Expelling two members from the Tennessee legislature for a minor infraction, plus the racial factor, is horrific. I sought out a Republican senator who has served with me on the Joint Committee on Legislative Ethics. “We would not do this here,” I said to him. He readily agreed.
I offered this prayer at the start of today’s floor session of the House of Delegates. “Why is this night different from all other nights?” That question was asked at Passover seders last night. Why could this Orioles season be different from other recent seasons? That question was asked around the seder table last …more >
Amendments creating the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority were adopted this week by the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee. I knew the substance of these amendments beforehand, but I had not seen them in writing. This morning, I read that residents from the Pimlico, Bowie and Laurel neighborhoods would be non-voting members of the authority’s …more >
The amendments to my bill ensured its passage in the House. They jeopardized its fate in the Senate. House Bill 410, the Election Reform Act of 2023, would give neighborhoods a voice before a change is made to their polling place. It would also move the date of next year’s primary to May 14 to …more >
It’s not often that I fail to show up for an event with the Governor after receiving a personal invitation. Eric Luedtke, the Governor’s Chief Legislative Officer (his lobbyist), called me this morning to invite me to a 2 pm announcement of his nominee for Secretary of Service and Civic Innovation. During the campaign, I …more >
The work continues after the session ends. If your bill passes, you need to make sure it’s effectively implemented. If your bill fails, you need to strategize how to get a favorable outcome next year. If an issue is on your bills.24 Word document, strategizing is also in order. Meet with people you didn’t have …more >
As you may know, I co-teach the Legislation classes at the University of Baltimore and the University of Maryland Law Schools. I’m very proud that several of my students are now my colleagues and a greater number serve on our professional staff or are lobbyists. There was a hearing yesterday on a bill where I’m …more >
I read yesterday that a significant number of gun thefts are from automobiles. The gun is visible to the passer-by. If concealed, it is more likely not to find its way into the wrong hands. But gun owners resist mandating how they are supposed to handle their firearms under any circumstances. Nonetheless, I added the …more >
Negotiating by email has its virtues. You don’t give anything away with your facial or body reaction to the other person’s proposal. You can draft your response and send it to someone higher up the food chain for approval before you reply to your negotiating partner. Eventually, however, you’re likely to discuss the bill the …more >
I went to City College, as many of you know. Poly, our arch rival, is in my district. Hundreds of students use public transportation, buses and the light rail, to get to the Poly-Western complex. They cross Cold Spring Lane, a heavily trafficked street, on foot. I’ve been looking for a funding source for a …more >
