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Hundreds of bills never came to pass
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Related Topics: Annapolis
Annapolis (Map, News) - Dozens of bills will pass as the Maryland General Assembly’s 90-day session draws to a close today, but hundreds more have already met their deaths in committee votes or languish in a chairman’s desk with no action taken. Here are a few that got some coverage during the session.
Homestead: A majority of the Senate sponsored a bill to remove the requirement passed last year that homeowners apply for the Homestead Property Tax Credit to get a break on local taxes on primary residences. The measure passed the Senate overwhelmingly three weeks ago, but the House Ways and Means Committee has not taken action on the bill after last week’s hearing.
Chairwoman Sheila Hixson “doesn’t like the bill,” said Senate Majority Leader Ed Kasemeyer, the lead sponsor. County officials strongly opposed the measure, saying it would cost them millions in taxes they hoped to collect from landlords claiming the tax credit on rental properties.
Drugs: After gaining momentum in the House of Delegates, a proposal to reduce penalties for low-level drug users and dealers was rejected after opponents said it sent “the wrong message.” The Smart on Crime Act — sponsored by Baltimore City Democrat Curt Anderson — would have created a misdemeanor category of crime for petty drug possession and possession with the intent to distribute. Low-level drug offenders currently face the same 10-, 25- and 40-year sentences as major dealers, Anderson said.
Noose: A proposal to make displaying a noose or swastika a hate crime passed 113-0 in the House of Delegates but stalled in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee.
False ads: A proposal targeting intentionally false campaign ads is also dead. House sponsor Jon Cardin, a Baltimore County Democrat, said the legislation would prohibit materials like the fliers distributed on behalf of former Gov. Robert Ehrlich and Senate candidate Michael Steele in 2006 misidentifying them as Democrats. The House last year passed an identical bill, but it died after the Senate took no action. The same happened this year.
Campaign finance: After supporters claimed to be closer than ever to passing a voluntary, publicly funded campaign-finance system for General Assembly members, the proposal failed again.
llazarick@baltimoreexaminer.com
jmalarkey@baltimoreexaminer.com
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AMERICA CALLING said:
make a deal people dont vote for slots unless they get rid of income tax tit for tat mom you want something you give something or good cop bad cop
2 agree | 2 disagree
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Reader said:
House for sale, or The houses for sale for not passing bills for this dysfunctional state. Mek it quick and move. The whole state and elected act like they are on drugs. That includes the media.
1 agree | 2 disagree
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Dunn said:
All I want to know is how much was the budget last year and how much is this year? Why are we being taxed so heavily on O'Ms word? Also, every bill means taxing... Less government the better. We don't need to be coddeled, we just need to take advantage of our freedoms.
1 agree | 1 disagree
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Tom said: said:
TaxMan Commeth, please do let us know, when you plan to run for office, because you will definitely get the votes.....Balto city has been a thorn in the side of the state for numerous years...enough is enough..the place is dysfunctional and continues to be a drain on the state...
1 agree | 1 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
How about a tripled tax across the board to all illegal immigrants. Md politicizations are idiots!
2 agree | 2 disagree
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TaxMan Commeth said:
In NY, PA, NC, OH, IL, CA, FL, etc... all these jurisdictions have different sales tax rates for the jurisdictions requiring the most state assistance. In our case, as clearly evidenced by the recent special session (Montgomery & PG Counties got more money thrown their way), Mont, PG Counties and Baltimore City should have 7% tax rates. It's all equitable. Why should the farmer in Cecil County pay for the problems of Baltimore City or PG County? There's no reason. In Alabama, the state tax is 4%, but Mobile has another 6% (10% total for those edumakaded in Baltimore City) to pay 10% in their area. This is fair; the city requires greater state assistance thus has to pay more.
It's stupidity that Maryland does not function like 80% of the states that offer sales tax do.
Then again, this is Maryland.
Big lesson learned? Be careful who you vote for.
58 agree | 29 disagreeVote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Jeff, an Independent said:
I ain't complaining, but do we need another tax after the special session fiasco?
44 agree | 39 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
How about increasing the liquor tax by 150% and lowering property taxes and/or MVA registration fees?
32 agree | 33 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
"If you get rid of one tax, you have to find another tax to fill in the funding"...no you don't.
45 agree | 30 disagree
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Tax on the Poor! said:
I love the idea of another tax on the POOR! You tax and spend liberals have now increased tobaco tax so that a pack costs 5bucks go ahead and make a 6pack cost 20bucks...I CAN AFFORD IT! The people who elected you are the people you promissed to help, promissed increased social programs, lower taxes (not that they pay any) are the exact people who are going to suffer from these taxes...I see the new headlines, "POOR folks choosing between beer and cigarettes and food for their children" PRICELESS!
57 agree | 33 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Mandatory democrat rule - Never repeal a tax without replacing it with another tax.
36 agree | 30 disagree
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Rocko the Magnificent said:
Who keeps electing this Jennie Forehand character? Every time I see her name in the paper she is advocating for some ridiculous new bill. Why do the morons in Mo.Co. keep voting for her? How come a tax needs to be increased simply because it has not been increased in a while? How about repealing a tax for a change? There's a novel idea. Cut spending, repeal taxes. That's how ya do it.
38 agree | 29 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
You have to have it to spend it you liar drunk! Your taxing the wrong people!!! DA's
44 agree | 29 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Put it in writing!
47 agree | 35 disagree
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Robin Ficker, Broker Robin Realty said:
Senator Forehand and Senator Garagiola voted in favor of the huge tax increase package in a cliffhanger 24-23 vote. Now they both say they want alternative taxes to the computer tax. It is not true that one tax must be replaced with another tax. When is the last time either Garagiola or Forehand ever suggested a cut in state spending? Why did they vote for the computer tax if it was a bad idea? They know that MONTGOMERY COUNTY GETS ABOUT 25 CENTS BACK FOR EVERY DOLLAR IT SENDS TO THE STATE! Luckily I can send Garagiola some aid because he lives in my district. Aid by way of a suggestion with my vote that he find a new job!
54 agree | 31 disagree
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Revolt! said:
Coming soon a MD Air Tax; to raise revenues in the name of combating pollution. A necessary tax to increase government revenues and control to pay for some liberal, feel good idea for the future. If you breathe in Maryland you will pay!! After all the Governement here knows what is best for you.Brought to you by your good friends at the Maryland Taxeslature, formely know as the MD General Assembly.
48 agree | 32 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Write it straight? Don't you know this is GOP rightwing propaganda.
48 agree | 32 disagree
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Fridley Wallheimer said:
Hey: If cops make a consitutional mistake, the courts reward the criminal by throwing out the evidence. Therefore if the lawmakers make a mistake in passing laws, then the taxpayers should be rewarded by throwing out the laws and taxes passed after the legislators' mistakes!!!! Who else agrees with my logic????
63 agree | 51 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Write it straight. That's all we can expect from the news. This article clearly takes the GOP's side with its misleading headline.
41 agree | 39 disagree
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Akhenaton said:
This female should have her day in court for constitutional violation, obstruction of the law, etc...when found guilty, they should hang her out to dry as an example of how "constitutions" are to be followed without prejudice! Mike Miller did not have the authority vested in the Maryland Constitution to authorize that adjournment, period! That is why the constitution mentions voting on issues many times. The people of Maryland, must read the constitution of Maryland to themselves and children daily, to many crooks who are not authorized by the people are ruling the wonderful state of Maryland. California recalled their Governor in this century, when will citizens of Maryland follow Californias lead and recall these band of not-so-merry-men and women in the Maryland Government? Marylanders should stop complaining and start prosecuting these violator, keep data on the repeat offenders (supervise parole and probation of corrupt public officials). It is our DUTY!
38 agree | 32 disagree
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Freedomlaw said:
Go to Omalleywatch.com and read the transcript. To get to the link, go the comments...very near the bottom. It is a very interesting read. The Republicans are on to something here. The Attorney General's Office comes off looking like they are blocking the truth.
38 agree | 39 disagree
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Examiner reader said:
if thios is true then it is time for the FBI and the U.S. Attorney to investigate. plenty of room next to tom bromwell.
33 agree | 37 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
The headline isn't true. Let's start there and work our way down.
41 agree | 39 disagree
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The Undertaker said:
Now we know why the AG didn't want to her testify. Perhaps it is time for another look into his ethics.
34 agree | 36 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
The majority idiots voted in these crooks who will continue to rape our State Constitution at their whim. These democrat liers have shown their arrogance and dishonesty as demonstrated in AnotherWatchers post about the previous Constitutional cases lost by the dems. We now have our pockets fleeced by these scurrilous bums. Just remember when you look at any group of Maryland voters that a majority of these people are the idiots who voted for the dems.
35 agree | 34 disagree
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Joe Momma said:
I am not rich. I wrote to all of my delegates and the Committee members telling them that these new taxes are going to make me cut back on my expenditures. If extra costs force me to cut back then Govt should also cut back when its costs increase. I simply can't force my clients to start paying me more!!!!
39 agree | 33 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
“It was pointless, useless, grueling testimony.” said a spokesperson. This could of been the first paragraph too.
37 agree | 31 disagree
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Bobby from Arbutus said:
You asked for it.......You got it!
37 agree | 31 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
People of MD cannot let this die and cannot forget about the actions of this administration and legislature in 2010! WE NEED TO VOTE THEM OUT!!!!
39 agree | 36 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
"A lawyer said" -shame of the Examiner and Malarkey.
40 agree | 32 disagree
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Examiner Reader for 2 party government said:
I love the posts that instead of addressing the issue, refer back to the previous administration. I can only assume you are saying the Legislature's illegal act is fine because the previous admin did it too. In your haste to score political points, at least you are admitting this one-party government is corrupt and feels they can get away with anything.
55 agree | 40 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
This is our democracy in action. The Maryland Legislature is the most corrupt in the nation, so much for transparent government. OMalley, Miller and Busch are a bunch of arrogant demigods. Democracy: government by the people. Not in State of Maryland...
47 agree | 38 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
The House did not agree. Speaker Michael Busch who is only one member of the House allegedly agreed verbally. He cannot speak unilaterally for the whole House. Under parliamentary rules, he should have put it up to a quick voice vote which would have been recorded. If the Speaker is allowed to unilaterally make decisions for the whole House, then a vote never needs to be taken on any issue!
35 agree | 33 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Our state is being ran by a bunch of thugs
39 agree | 40 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Court System: Circuit Court for Baltimore County - Civil System Case Number: 03C06005814 Title: Jones vs Maddalone When the COSA denies the appeal we will get the answers from ice dancer and friend.
39 agree | 36 disagree
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AnotherWatcher said:
perjurers Larry Hogan and Diane Baker. That's two. Post a link if you could to their corruption and how Gov Ehrlich was involved with THEIR corruption. I would like to see the story. Unlike others, I DO have an open mind.
36 agree | 37 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Doesn't matter when your tax check was dated. It matters when it is received and cashed. or this too tough a concept?
37 agree | 31 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
The Senate and House agreed on November 12th. So this makes it legal. Whether the letter was dated Nov 9 or Nov 12 is irrelvant. The consent was there not to meet until Nov 15.
38 agree | 40 disagree
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AnotherWatcher said:
What if we all back-dated our property tax checks and mailed them in late. How could the State charge us late fees when I am being told by the AG of Maryland that there is nothing wrong with that? Seems fair to me!
42 agree | 40 disagree
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Jeff, an Independent said:
Regardless if you are Democrat or Republican, there is a severe lack of leadership in Annapolis. Let stop all this finger pointing and vote in candidates that are in touch with the people and vote out the ones that disenfranchise us. Does anybody care that the State Legislature voted a huge increase in taxes without the consent of the people? If there was ANY affective leadership in this State, the legislature and the governor could have found a creative way to generate more revenue instead of being a pain in each others caboose as well as the taxpayer's wallet.
61 agree | 34 disagree
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AnotherWatcher said:
Please post one example of Ehrlich's corrupt administration. Just one.
33 agree | 36 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I like how the AG office argues that documentation of consent is not required. Under that ridiculous reasoning, nothing that requires consent needs to be documented, thus what constitutes proof of consent beyond testimony? If this is the standard, then you can just say you are a US citizen without a passport or birth certificate, you can say you are a doctor without a license, you can say you are qualified to be a teacher without certification, etc.
43 agree | 39 disagree
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Concerned? said:
Concerned when Bob Ehrlich's corrupt administration was breaking rules? probably not.
38 agree | 36 disagree
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Concerned said:
The GOP is not dying, it has been killed by those who will never play fair and continue to break every rule. If we cannot live in a place where rules mean something, there is no hope for the working people. You all voted to keep Maryland a corrupted state. I hope you all are happy paying the highest taxes in U.S. History.
47 agree | 36 disagree
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AnotherWatcher said:
Lets see. The Politburo passes the Wal-Mart bill. Courts found IT an unconstitutional overreach. The Politburo passes early voting. Courts found IT an unconstitutional overreach. The Politburo passes a law to fire the PSC. Courts found IT an unconstitutional overreach. Now this. The Politburo's MO. Pass it KNOWING it is illegal or unconstitutional and dare the serfs of their dominion to take it to court. These people believe they are beyond the reach of the law and it seems as if they are. Miller, Busch and O'Malley and Kasemayer are pond scum.
39 agree | 32 disagree
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G-Boy said:
Oh..whoops...you mean we aren't allowed to falsify official documents in order to perpetuate the shame that was the special session?? I love it! Absolutely love it! I can't beleive you people elected this clown and all the Dem ducks that fall in line behind him. Hey Bobby, run again in four years with the platform of "Well, how did it work out for you Maryland?" you will win this time hands down!
43 agree | 34 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
it means nothing. It is a phony scandal.
41 agree | 42 disagree
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plaid said:
I only hope that people in Maryland understand the ramifications of this. It means that not only was the Maryland Constitution violated, but now we have falsification of official documents at the legislative level, and obstruction. Additionally, the Md attorney general, Doug Gansler, is downplaying the entire matter, which itself means he is not concerned about allegations of illegal procedures and laws broken in the process of making law that governs the entire state. Apparently, the majority - Democrats - have no regard for the law, the irony being that they themselves are the lawmaking body for the State. This is huge, huge, huge.
50 agree | 35 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
The GOP is dying. look at what they become. picking on and smearing a clerk. The session was legal. everyone participated with consent.
43 agree | 48 disagree
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Lou - Paradise MD said:
Poor Mary Monahan - she DIDN"T lie in the deposition, and she is in the doghouse now. omalley will find a way to fire her now.
56 agree | 36 disagree
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