Maryland State Budget
Date Posted: 2/23/10

Background Info:
Republicans have offered their own solutions to Maryland's Budget Crisis

Contact Info:

Michael Busch (D) House Speaker michaelbusch@house.state.md.us

Anthony O'Donnell(R) House Minority Leader  anthony.odonnell@house.state.md.us

Health Care Reform
Date Posted: 03/16/10

Background Info:
Contact info for Maryland Congressional Delegation so you can provide your congressman or senator with your input on health care reform. 

Contact Info:

Frank Kratovil 202-225-5311 http://kratovil.house.gov 

Dutch Ruppersberger 202-225-3061 http://dutch.house.gov

John Sarbanes 202-225-4016 http://sarbanes.house.gov

Donna Edwards 202-225-8699 http://donnaedwards.house.gov

Steny Hoyer 202-225-4131 http://hoyer.house.gov

Roscoe Barlett 202-225-2721 http://barlett.house.gov

Elijah Cummings 202-225-4741 http://www.house.gov/cummings/

Christopher Van Hollen 202-225-5341 http://vanhollen.house.gov

Sen. Ben Cardin 202-224-4524 www.cardin.senate.gov

Sen. Barbara Mikulski 202-224-4654 www.mikulski.senate.gov

Will Eminent Domain Save The Preakness?
Date Posted: 04/09/09

Background Info: ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- A top aide to Gov. Martin O'Malley says Maryland faces the permanent loss of the Preakness Stakes and must do all it can to protect the asset in the current owner's bankruptcy proceedings.
   Joseph Bryce, O'Malley's chief legislative officer, testified Thursday on legislation that would increase the state's authority to either buy or exercise eminent domain over Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, where the Triple Crown horse race has been held for more than 100 years.
   Maryland has the right of first refusal to buy the race, but Magna Entertainment Corp. and the federal bankruptcy court in Wilmington, Del., have not acknowledged that right.
   (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

Contact Info: Gov. Martin O'Malley
100 State Circle
Annapolis, MD  21401-1925
410.974.3901
1.800.811.8336
MD Relay 1.800.735.2258
e-mail

THOMAS V. MIKE MILLER, JR., President of Senate
Democrat, District 27, Calvert & Prince George's Counties

State House, H-107
Annapolis, MD 21401 - 1991
(410) 841-3700, (301) 858-3700
1-800-492-7122, ext. 3700 (toll free)
e-mail: thomas.v.mike.miller@senate.state.md.us
fax: (410) 841-3910, (301) 858-3910
8808 Old Branch Ave., Clinton, MD 20735
(301) 868-6931; fax: (301) 856-4029


MICHAEL ERIN BUSCH, Speaker of House of Delegates
Democrat, District 30, Anne Arundel County

State House, H-101
Annapolis, MD 21401 - 1991
(410) 841-3800, (301) 858-3800
1-800-492-7122, ext. 3800 (toll free)
e-mail: michael.busch@house.state.md.us
fax: (410) 841-3880, (301) 858-3880

"Fair Share" Legislation
Date Posted: 04/08/09

Background Info: SB 264

Authorizing collective bargaining negotiations pertaining to specified State employees to include negotiations relating to the right of an employee organization to receive service fees from nonmembers; exempting employees who are members of religions that object to joining or financially supporting an employee organization from the requirement under specified circumstances; providing that an employee who is exempt from paying a service fee may be required to make an alternative payment to a specified tax-exempt organization; etc.

Contact Info: DELORES GOODWIN KELLEY
Democrat, District 10, Baltimore County

James Senate Office Building, Room 302
11 Bladen St., Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 841-3606, (301) 858-3606
1-800-492-7122, ext. 3606 (toll free)
e-mail: delores.kelley@senate.state.md.us
fax: (410) 841-3399, (301) 858-3399


NATHANIEL EXUM
Democrat, District 24, Prince George's County

James Senate Office Building, Room 303
11 Bladen St., Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 841-3148, (301) 858-3148
1-800-492-7122, ext. 3148 (toll free)
e-mail: nathaniel.exum@senate.state.md.us
fax: (410) 841-3149, (301) 858-3149
1891 Brightseat Road, Landover, MD 20785 - 4256
(301) 772-2801; fax: (301) 772-0841


KATHERINE A. KLAUSMEIER
Democrat, District 8, Baltimore County

James Senate Office Building, Room 103
11 Bladen St., Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 841-3620, (301) 858-3620
1-800-492-7122, ext. 3620 (toll free)
e-mail: katherine.klausmeier@senate.state.md.us
fax: (410) 841-3085, (301) 858-3085
4100 Walter Ave., Baltimore, MD 21236
(410) 256-1353; fax: (410) 256-0319


JOAN CARTER CONWAY
Democrat, District 43, Baltimore City

Miller Senate Office Building, 2 West Wing
11 Bladen St., Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 841-3145, (301) 858-3145
1-800-492-7122, ext. 3145 (toll free)
e-mail: joan.carter.conway@senate.state.md.us
fax: (410) 841-3135, (301) 858-3135
2831 Hillen Road, Baltimore, MD 21218
(410) 467-7125; fax: (410) 467-6692


LISA A. GLADDEN
Democrat, District 41, Baltimore City

Miller Senate Office Building, 2 East Wing
11 Bladen St., Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 841-3697, (301) 858-3697
1-800-492-7122, ext. 3697 (toll free)
e-mail: lisa.gladden@senate.state.md.us
fax: (410) 841-3142, (301) 858-3142
4811 Liberty Heights Ave., Baltimore, MD 21207 - 7193
(410) 367-5811; fax: (410) 367-4968


VERNA L. JONES
Democrat, District 44, Baltimore City

Miller Senate Office Building, Room 420
11 Bladen St., Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 841-3612, (301) 858-3612
1-800-492-7122, ext. 3612 (toll free)
e-mail: verna.jones@senate.state.md.us
fax: (410) 841-3613, (301) 858-3613
1701 Madison Ave., Suite 510, Baltimore, MD 21217
(410) 669-6355; fax: (410) 669-6801


NANCY J. KING
Democrat, District 39, Montgomery County

James Senate Office Building, Room 222
11 Bladen St., Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 841-3686, (301) 858-3686
1-800-492-7122, ext. 3686 (toll free)
e-mail: nancy.king@senate.state.md.us
fax: (410) 841-3670, (301) 858-3670


RICHARD STUART MADALENO, JR.
Democrat, District 18, Montgomery County

James Senate Office Building, Room 203
11 Bladen St., Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 841-3137, (301) 858-3137
1-800-492-7122, ext. 3137 (toll free)
e-mail: richard.madaleno@senate.state.md.us
fax: (410) 841-3676, (301) 858-3676


PAUL G. PINSKY
Democrat, District 22, Prince George's County

James Senate Office Building, Room 220
11 Bladen St., Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 841-3155, (301) 858-3155
1-800-492-7122, ext. 3155 (toll free)
e-mail: paul.pinsky@senate.state.md.us
fax: (410) 841-3144, (301) 858-3144


JAMIN B. (JAMIE) RASKIN
Democrat, District 20, Montgomery County

James Senate Office Building, Room 122
11 Bladen St., Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 841-3634, (301) 858-3634
1-800-492-7122, ext. 3634 (toll free)
e-mail: jamie.raskin@senate.state.md.us
fax: (410) 841-3166, (301) 841-3166


JAMES N. ROBEY
Democrat, District 13, Howard County

James Senate Office Building, Room 120
11 Bladen St., Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 841-3572, (301) 858-3572
1-800-492-7122, ext. 3572 (toll free)
e-mail: james.robey@senate.state.md.us
fax: (410) 841-3455, (301) 858-3455


JAMES CAREW ROSAPEPE
Democrat, District 21, Prince George's County & Anne Arundel County

James Senate Office Building, Room 314
11 Bladen St., Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 841-3141, (301) 858-3141
1-800-492-7122, ext. 3141 (toll free)
e-mail: jim.rosapepe@senate.state.md.us
fax: (410) 841-3195, (301) 858-3195
e-mail: senator.rosapepe@inbox.com


MICHAEL G. (MIKE) LENETT
Democrat, District 19, Montgomery County

James Senate Office Building, Room 202
11 Bladen St., Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 841-3151, (301) 858-3151
1-800-492-7122, ext. 3151 (toll free)
e-mail: mike.lenett@senate.state.md.us
fax: (410) 841-3740, (301) 858-3740

Read the "Fair Share" bill here.

Is Big Brother Watching You?
Date Posted: 04/02/09

Background Info:    ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- The Maryland Senate has approved speed camera legislation after reconsidering an earlier vote to reject the bill.
   The measure was approved by a vote of 27-20 Thursday, one day after the bill to allow speed-monitoring cameras statewide near schools and highway work zones statewide failed by one vote.
   The Senate barely mustered enough votes to limit debate to force a vote after opponents attempted a filibuster.
   Opponents say the measure would be a far-reaching invasion of privacy and an unwieldy revenue raiser. Supporters say the bill would improve safety to vulnerable schoolchildren and highway workers.

   ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Maryland appears likely to join Virginia and the District of Columbia in banning texting while driving.
   The Maryland House of Delegates voted 133-2 Wednesday to approve a bill that bans writing or sending texts while driving. Offenders would face a maximum $500 fine for the misdemeanor violation.
   The Maryland Senate recently approved similar legislation, but their version also prohibits reading text messages. Lawmakers will work out the differences, and then aides to Gov. Martin O'Malley say he will sign the legislation into law.
   There currently are no restrictions on adults in Maryland for using hand-held telephones or electronic devices while driving. Minors with provisional licenses or permits aren't allowed to use wireless communication devices, except to call 911.


   (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

Contact Info: Sen. James Robey
(D) Howard County
James Senate Office Building, Room 120
11 Bladen St., Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 841-3572, (301) 858-3572
1-800-492-7122, ext. 3572 (toll free)
e-mail: james.robey@senate.state.md.us
fax: (410) 841-3455, (301) 858-3455

Sen. Jennie Forehand
(D) Montgomery County
James Senate Office Building, Room 223
11 Bladen St., Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 841-3134, (301) 858-3134
1-800-492-7122, ext. 3134 (toll free)
e-mail: jennie.forehand@senate.state.md.us
fax: (410) 841-3665, (301) 858-3665

Sen. Katherine Klausmeier
(D) Baltimore County
James Senate Office Building, Room 103
11 Bladen St., Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 841-3620, (301) 858-3620
1-800-492-7122, ext. 3620 (toll free)
e-mail: katherine.klausmeier@senate.state.md.us
fax: (410) 841-3085, (301) 858-3085

Sen. Douglas Peters
(D) Prince George's County
James Senate Office Building, Room 121
11 Bladen St., Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 841-3631, (301) 858-3631
1-800-492-7122, ext. 3631 (toll free)
e-mail: douglas.peters@senate.state.md.us
fax: (410) 841-3174, (301) 858-3174

Sen. Norman Stone
(D) Baltimore County
James Senate Office Building, Room 216
11 Bladen St., Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 841-3587, (301) 858-3587
1-800-492-7122, ext. 3587 (toll free)
e-mail: norman.stone@senate.state.md.us
fax: (410) 841-3218, (301) 858-3218

Read the Speed Camera Bill here.

Read the Text Ban Bill here.

State Budget
Date Posted: 04/01/09

Background Info: ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- The Maryland Senate has given preliminary approval to its version of the state's $13.8 billion operating budget.
   The Senate is scheduled to take up a companion budget bill later Wednesday. Through the two bills, the Senate will cut more than $900 million in fiscal years 2009 and 2010. That's compared to about $825 million in cuts made by the House.
   In one of the biggest differences, the Senate wants to cut $162 million in state aid for local road maintenance, snow removal and road paving. The House has approved $102 million.
   But the Senate changes do not seek a $60 million cut in the local "piggyback" on income tax, as the House does.
   The Senate uses about $65 million in Program Open Space money that the House did not.
   Differences will have to be worked out in a conference committee.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

Contact Info: Gov. Martin O'Malley
100 State Circle
Annapolis, MD  
410-974-3901
1-800-811-8336
MD Relay 1-800-735-2258
e-mail

Sen. Mike Miller
(D) Senate President
State House, H-107
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-841-3700
1-800-492-7122, ext. 3700 (toll free)
e-mail: thomas.v.mike.miller@senate.state.md.us
fax: 410-841-3910

Del. Michael Busch
(D) Speaker of the House of Delegates
State House, H-101
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-841-3800
1-800-492-7122, ext. 3800 (toll free)
e-mail: michael.busch@house.state.md.us
fax: 410-841-3880

Illegals & Driver's Licenses
Date Posted: 03/30/09

Background Info:

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Maryland lawmakers from both parties have stripped their names from a compromise bill on licenses for illegal immigrants alleging the state was creating a "two-tier" system.

The majority of the House of Delegates, however, stood by legislation late Friday that would deny new licenses to illegal immigrants as of April 19, but allow those who already have Maryland ID to renew and receive a distinct form of identification.

A bipartisan group of House Judiciary Committee members voted Thursday to approve the compromise. Some Republican committee members approved the legislation, but now say they were misled. They say they were told the Motor Vehicle Administration backed the compromise, but the MVA has not issued an official opinion on the compromise.

The compromise was authored by Del. Kathleen M. Dumais, a Montgomery County Democrat.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Contact Info:

Del. Kathleen M. Dumais

House Office Building, Room 350
6 Bladen St., Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 841-3052, (301) 858-3052
1-800-492-7122, ext. 3052 (toll free)
e-mail: kathleen.dumais@house.state.md.us
fax: (410) 841-3219, (301) 858-3219

Medical Marijuana
Date Posted: 03/25/09

Background Info: ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- A Montgomery County lawmaker is pushing legislation that would require Maryland create a task force to study medical marijuana issues.
Delegate Henry Heller says he doesn't use medical marijuana himself. Some of Heller's neighbors, however, in a Silver Spring senior community have told him they wanted to use it to treat serious illness but they were afraid of running afoul of the law.

The state has less severe fines for people convicted of marijuana possession who can demonstrate medical necessity for the drug, but they can still be arrested.

A number of medical marijuana advocates told the House Judiciary Committee Tuesday that Maryland is sending mixed messages about using marijuana to provide relief from debilitating illnesses such as cancer or HIV.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

Contact Info: Del. Henry Heller
(D) Montgomery County
House Office Building, Room 429
6 Bladen St., Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 841-3528, (301) 858-3528
1-800-492-7122, ext. 3528 (toll free)
e-mail: henry.heller@house.state.md.us
fax: (410) 841-3011, (301) 858-3011

AIG Bonuses
Date Posted: 03/19/2009

Background Info: WASHINGTON (AP) -- Sen. Chris Dodd says he was "completely unaware" of AIG's plans to award $165 million in bonuses.  But he is acknowledging that his staff agreed to dilute the executive pay provision in the economic stimulus bill passed last month.

Had the provision survived, it would have applied retroactively to recipients of federal aid and prevented AIG from making the payments.  Saying he's "the one who has led the fight against excessive executive compensation," Dodd says he did not want to make the changes, but did so at the request of Obama administration officials.

The Senate Banking Committee chairman says those officials, who he did not name, gave him "no indication that this was in any way related to AIG."  Dodd's statement Wednesday came a day after he told CNN that he had nothing to do with the change in the provision.
Over the years, Dodd has been the top recipient of campaign contributions from AIG employees. The Center for Responsive Politics says he received more than $100,000 during 2007 and 2008, when he ran for president.

Contact Info: U.S. Senator Chris Dodd
448 Russell Building
Washington, DC 20510
Tel: (202) 224-2823
Fax: (202) 224-1083
e-mail

U.S. Senator Harry Reid
Senate Majority Leader
522 Hart Senate Office Bldg.
Washington, DC 20510
Tel: (202) 224-3542
Fax: (202) 224-7327
e-mail

U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the House
235 Cannon HOB
Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-4965
e-mail

Senator Mitch McConnell
361-A Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Tel: (202) 224-2541
Fax: (202) 224-2499
e-mail

Rep. John Boeher
House Minority Leader
1011 Longworth H.O.B.
Washington, DC 20515
Tel: (202) 225-6205
Fax: (202) 225-0704
e-mail

Texting While Driving
Date Posted: March 19, 2009

Background Info: ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- The Maryland Senate has overwhelmingly approved a ban on sending text messages while driving.

The vote was 43-4.
The legislation would create a maximum $500 fine for a violation, which would be a misdemeanor.  Supporters say sending text messages while driving is just too dangerous. The bill now heads to the House of Delegates.

There currently are no restrictions on adults in Maryland for using hand-held telephones or electronic devices while driving. A minor with a provisional driver's license or learner's permit is not allowed to use a wireless communication device while driving, except to call 911.

Currently, seven states and the District of Columbia prohibit driving while texting.

Contact Info: Sponsored By:
Senator Norman Stone
Email: norman.stone@senate.state.md.us
Phone: 1-800-492-7122, ext. 3587 (toll free)
Mailing Address: 6905 Dunmanway, Baltimore, MD 21222
Website: http://mlis.state.md.us/2009rs/sponsors/stone.htm


http://mlis.state.md.us/2009rs/billfile/SB0098.htm