As the  439th legislative session commenced this week, Speaker Busch announced additional leadership appointments. These are in addition to the committee assignments announced in December and leadership changes announced in July. Economic Matters Committee Ben Brooks (District 10) – Chair, Public Utilities Subcommittee Talmadge Branch (District 45) – Chair, Alcoholic Beverages Subcommittee Ned Carey (District [...]

The Spending Affordability Committee met yesterday to make its recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly to guide budget discussions for the upcoming fiscal year. While its primary responsibility is to establish a level of spending for the State operating budget that is reflective of the current and prospective condition of the State’s economy, the Committee [...]

House Speaker Michael E. Busch announced committee assignments for six standing committees in the House of Delegates. The following Delegates and Delegates-elect were appointed and are in addition to the leadership changes previously announced in July.  The post from July can be found here. APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE Delegate Carl Anderton, Jr. (District 38B) Delegate Paul D. [...]

 Governor Larry Hogan has announced the appointment of Kelly M. Schulz as Secretary of the Maryland Department of Commerce. Schulz, who currently serves as Secretary of the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, will replace Commerce Secretary R. Michael Gill. From the Governor's press release: “Secretary Schulz is a strong advocate for Maryland’s job creators, [...]

The Board of Revenue Estimates voted this week to write down revenues by approximately $73 million - $18 million in fiscal 2019 and $55 million in fiscal 2020.  With this decrease, the State will still have more than $1 billion in unspent revenue as it approaches the 2019 General Assembly Session. From the Comptroller's prepared [...]

Governor Larry Hogan announced today plans to submit legislation during the 2019  General Assembly session to provide $1.9 billion in new school construction funding over five years. The initiative, called the Building Opportunity Fund, will give the Maryland Stadium Authority oversight of these additional school construction funds, and include accountability measures. The new funding will [...]

The 2019 Issue Papers, which preview fiscal and policy issues for the upcoming session, were recently posted to the General Assembly’s website. Prepared by the Department of Legislative Services each year at this time, they highlight key issues to be discussed and serve as a valuable resource for those in Annapolis. 2019 Issue Papers

Senate President Mike Miller has announced the committee composition for four of the Standing Committees for the 2019 Legislative Session. The announcement also includes Chairs of the joint committees, and the Chair and Vice-Chair appointments for Senate Rules and Executive Nominations. From the Senate President's announcement, Committee compositions are determined with an intent to balance [...]

Maryland Senate Republicans re-elected Senator J.B. Jennings as minority leader and Senator Steve Hershey as minority whip earlier this week. Jennings has led the Senate Republican Caucus since 2014, and Hershey has served as whip since 2015.                 Senator J. B. Jennings              [...]