Blogs

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:

Unemployment change leads O'Malley's agenda:
Gov. Martin O'Malley released his 2010 legislative agenda Monday, saying he will focus on creating jobs, promoting renewable energy, strengthening education and improving public safety.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bal-md.agenda26jan26,0,1006151...

Anne Arundel backs down on taxing short sales:

Couples Pay More than Unmarried Under Health Bill:
http://finance.yahoo.com/insurance/article/108540/married-couples-pay-mo...

White House to seek new fees from banks
Illegal Immigration Hurts Maryland Families When They Can Least Afford It:
http://www.aipnews.com/talk/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=10860&posts=4

How confusing are taxes? The IRS Commissioner doesn't even do his own:
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/75119-irs-commissioner-...

O'Malley's budget for fiscal year '11 includes layoffs:

I apologize for any inconvenience but due to the current weather forecast with potential for hazard conditions on the road due to Snow and Ice conditions the District 32 Republican meeting will be cancelled tonight. Hopefully Chairman of the Anne Arundel County Council and former District 32 State Senator Ed Middlebrooks can give a us a rain check and speak to the club at our March 2nd meeting at 7pm. We will let you know as soon as he checks his schedule when he can speak to the District 32 Republican Club.
Kind Regards,
Stephen Clark Reigle
410-952-9705
Vice President

Some odds and ends from the past week or so.

Your Money Well Spent: $300,000 to Investigate Ehrlich:
http://wbal.com/apps/news/?a=42738&z=2

Health Bill May Bypass GOP:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/health/health-care/bal-te.healthcare05jan05,...

Legislative Leaders Signal Pay-raise Rejection :
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/bal-md.salaries06jan0...

Kratovil Faces Uphill Battle:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bal-md.election03jan03,0,27729...

Steele comments have GOP aides pleading, 'Get him to stop'

Some interesting news from the past few weeks.

Slots Supporter Named to Arundel Council After Lengthy Debate :
The Anne Arundel County Council voted unanimously late Thursday night to appoint
a small-business owner and slots supporter to the council after hours of debate
and divided votes.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/anne-arundel/bal-md.arundel18d...

Cadillac Tax to Hurt Middle Class: