Showing posts with label Media Maryland Reporter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Media Maryland Reporter. Show all posts

Saturday, April 11, 2015

Maryland House passes major changes to public records access By http://marylandreporter.com/

House passes major changes to public records access



Major changes to the Public Information Act reported on earlier have now passed both the House and Senate in essentially the same form.

HB755 passed the House Wednesday 139-1, and SB695 passed the Senate unanimously March 25.

“This is a big step forward,” said Del. Dan Morhaim, the floor leader and a long-time champion of open government and transparency measures. The legislation makes the Public Information Act more understandable, reasonable and fair, Morhaim said.

The bill replaces inconsistent enforcement of current law with more standardized procedures for obtaining public records and documents. This includes a new ombudsman in the Office of the Attorney General to give guidance and mediate requests from all levels of government. There is also a new Public Information Compliance Board that will rule on fees that can be charged.

The Senate must now act favorably on the House version of the bill.


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Kevin Dayhoff is an artist - and a columnist for:
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My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/


See also - Kevin Earl Dayhoff Art www.kevindayhoff.com: Travel, art, artists, authors, books, newspapers, media, writers and writing, journalists and journalism, reporters and reporting, music, culture, opera... Ad maiorem Dei gloriam inque hominum salutem. “Deadline U.S.A.” 1952. Ed Hutcheson: “That's the press, baby. The press! And there's nothing you can do about it. Nothing!” - See more at: http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/#sthash.4HNLwtfd.dpuf
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Monday, November 4, 2013

Kevin Dayhoff - Soundtrack: Congratulations to Len Lazarick as MarylandReporter.com celebrates 4th birthday

Kevin Dayhoff - Soundtrack: Congratulations to Len Lazarick as MarylandReport...: Congratulations to Len Lazarick and MarylandReporter...  MarylandReporter.com celebrates 4th birthday, joins Investigative News Network...

Congratulations to Len Lazarick and MarylandReporter... 

MarylandReporter.com celebrates 4th birthday, joins Investigative News Network

MarylandReporter.com turned four years old on Saturday. When we formally launched the news website for government and politics, Nov. 2, 2009, it was exactly one year from the 2010 gubernatorial election. This Monday is exactly one year from the next gubernatorial election.

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Thursday, January 5, 2012

MarylandReporter.com State Roundup, December 30, 2011


MarylandReporter.com State Roundup, December 30, 2011

December 30, 2011


News and views from MarylandReporter.com’s December 30, 2011 Maryland State Roundup. Purple Line, Governor Martin O’Malley’s latest advocacy for more tax increases, Gov. O’Malley’s campaign against septic systems, Sarah Breitenbach’s Year in Review, state Sen. David Brinkley’s congressional bid and more… http://marylandreporter.com/2011/12/30/state-roundup-december-30-2011/

[20111230 Maryland Reporter St Roundup]

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Megan Poinski MarylandReporter.com: Smigiel dominates early legislation — again



December 30, 2011

By Megan Poinski Megan@MarylandReporter.com


The General Assembly already has a pile of 47 bills that have been prefiled so members can get right to work when they convene next month.
On the House of Delegates side, nobody has prefiled more than Del. Michael Smigiel.

Smigiel, R-Cecil, is well known for being a prolific pre-filer. For the 2012 session, 12 bills that Smigiel has sponsored are already prepared for consideration.

“I do it for tactical and practical reasons,” he said.

A pre-filed bill is one that is drafted and submitted for consideration early. These bills are already numbered and available to be read on the General Assembly website. Any sitting member of the legislature could prefile for this session, but according to the Maryland Code, drafting requests were due by Nov. 15, and the bills had to be submitted by Dec. 2.

Smigiel’s prefiled bills are all over the map in terms of what they would do. They vary from amending the Maryland Constitution to establish a Victims’ Bill of Rights to automatically presuming that a person applying for a handgun permit has a good reason to wear, carry or transport the weapon.
He is also the House of Delegates’ torchbearer for several well-publicized Republican bills, like requiring PlanMaryland to receive legislative approval before it becomes law, and increasing public notice and comment for toll increases. The majority of them are new to this legislative session.


Monday, October 31, 2011

Megan Poinski - MarylandReporter.com: Reinstating local transportation funds dominates commission discussion

Reinstating local transportation funds dominates commission discussion

September 28, 2011
Recommendations on how to get highway user revenues back to county and municipal governments – and how much money is really needed – dominated discussion as the Blue Ribbon Commission on Maryland Transportation Funding worked toward finalizing recommendations for the governor and General Assembly.
Commission Chairman Gus Bauman said that the final report will be a sort of “second chapter” to the recommendations it sent in February. Meeting in Frederick Tuesday, members looked over some drafts of policy suggestions gleaned from previous discussions and written up by commission staff.
But problems arose from the very beginning. The first recommendation on the draft was that the General Assembly pass legislation that would allow local jurisdictions to create their own taxes to use for road construction.
“It seems to me if we are doing this, we’re waving the white flag,” said member Lon Anderson, director of government and public relations for AAA Mid-Atlantic.  “The state is never going to come up with enough money, so we’re letting the municipalities go.”
Judith Davis, the mayor of Greenbelt representing the Maryland Municipal League on the commission, said that while local governments are desperate for more funds, the state should meet its obligations. Local governments received millions of dollars from the state to use on road projects in less critical budget times, but those funds have lately been taken to meet other government needs.


Read more: 
http://marylandreporter.com/2011/09/28/reinstating-local-transportation-funds-dominates-commission-discussion/
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Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

Thursday, October 27, 2011

MarylandReporter.com: Groups share opinions on tax hikes



MarylandReporter banner
Thursday, October 27, 2011  

Increased tax proposals get mixed reception

Proposals to raise the gas tax and flush tax are getting a mixed reaction, with business groups divided and other groups saying they are reasonable, but shouldn't preclude tax hikes for other needs.
Quick Links

Today's State Roundup: Strategizing against PlanMaryland

Rural politicians to strategize against PlanMaryland; proposals for tax hikes and new fees to pay for roads and Bay cleanup continue to make news; massive new State Police facility near Hagerstown almost complete; Ehrlich takes the stand for Currie; and Charles County focuses on light rail line to D.C.

Have you checked out our new Government Meetings Schedule? It might save you a few clicks.

Editor and Publisher: Len Lazarick; Associate Editor: Megan Poinski; Roundup Editor: Cynthia Prairie
  
MarylandReporter.com is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, and contributions are tax-deductible. Donate here.




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Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Marylandreporter.com :Transportation Commission seems intent on reinstating local transportation monies


Transportation Commission seems intent on reinstating local transportation monies.
http://marylandreporter.com/2011/09/28/reinstating-local-transportation-funds-dominates-commission-discussion/
marylandreporter.com
Recommendations on how to get highway user revenues back to county and municipal governments – and how much money is really needed – dominated discussion as the Blue Ribbon Commission on Maryland Transportation Funding worked toward finalizing recommendations for the governor and General Assembly.



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Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

MarylandReporter.com: Reinstating local transportation funds dominates commission discussion

http://marylandreporter.com/2011/09/28/reinstating-local-transportation-funds-dominates-commission-discussion/



September 28, 2011

By Megan Poinski Megan@MarylandReporter.com


Recommendations on how to get highway user revenues back to county and municipal governments – and how much money is really needed – dominated discussion as the Blue Ribbon Commission on Maryland Transportation Funding worked toward finalizing recommendations for the governor and General Assembly.

[…]

“It seems to me if we are doing this, we’re waving the white flag,” said member Lon Anderson, director of government and public relations for AAA Mid-Atlantic.  “The state is never going to come up with enough money, so we’re letting the municipalities go.”

Judith Davis, the mayor of Greenbelt representing the Maryland Municipal League on the commission, said that while local governments are desperate for more funds, the state should meet its obligations. Local governments received millions of dollars from the state to use on road projects in less critical budget times, but those funds have lately been taken to meet other government needs.

[…]


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MML – Maryland Municipal League Fall Conference October 31 - November 2, 2011


For more information on the 2011 Fall Maryland Municipal League’s Fall Legislative Conference at the Cambridge Maryland Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay, including a “Complete 2011 Fall Conference Information (.pdf)” packet, visit the MML website at www.mdmunicipal.org.



MML Fall Conference October 31 - November 2, 2011


Labels: Maryland Municipal League see MML, MML, MML Municipal League
http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/search/label/MML%20Municipal%20League:


For more information on the 2011 Fall Maryland Municipal
League’s Fall Legislative Conference at the Cambridge Maryland Hyatt Regency
Chesapeake Bay, including a “Complete 2011 Fall Conference Information (.pdf)”
packet, visit the MML website at www.mdmunicipal.org.


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Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/


My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/


*****
Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Maryland Reporter: Today's roundup: New Tubman center, cover crops


Today's roundup: New Tubman center, cover crops

The state pulls together funds for new park and center to honor Underground Railroad conductor Harriet Tubman; cover crop program to help the Bay is growing; Casey Foundation report finds good news and bad for Maryland's children; state crime lab gets highest accreditation; VA Gov. McDonnell to lead Republican Governors Association putting him at odds with some-time ally MD Gov. O'Malley, who heads the DGA; and Baltimore city mayor's race hits the airwaves.

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Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

Monday, May 23, 2011

Monday's top stories on MarylandReporter.com 5/23/11


Maryland Reporter logo
Monday, May 23, 2011

Generous pensions for judges survive cuts to other state workers

While the governor and legislature this year raised what state workers and teachers pay into their pension plans 
and cut benefits for future employees, the state’s most generous retirement plan survived completely 
unscathed – the pensions for judges. The 351 retired judges (or their spouses) get an average pension of $68,000 a year, 
and 113 of the judges, who must retire at 70, can also earn up to a third of the annual salary by continuing to 
process cases around the state.

Monday's roundup has all the stories on state government since Friday

Anti-DREAM act petitioners say they have bi-partisan support; Maryland could ban crib bumper pads; despite the high 
from the Preakness, horse racing’s future in Maryland still looks grim even to its biggest supporter in Annapolis — Mike Miller; 
Maryland’s private sector jobs grow; Washington Times writes lengthy piece about Ehrlich keeping his hand in politics, 
while the Daily Kos calls it out as a puff piece for failing to mention Ehrlich’s campaign problems; Mikulski to work 
toward electing more women to Congress; prosecutors open treasure trove of documents in Jack Johnson probe; 
and Arundel cuts $19 million from budget.


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Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Annapolis Week - Reporter's Roundup From: OnTheHillMedia | Apr 13, 2011


From: OnTheHillMedia | Apr 13, 2011


Len Lazarick (MarylandReporter.com), Kenny Burns (WNAV), John Wagner (Washington Post), and Lou Davis (Maryland Public Television) discuss what was accomplished in the 90 day General Assembly and what could happen in the upcoming special session. Filmed by Fosie Weston of On The Hill Media


Great review of the past session of the Maryland General Assembly: John Wagner Kenny Burns Lou Davis Len Lazarick Annapolis Week - Maryland Reporter's Roundup http://t.co/NYNqold via @youtube



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Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Maryland Reporter: AFSCME members ask legislators to keep pensions and health benefits the same


January 13, 2011 By Megan Poinski


More than 100 members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees came to Annapolis on Wednesday to lobby the 428th General Assembly for their No. 1 priority: preserving the health and pension benefits they have.

Before the session began at noon on Wednesday, union members from throughout the state filed into a public lounge in the House Office Building. AFSCME staff handed out green hats and scarves to the union members, as they signed onto a sheet with their names and legislative districts. Once they signed in, they sat at tables organized by district number and prepared to visit their newly elected representatives.

AFSCME is the largest union for state employees. Legislative director Sue Esty said that with several proposals circulating to make cuts in pension and health benefits – as well as recent furloughs, pay cuts and hiring freezes – the union members want to make sure they set the right tone for this General Assembly session.

[…]

Recent deliberations and recommendations from the Public Employees’ and Retirees’ Benefits Sustainability Commission galvanized the union members and spurred them into action. The eight-member commission created by legislation last year is recommending that the General Assembly cut state costs of health insurance 10% by hiking premiums and reducing coverage for state employees and retirees, and shift half the costs of teacher pensions to local school boards over the next three to five years.

[…]

At Wednesday’s rally, correctional officer Greg Currie, who works at the Metropolitan Transition Center in Baltimore, said he has attended pension commission meetings – even testifying about retirement benefits at a public hearing. Currie said that he just wants to see pensions and health care stay the same. He has written to his representatives in the General Assembly about the issue, and is hopeful that they will make a careful decision.

[…]


Related – also see:
January 12, 2011
Kevin E. Dayhoff
Today is the first day of the 428th legislative session of the Maryland General Assembly and, as in past years, the main question on the minds of the leadership of this august body’s deliberations will be, “Welcome to Maryland, what’s in your wallet?”

January 5, 2011
Kevin E. Dayhoff
Now that the hangover from last November’s Maryland General Election is becoming a memory, and Marylanders have begun to put away the Christmas lights and joined a local gym to shed those holiday pounds, many are beginning to set their sights on January 12, the beginning of the 2011 session of the Maryland General Assembly.

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Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/