Legislative Update 04 April 2010

Changing political tide yet to lift Md. GOP

In Massachusetts, Republicans have claimed a Senate seat and are taking a run at the governor's mansion. In Illinois, they are gunning to grab the seat once held by President Obama and have their best chance in years to win a governor's race.

GOP Spends Lavishly on Road
http://www.politicsdaily.com/2010/03/29/gop-chairman-michael-steele-spen...

Slots at Rocky Gap might get tax cut
Senate OKs 64.5% levy on gambling receipts at only site that failed to get
qualified bid
Maryland's General Assembly is poised to reduce the tax rate at one of the
state's five approved slots locations, hoping the change will entice bidders to
Rocky Gap State Park.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/legislature/bal-md.slots31mar3...

Trial lawyers, insurers spar over liability coverage
Senate weighs House-passed requirement for a higher minimum
Maryland's trial lawyers and insurers are squaring off in a politically charged
duel over a bill that would increase, for the first time in almost 40 years, the
amount of insurance a vehicle owner must carry to protect others in case of an
accident.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/features/commuting/bal-md.cm.insurance01apr0...

Md. impeachment effort rejected
GOP lawmaker sought to oust state attorney general over opinion on gay marriage
A House of Delegates committee rejected Wednesday a Republican lawmaker's
attempt to impeach Maryland's attorney general over an opinion he issued
recently on same-sex marriage.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/legislature/bal-md.impeach01ap...

Md. delegate to drop cousin marriage ban bill
ANNAPOLIS -- A Maryland delegate who sought to ban marriage between first
cousins says he won't push the bill this year.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/legislature/bal-cousins-marria...