Blog Archives

Making a Change Without Passing a Bill

2/23/2016

The legislative session is speeding by quickly. Every week brings more committee hearings, voting sessions, and floor debates. But sometimes a goal can be accomplished without passing legislation. In late January, I included information about legislation I put forth with Senator Brian Feldman regarding sidewalk closures. I was pleased that the State Highway Administration (SHA) agreed to enact the provisions of the bill administratively. Going forward, the standard SHA permit includes the following language

Increasing Government Transparency

2/16/2016

One of my pieces of legislation this session is the Board of Public Works Transparency Act (HB 368). The Board of Public Works is made up of the Governor, Treasurer, and Comptroller. The Board has expansive authority over state government, including the ability to cut line items of the budget by up to 25% when the legislature is not in session.

Appropriations Committee Work

2/9/2016

As I explained last week, several colleagues and I have been engaged in a post mortem review of the blizzard clean-up. The Washington Post has covered these efforts. Last week, Transportation Secretary Rahn appeared before the Appropriations Committee and I took the opportunity to ask him about the State Highway Administration's ("SHA's") recent performance, as well as some of my long-standing concerns with SHA. I was appalled to hear the Secretary describe SHA's performance as "excellent." You can view his response here. It begins about an hour and five minutes into the hearing.

Reforming the Public Service Commission

2/2/2016

Today at noon is the State of the State address, in which Governor Hogan will come before the General Assembly—and the public—to discuss his priorities. The speech should be available on the Governor's website and Maryland Public Television, as well as being covered by the local news.

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Making a Change Without Passing a Bill

Increasing Government Transparency

Appropriations Committee Work

Reforming the Public Service Commission

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