, SB 418

PG Sponsors:

• Delegates Pena-Melnyk, Barnes, Benson, Braveboy, Frush, Gaines, Griffith, Healey, Holmes, Howard, Hubbard  Ivey, Niemann, Ross, V. Turner, Valderrama, Vallario, Vaughn , and Walker
  
• Senators Exum, Harrington, Peters, and Rosapepe

Entitled: Commercial Law - Gift Certificates - Balances - Presumption of Abandonment

Synopsis:

Providing that on a specified date the balance remaining on a gift certificate sold in the State shall be presumed to be abandoned; requiring each issuer of gift certificates sold in the State to report to the Comptroller specified information regarding gift certificate transactions in the State and to remit to the Comptroller 70% of the remaining balances on specified gift certificates on or before March 1 of each year; etc.

Earlier:

• Del. Pena-Melnyk will reintroduce bill to confiscate the value of old gift cards , D.C. Russell, 21 Dec 2007
  
• PG Taxers: PG sponsors of special session tax bills, D.C. Russell, 30 Oct 2007
• State To Steal Unused Gift Certificates To Fund Education, Brian Gill, 6 Nov 2007

---

(Posted 3 Feb 2009)

Prince George's Nannies: Legislators out to control our lives

(Posted 23 Jan 2009)

---

SB 143 HB 72

PG Sponsors:

Senators Currie, Harrington, Miller, Muse, Peters, Pinsky, and Rosapepe

Delegates Frush, Holmes, Howard, Hubbard, Pena-Melnyk, Proctor, Ross, V. Turner, Vallario, Vaughn, and Walker

Entitled: Vehicle Laws - Use of Wireless Communication Devices While Driving - Prohibitions

Synopsis:

Prohibiting a driver of a specified school vehicle from using wireless communication devices; prohibiting a holder of a learner's instructional permit or provisional driver's license who is 18 years of age or older from driving a motor vehicle while using wireless communication devices; prohibiting a driver of a motor vehicle that is in motion from using the driver's hands to use wireless communication devices; providing exceptions to the prohibitions; etc.

Electric bills up 14 to 78 percent, PG senators want to raise them even higher

First the Democrats broke their promises and allowed obscene electric
rate increases to go into effect. Then they passed the largest tax
increase in Maryland history. Now they are working hard to raise
electric rates again. This is the party that claims to be looking out
for the common people???

Residents Stung by High Cost Of Power
Bills Have Risen 14 to 78 Percent
By Kirstin Downey
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, March 16, 2008; Page A01
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/15/AR2008031501014.html

Senators Who Voted to Raise Your Energy Costs
The Global Warming Solutions Act has passed out of the Education Health and Environmental Affairs Committee by a 5-3 vote.
The following senators voted to directly raise your energy costs and add draconian restrictions on Maryland's economy.
Joan Carter Conway
Michael G. Lenett
Paul G. Pinsky
James C. Rosapepe
David C. Harrington
http://themainadversary.blogspot.com/

Prince George's County senators sponsoring this bill are
Pinsky (D-22), Currie (D-25), Muse (D-26), Peters (D-23), and Rosapepe (D-21).

Prince George's sponsors of the companion house bill are:
Barnes (D-21), Holmes (D-23B), Hubbard (D-23A), Ivey (D-47) Niemann (D-47), Ramirez (D-47), Ross (D-22), and Walker (D-26).

If you, or someone you know, has trouble paying rapidly rising utility bills, keep these folks in mind.

Local [Democratic] delegates voted 'nay' on textbook tax exemption

(Posted 28 Nov 2007)

---

Local delegates voted 'nay' on textbook tax exemption.
Diamondback, 28 Nov 2007 (Cohen).

Among the casualties of the rushed and contentious special session of the state legislature that ended this month was a little-noticed measure that could have put more than a few dollars in students' pockets.

An amendment introduced in the House of Delegates would have exempted students from paying sales tax on textbooks.

But the measure was never introduced in the Senate and all of the delegates that represent the university's district voted against it in the house.

The delegates, however - all of whom are Democrats - called the amendment a stalling tactic on the part of the assembly's Republican minority. They said they will be waiting for a study expected in the coming weeks on the issue of skyrocketing textbook costs before they consider legislation to curb the problem.

"I don't think students, or anyone else, are going to be fooled," Sen. Jim Rosapepe (D-Prince George's and Anne Arundel) said. "They were trying to score political points."

Nevertheless, Republican delegate Michael Smigiel, who offered up the amendment in the House, said Democrats should have taken a more serious look at offering students the exemption.

After some debate, the amendment was voted down by 90 legislators to 40. The Democratic majority voted overwhelmingly against the bill. Smigiel saw the rejection as partisan.

"I guess politics trumps rationality," said Smigiel. "There were some good things that were rejected simply because they were submitted by another party member."
* * *
Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk (D-Prince George's and Anne Arundel) said the Democrats' rejection of the tax exemption was not partisan.
* * *

---

• Sen. Jim Rosapepe (D-21) Bio | E-Mail
  
• 301-858-3141, Fax: 301-858-3195.
• Del. Joseline Pena-Melnyk (D-21) Bio | E-Mail
  
• 301-858-3502, Fax: 301-858-3342.
• [PG.Taxers]
  

PG Taxers: Let us not forget the PG senators who voted for the largest tax increase in Maryland history

(Posted 9 Nov 2007)

---

Every single one of them voted for this soak the poor and middle class obscenity (after striking out most of the soak the "rich" parts). I certainly will not forget what they have done. I hope the rest of you remember during the next election cycle that this is part of the reward for blind, unwavering support of a one-party political system. Of course, those of you who want to pay higher taxes should be happy now.

• Sen. James Rosapepe (D-21) E-Mail | 301-858-3141, Fax: 301-858-3195.
• Sen. Paul Pinsky (D-22) E-Mail | 301-858-3155, Fax: 301-858-3144.
• Sen. Douglas Peters (D-23) E-Mail | 301-858-3631, Fax: 301-858-3174.
• Sen. Nathaniel Exum (D-24) E-Mail | 301-858-3148, Fax: 301-858-3149.
  
• Sen. Ulysses Currie (D-25) E-Mail | 301-858-3127, Fax: 301-858-3733.
• Sen. C. Anthony Muse (D-26) E-Mail | 301-858-3092, Fax: 301-858-3410.
• Sen. Thomas V. Mike Miller (D-27A) E-Mail | 301-858-3700, Fax: 301-858-3910.
• Sen. Gwendolyn Britt (D-47) E-Mail | 301-858-3745, Fax: 301-858-3387.

Prince George's senators vote 6-2 for slots referendum

(Posted 9 Nov 2007)

---

How Senators Voted on Slots.
Maryland Moment, 9 Nov 2007 (AP)

FOR a referendum on slots:

• Sen. James Rosapepe (D-21) E-Mail | 301-858-3141, Fax: 301-858-3195.
• Sen. Douglas Peters (D-23) E-Mail | 301-858-3631, Fax: 301-858-3174.
• Sen. Nathaniel Exum (D-24) E-Mail | 301-858-3148, Fax: 301-858-3149.
  
• Sen. Ulysses Currie (D-25) E-Mail | 301-858-3127, Fax: 301-858-3733.
• Sen. Thomas V. Mike Miller (D-27A) E-Mail | 301-858-3700, Fax: 301-858-3910.
• Sen. Gwendolyn Britt (D-47) E-Mail | 301-858-3745, Fax: 301-858-3387.

AGAINST a referendum on slots:

• Sen. Paul Pinsky (D-22) E-Mail | 301-858-3155, Fax: 301-858-3144.
• Sen. C. Anthony Muse (D-26) E-Mail | 301-858-3092, Fax: 301-858-3410.

Notes:

Other reports say that all Prince George's County senators voted AGAINST an amendment to put slots at Rosecroft (in district 26).

I recently asked Sen. Muse for his comments on a public opinion poll that showed the majority of Rosecroft-area residents would favor locating slots there. Sen. Muse never replied.

Slots & Taxes: What our legislators are saying (part 13)

(Posted 8 Nov 2007)

---

Budget Revisions Prompt Questions; Focus Is on Switch in Services to Be Taxed.
Post, 8 Nov 2007 (Rucker & Wiggins).

Budget writers in the Maryland Senate were peppered with questions yesterday about whether their deficit reduction plan protects the interests of working families and why they had decided, with no public debate, to propose taxing landscaping, video arcades and visits from the Geek Squad and other computer services.
* * *
If we fail, we will be simply sticking our heads in the sand," Sen. Ulysses Currie (D-Prince George's), chairman of the Budget and Taxation Committee, told his colleagues.

Currie's panel voted Tuesday night to make several significant changes to proposals by Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) in the special legislative session. Among the amendments that received the most attention yesterday was the panel's proposal to apply the state sales tax to landscaping, arcades and computer services.

Legislative analysts said taxing those services would yield about $250 million a year in revenue, far more than would be generated by taxing a handful of other services, including health clubs and tanning salons, that O'Malley had specified and that were the subject of public hearings. Those were taken out of the bill after an outcry by those affected.

Sen. Richard F. Colburn (R-Dorchester) asked Currie whether landscapers, arcade owners and computer service operators knew that levies would be placed on their services. "Or did they wake up this morning and look at the paper and find out we're in?" he said.

"I think you summed up the process," Currie replied.
* * *

O'Malley wants to revive tax cuts; Senate eliminates proposals aimed at reductions for most Marylanders.
Sun, 8 Nov 2007 (Green).

* * *
"Landscapers, people who have computer services businesses, people with video-game parlors -- were they able to come and testify, or did they just wake up this morning, read the newspaper and realize they were in?" Sen. Richard F. Colburn, an Eastern Shore Republican, asked Sen. Ulysses Currie, the committee chairman, during a floor debate.

"I think you summarized the process," Currie replied.
* * *

Md. Budget Crisis: Senate Could Finish Work Thursday, Amid Complaints About Pace of Debate.
Southern Maryland Online, 8 Nov 2007 (Becker).

* * *
Sen. Paul Pinsky, D-Prince George's, said he "didn't like the income tax rates being flattened" and objected that the language to close corporate loopholes was thrown out. Those changes might lead Pinsky to vote against the proposals.

"I might have to do more than just pinch my nose" this time, he said.

But Pinsky believes the proposals will be voted on soon and likely passed.

"Is it fast? Yes, it's fast," he said. "But I've learned when you have the votes, you can do almost anything" in Annapolis.
* * *

Senators try to undo higher ed casualties.
Diamondback, 8 Nov 2007 (Epstein).

Two state senators said yesterday they intend to put legislation dedicating funding aimed at holding down tuition at the state's colleges and universities back on firm ground.

Student leaders and officials from the board that governs Maryland's colleges and universities blasted Annapolis lawmakers yesterday for tying the future of higher education funding to a controversial proposal that would legalize slot machines.

But Sen. Jim Rosapepe, who represents Prince George's and Anne Arundel Counties, and Sen. Robert Zirkin, of Baltimore County, said they will introduce an amendment today that would instead devote money from a corporate tax increase to higher education funding, which was part of Democratic Gov. Martin O'Malley's original budget proposal.
* * *
Rosapepe said he didn't think senators intentionally put higher education funding at risk.

"I think the committee didn't quite understand what it was doing," he said, adding that the members had to consider a number of amendments in a short time and might not have fully considered the impact of their decision.

"There's a lot of interest in restoring that money," Rosapepe said.

Progress for budget deficit in special session described as 'slow'.
Bowie Blade-News, 8 Nov 2007 (Armes).

* * *
"Members of the House and Senate have been working together on aspects of all avenues of this legislation, and we're all trying to get a good perspective," Del. Jim Hubbard, D-Bowie 23A, said.

"We're trying to make what cuts we can make, looking to eliminate around $600 million of the existing budget before raising revenues while also trying to see if we can provide health care for more than 100,000 Maryland residents," he added.

Del. Gerron Levi, D-Bowie 23A, said there is a "broad consensus" among elected officials regarding four main business areas that could see tax increases: the sales tax, real estate taxes, the corporate loophole income tax and the tobacco tax.

"The slots proposal is truly up in the air right now," she said. "I think there will be two votes on it - a referendum and then the actual bill, and there's more support for the referendum right now."

Levi credited the various committees for making "tremendous progress" toward finding solutions but also indicated the pace has been measured because of the impact of their decisions.

"The issue of where the cuts are going to be made is still being addressed, and it must be addressed before we can talk about revenue generators for the state," local Del. Marvin Holmes, D-Bowie 23B, said. "Generally, it's a lot to get your hands on. You know the material because it's not intellectually complicated. But it's a lot to handle."
* * *
Holmes estimated the special session would likely conclude a few days after Thanksgiving to allow the conference committees to discuss the bills and for the delegates to vote on their decisions. But Hubbard and Levi were optimistic the session would end sooner, possibly by the end of next week.

"The bottom line is, we're trying to raise about $1 billion for tax cuts, and we're trying to do it without hurting any particular demographic or geographic group," Hubbard said. "It's our job to make sure Bowie doesn't get hurt in any of this and to do what we think is fair across the board."

"We need to keep in mind that we're in a crisis here," said State Sen Douglas J.J. Peters, D-Bowie. "Somehow we need to generate a certain amount of revenues by the end of the year. We've seen how complicated it is to tinker with the tax code. Once we leave, we'll either pass the bills or there will be dramatic cuts that will heavily influence the people of Prince George's County and Bowie."

Peters believes the session could finish by the end of next week.

Committee OKs bulk of state's health insurance expansion, sends bill to full Senate.
Annapolis Capital, 8 Nov 2007 (Zieminski).

A Senate committee gave preliminary approval Wednesday to a $200 million health care expansion, after striking a key provision that would have helped small-business owners pay for health insurance they currently offer.
* * *
Sen. E.J. Pipkin, R-Queen Anne's, a vocal opponent of the bill, questioned the administration's decision to expand health care in the midst of a budget shortfall.

"The idea we'd come back to fix the deficit by raising $1.5 billion in taxes and expand health care is outrageous," Pipkin said after voting against the bill in committee Wednesday evening.

Middleton said lawmakers can always come back and trim the bill if O'Malley's plan to balance the budget is not passed. The health insurance bill is scheduled to be heard on the Senate floor Thursday along with major parts of O'Malley's budget proposals.

Democratic Sens. John Astle, Catherine Pugh, Robert Garagiola, George Della, Nathaniel Exum, Delores Kelley, Katherine Klausmeier and Middleton voted in favor of the bill in committee. Sen. Allan Kittleman, R-Howard, voted against it and Sen. J. Robert Hooper, R-Harford, was absent.
* * *

If It's Not About Budget, Forget It.
Post, 8 Nov 2007 (Wiggins & Helderman).

Del. Doyle L. Niemann (D-Prince George's) wants to set up an authority and put an end to the financial woes that have plagued Prince George's Hospital Center.

Del. Barbara A. Frush (D-Prince George's) says the state should cut funding for the intercounty connector, the controversial highway that would link Prince George's and Montgomery counties.

And Del. Joseline A. Pena-Melnyk (D-Prince George's) wants to place the balance on unused gift certificates into a fund for education.
* * *
More than 50 bills have been introduced during the special session. Most offer alternative ways to close the projected shortfall, but many of the bills, such as those introduced by Niemann, Frush and Pena-Melnyk, have nothing to do with the state's budget problem.
* * *
Niemann said he expects his bill to be assigned to the committee, but he hopes the issue will be taken up in some form.

"There is sentiment in the delegation that the issue needs to be resolved," he said. "The governor wants us to go out on a limb to support him, and we want some support for one of our most serious problems."

Frush said she wanted to express the county's sentiments about the intercounty connector with the introduction of her bill.

"The county doesn't want it, the County Council doesn't want it, those delegates who are affected don't want it. It's just wrong," she said. "It's a bad way to spend money, especially at a time when our money is scarce."

Other budget-related bills will get a full airing.

Sen. James C. Rosapepe (D-Prince George's) introduced a bill that would raise the cigarette tax by $1.44 instead of the $1-a-pack suggested by the governor.

And Del. Justin D. Ross (D-Prince George's) proposed that a sales tax be imposed when people get tattoos or body piercings, when they get their swimming pool or hot tub cleaned and when they hire movers or get their homes decorated.

"They are good examples of luxury items," Ross said. "This is something people do with discretionary income. You can clean your own pool; you choose not to. You can decorate your own house; you choose not to."

Johnson to hospital: Survival issue will be 'off table'
Laurel Leader, 8 Nov 2007 (Pichaske).

* * *
State Del. Barbara Frush of Beltsville, whose district includes Laurel and who is chairwoman of the county's House delegation, said Nov. 6 that state lawmakers were studying the proposal and would come up with a counter-proposal within a day or two.

The main sticking points, she said, are where the money will come from (the bailout is estimated to cost about $350 million in county and state money) and the disposition of the land, now owned by the county, on which the hospitals sit.

United front sought

Frush said state and county lawmakers are laboring to come up with a plan they can all agree on. If they do, they will present it to Gov. Martin O'Malley during the ongoing special legislative session, called by the governor to address the state's budget shortfall.

Both Johnson and Frush said the Prince George's lawmakers plan to make their support for O'Malley's proposal to deal with the shortfall contingent on his support for bailing out the county hospitals.

"We're keeping our powder dry, so to speak, hoping we can negotiate a good outcome for our hospitals," Frush said, adding that the entire House delegation has agreed to the support-trading plan.

"This is extremely important to the health and welfare of our citizens," she said. "We've got to do whatever it takes."
* * *

SGA uses laptops to lobby.
Diamondback, 8 Nov 2007 (Austin).

* * *
Jim Rosapepe (D- Anne Arundel and Prince George's) said he and his colleagues are surprised with how few phone calls and e-mails they have received so far in regards to possible higher education cuts.

"I've heard several senators say that they haven't heard much from their constituents about university funding," Rosapepe said. "A lot of other interest groups are very active in lobbying," he continued, adding that Student Government Association President Andrew Friedson has been very persistent but that "you can't rely on just a handful of people. The average student and faculty and staff needs to be making phone calls and sending e-mails."
* * *

---

• Sen. Jim Rosapepe (D-21) Bio | Bills | E-Mail |
• 301-858-3141, Fax: 301-858-3195.
• Del. Barbara Frush (D-21) Bio | E-Mail | Bills |
  
• 301-858-3114, Fax: 301-858-3116.
• Del. Joseline Pena-Melnyk (D-21) Bio | E-Mail | Bills |
• 301-858-3502, Fax: 301-858-3342.
• Sen. Paul G. Pinsky (D-22) Bio | E-Mail | Bills |
  
• 301-858-3155, Fax: 301-858-3144.
• Del. Justin D. Ross (D-22) Bio | E-Mail | Bills |
  
• 301-858-3652, Fax: 301-858-3699.
• Sen. Douglas J. J. Peters (D-23) Bio | E-Mail | Bills |
  
• 301-858-3631, Fax: 301-858-3174.
• Del. Marvin E. Holmes, Jr. (D-23B) Bio | E-Mail | Bills |
  
• 301-858-3310, Fax: 301-858-3850.
• Del. James W. Hubbard (D-23A) Bio | E-Mail | Bills |
  
• 301-858-3103, Fax: 301-858-3234.
• Del. Gerron S. Levi (D-23A) Bio | E-Mail | Bills |
  
• 301-858-3101, Fax: 301-858-3850.
• Sen. Nathaniel Exum (D-24) Bio | E-Mail | Bills |
  
• 301-858-3148, Fax: 301-858-3149.
• Del. Doyle E. Niemann (D-47) Bio | E-Mail | Bills |
  
• 301-858-3326, Fax: 301-858-3403.

Slots & Taxes: What our legislators are saying (part 11)

(Posted 6 Nov 2007)

---

Special session: Another Prince George’s hospital deal falls through; Three-year $125M plan is not sustainable, O’Malley administration says.
Gazette, 5 Nov 2007 (Tallman)

The O’Malley administration has rejected the latest proposal to buttress the finances of the troubled Prince George’s Hospital Center, although Lt. Gov. Anthony G. Brown says nothing was declined.

Meanwhile, the chairwoman of the county’s delegation has asked her colleagues to keep mum about their feelings on tax proposals during the special legislative session until a rescue plan is worked out.

‘‘Most of what we do with the special session depends on what we do with our hospital,” said Del. Barbara A. Frush (D-Dist. 21) of Beltsville. House whips will be asking delegates’ positions on bills as the session moves forward.

‘‘I would much appreciate it if you would be noncommittal,” she said.

Frush said Brown (D) was presented a plan that would pump $125 million over three years into the hospital system, which includes five sites managed by the Dimensions Healthcare Inc. Under the plan, Prince George’s County would have provided $50 million and the state $75 million, Frush said.

The O’Malley administration rejected the plan because it did not have long-term sustainability, she said.

But Brown said he and Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) were waiting for County Executive Jack B. Johnson (D) and the Prince George’s County Council to agree on a plan.

‘‘But the county executive and the County Council have not been in agreement of what that long-term solution will be,” Brown said in a Monday evening interview in his State House office.
* * *
Frush said county lawmakers are unclear of where the next move starts. Do they go back to O’Malley’s plan? Do they use a bill[HB 38] from Del. Doyle L. Niemann (D-Dist. 47) of Mount Rainier, which would create an independent authority to take over the hospital?

Frush made the announcement on Monday at a delegation meeting, where Johnson’s chief of staff, Mike Herman, was quizzed about an appraisal of the hospital site. The value of the land had been a sticking point during negotiations earlier in the year.

‘‘I am aware of a document that exists,” Herman told the delegates.

After the meeting, however, Herman said the appraisal was ‘‘irrelevant” to either the proposal presented to Brown on Friday or Niemann’s bill.
* * *

Lawmakers Suggest a Bailout Alternative; County Delegation Hopes to Use Its Clout to Encourage State to Make a Better Deal.
Post, 6 Nov 2007 (Wiggins & Helderman).

The Prince George's County legislative delegation revealed details yesterday about a $125 million bailout proposal for the county's hospital system that it wants Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) to support during the current special session.
* * *
"I hope as a delegation we will stick together until this problem is solved," said Barbara A. Frush (D), chairman of the county's House delegation. "This is the point in time where we as a delegation will be able to use our clout."

Frush asked the 22 members of the House delegation to say they are "noncommittal" on the governor's tax plan as negotiations move forward.

She said yesterday that the proposal was the product of several meetings among members of the county House and Senate delegations, County Council members and a representative from the county executive's office.

Frush said she mentioned the plan Friday to Lt. Gov. Anthony G. Brown (D), who has been the governor's point person on the issue. Brown said yesterday that the governor is "willing to continue discussions with the county about long-term solutions."

O'Malley hints at tuition freeze.
Diamondback, 6 Nov 2007 (Cohen).

* * *
Members of the House of Delegates Appropriations Committee, who are dealing with potential cuts during the special session, are working to avoid any cuts to higher education, said Del. James Proctor (D-Calvert and Prince George's), vice-chair of Appropriations.

"That's what a lot of this is for," Proctor said, "no increases in tuition."
* * *
The General Assembly has made more progress on the tax increase side of the governor's proposals. The Senate is to vote later this week on most of the plan, including a sales tax increase of 1 percent, a $1 cigarette tax increase and an increase in fees on to register new cars. Senators will make some changes to O'Malley's original proposal on Tuesday, said Sen. Jim Rosapepe (D-Prince George's and Anne Arundel), though he would not specify what the amendments will be.
* * *

Currie: Slots will pass.
Baltimore Examiner, 6 Nov 2007 (Lazarick).

Several senators raised problems they had with Gov. Martin O’Malley’s slot machine proposal during a Budget and Taxation Committee work session Monday. But its chairman, Sen. Ulysses Currie, predicted that once changes are made in the plan, “I think the votes are probably there to pass this.”
* * *

Miller gives slots a boost; Senate president says he won't block proposal for referendum.
Sun, 6 Nov 2007 (Green).

* * *
Senate leaders said they expect the framework of O'Malley's bill to clear the Budget and Taxation Committee and make it to the full Senate by the end of the week.

"I think the votes are here probably to pass it," said the committee's chairman, Sen. Ulysses Currie, a Prince George's County Democrat.
* * *

Expanded sales tax bill may have short lifespan.
Frederick News-Post, 6 Nov 2007 (Cumber).

* * *
Under a proposal sponsored by Delegate Justin Ross, a Democrat from Prince George's County, tanning, tattoo and body piercing services, swimming pool and hot tub cleaning, and interior decorating and home moving services, could be taxed.
* * *

Committee to vote on O’Malley tax package.
Frederick News-Post, 6 Nov 2007 (Bernhardt).

* * *
Committee chairman Sen. Ulysses Currie said the committee will delay the slots vote until they've made some changes. But they will vote Wednesday on the tax package and transportation funding, which includes a gas tax increase.
* * *
But Senate leaders, including Currie, have said they will support the referendum if it is the only way slots will pass.

Budget and Taxation member Sen. Lowell Stoltzfus was particularly critical Monday of O'Malley's choice to put slots at Ocean Downs near Ocean City instead of at Rosecroft Raceway in Prince George's County.
* * *
Though the Budget and Taxation committee has not yet voted on the tax bills or transportation, Currie believes there are enough votes to get them out of committee tomorrow.

Currie, a Prince George's County Democrat, said the committee might take a second look at income tax brackets.
* * *

---

• Del. Barbara Frush (D-21) Bio | E-Mail | 2007ss Bills |
  
• 301-858-3114, Fax: 301-858-3116.
• Del. Justin D. Ross (D-22) Bio | E-Mail | 2007ss Bills |
  
• 301-858-3652, Fax: 301-858-3699.
• Sen. Ulysses Currie (D-25) Bio | E-Mail | 2007ss Bills |
  
• 301-858-3127, Fax: 301-858-3733.
• Del. James E. Proctor, Jr. (D-27A) Bio | E-Mail | 2007ss Bills |
  
• 301-858-3083, Fax: 301-858-3459.
• Del. Doyle E. Niemann (D-47) Bio | E-Mail | 2007ss Bills |
  
• 301-858-3326, Fax: 301-858-3403.

Slots & Taxes: What our legislators are saying (part 10)

(Posted 5 Nov 2007)

---

Laurel Park's neighbors not sold on slots; Worrying about congestion, public safety, gambling's ills.
Annapolis Capital, 4 Nov 2007 (Stewart).

* * *
Senator Jim Rosapepe, D-College Park, is not enamoured with slots at Laurel Park, which is in his district, but he isn't against them.

Del. Ben Barnes, D-College Park, is against them, but said they are inevitable in Maryland.

He just wants to make sure that when they arrive, everyone is prepared, particularly when it comes to public safety.

"If you look at most studies on the issues, crime goes up in the area. The gambling industry itself calls slot machines the crack cocaine of gambling. I think that is very telling of itself," he said.

Md. Budget Crisis: Tattoo Artists, Home Designers Say Sales Tax Proposal is Picking on Them.
Southern Maryland Online, 4 Nov 2007 (Docksai).

An unlikely alliance of tattoo artists and interior designers testified Saturday against a proposal to extend the sales tax to their services, one of dozens of revenue-generating bills heard by a House committee.

The bill [HB 18], co-sponsored by Delegates Justin Ross, D-Prince George's, and Anne Kaiser, D-Montgomery, would also declare body piercing, tanning salons, home-moving services, and swimming pool and hot tub cleaning as "taxable services" subject to the sales tax.

Ross said after the hearing that he chose these services because he considers them "luxury" services.

"Most folks would agree that those are services that are not necessities. If people choose to use them, fantastic -- but it's an economic choice," he said.

Taxing those services would raise about $13 million a year for the state, according to legislative analysts, although they said the amount from tattooing and body piercing was too small to be estimated.

Ross said that at a time when Maryland is facing a budget deficit of $1.7 billion next year, luxury services are fair game for new taxes.

"We've got to find revenue wherever we can," he said.
* * *

Slots bill vague on Arundel location; Though 3 sites are eligible in county, legislators assert Laurel Park is target.
Sun, 4 Nov 2007 (McGowan).

* * *
Del. Ben Barnes, a Democrat whose district includes Laurel Park, said the racetrack is the target of the current legislation. That belief, he said, is based in part on his discussions with the governor's office and State House leaders.

"It's clearly intended to be Laurel Park. It's definitely Laurel Park. There's no other qualifying location," he said.
* * *

---

• Sen. Jim Rosapepe (D-21) Bio | Bills | E-Mail |
• 301-858-3141, Fax: 301-858-3195.
• Del. Ben Barnes (D-21) Bio | Bills | E-Mail |
• 301-858-3046, Fax: 301-858-3116
• Del. Justin D. Ross (D-22) Bio | E-Mail | Bills |
  
• 301-858-3652, Fax: 301-858-3699.

Slots & Taxes: What our legislators are saying (part 8)

(Posted 2 Nov 2007)

---

Companies rail against tax package; Combined reporting, hikes in sales and income levies will drive businesses out of state, some say.
Gazette, 2 Nov 2007 (Shay).

* * *
But that total could rise to as much as $58 million annually if the corporate tax rate is increased 14 percent, from 7 percent to 8 percent, said Sen. Paul G. Pinsky (D-Dist. 22) of University Park, an advocate of combined reporting.
* * *

Clergy lobbies against slots; Referendum could result in the gambling machines coming to Laurel Park.
Gazette, 1 Nov 2007 (Izadi).

* * *
‘‘The Laurel racetrack is one of the most likely locations,” Sen. Jim Rosapepe (D-Dist. 1) of College Park told a group of residents during Laurel Mayor Craig Moe’s Oct. 24 town hall meeting.

At the meeting, Rosapepe asked who was for and against a slots bill. The room was almost evenly split, as it was during a West Laurel Civic Association meeting a week earlier. But Rosapepe asked a third question at that meeting: Who didn’t care one way or another, and some residents raised their hands.

‘‘There are really three positions,” he said. ‘‘A number of people don’t care.”
* * *
Any slots bill is likely to include funds to help gambling addicts and address other potential problems that slots could bring, Rosapepe said. If the bill ‘‘is going to protect Laurel,” he said he could vote for it, although he said it’s likely to pass the Senate if it gets there.