Randy Griffin's blog

Md. Senate OKs higher insurance minimums
After a political duel that pitted trial lawyers against insurance companies,
the legislature moved Wednesday to increase the minimum amount of insurance
vehicle owners must carry, changing the requirements for the first time in 38
years and making higher premiums likely for as many as 200,000 Marylanders.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/legislature/bal-md.insurance08...

Md. panel OKs bill on cell phone ban

Tough Child Sex Offender Laws Bottled Up
http://www.mdsenategop.com/

Many bills, little time for legislators
46 measures passed of more than 2,500 introduced
The end is in sight. The last full week of Maryland's 90-day legislative session
begins today, and for lawmakers that means crunch time.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/bal-md.assembly05apr0...

Md. tea party group might qualify as lobbyist
Americans for Prosperty is close to threshold of $2,000 spent to influence
legislation

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

House gives preliminary OK to extended sentence for child predators
Delegates approve two other sex offender reforms in wake of killing of Shore girl, 11. Child predators would face at least 15 years in prison without the possibility of parole under a new measure given preliminary approval Friday morning by the Maryland House of Delegates. The move came as delegates gave their final OK to two other sex offender reforms -- eliminating good-time prison credits and requiring lifetime supervision for violent and repeat offenders.
The complete article can be viewed at:

Backdoor taxes to hit middle class:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100201/bs_nm/us_budget_backdoortaxes

Union Power Grab:
http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/opinion/display_columnist.htm?...

Counties face more cutting as state income tax payments fall:
The latest state income tax payments to local governments fell $61.8 million
year over year, piling new fiscal woes atop budgets already reeling from state
cuts, high snow removal costs and earlier revenue declines.
The complete article can be viewed at: