“I still insist we take up the tax,” urged a Cabinet member.

“He’s right.  You’ve got to take up the tacks before you take up the carpet,” responded the President, in this instance, Rufus T. Firefly, played by Groucho Marx in “Duck Soup.”

We will take up the gas tax.  The public hearing on the Governor’s bill is Friday.

But for my Monday ritual of outlining tasks and priorities for my long list of bills, the emphasis was no longer on bill hearings, even though I have four this week.

My focus was on amendments.

First and foremost, on death penalty repeal, we will oppose all amendments.

The Senate gun bill includes an amendment that would affect all people who are voluntarily committed to a hospital.

The mental health community feels this would deter countless people from seeking help.  How should the Senate language be modified?  Who can make the most effective case to the work group?

For two of my bills, the amendments reflect a compromise.  Del. Neil Parrott created the software that was instrumental in petitioning marriage equality and the Dream Act to referendum last November.   Our amendment makes it illegal for either side to use fraud, duress, or force during the process of gathering signatures for a petition.

Last year, the Maryland Chamber of Commerce opposed my legislation requiring businesses of a certain size to make their websites useable by the blind.  After discussions this past fall with the Chamber, I are now proposing a tax credit for businesses that make this upgrade.  I will be supporting the Chamber’s amendments at tomorrow’s bill hearing.

In another movie, Groucho crooned, “Whatever it is, I’m against it.”

I’m a big fan of his but not in this instance.