Sometimes you need to introduce a bill, and sometimes you don’t. I’ve known Herman Berlin since childhood. He now runs an auto parts distributorship. When the state entered into a contract with a national company, Herman did not have an opportunity to make a competing bid. He has lost a sizeable amount of business, as …more >

In their previous lives, Mike German and John Kellerman had little in common. Mike was an undercover agent for the FBI, John a banker. Mike now works for the American Civil Liberties Union and will testify in support of our bill to end State Police surveillance of lawful First Amendment activity. John has Parkinson’s disease …more >

Asking other members to co-sponsor your bill is the biggest waste of time in Annapolis – except when it isn’t. As I’ve written in the past, getting your colleagues to scribble their initials on your legislation has little, if any, impact on the committee that will hear your bill. But there are exceptions. Last year, …more >

I always read Tom Friedman’s op-ed columns. (I don’t think that surprises any of you.) I didn’t know who Van Jones was until Delegate Nathaniel Oaks and I heard him speak at Morgan State University this past May. Jones spoke about creating a green economy – to resolve our ecological crisis and provide jobs that …more >

This historic day began for me with the incredible sight of thousands of people marching on Washington in the pre-dawn darkness. They were walking from the Lincoln Memorial, where Dr. view history King spoke 45 years ago, to the Capitol Building, where President Obama would speak today. “It reminds me of the day the Berlin …more >

It sends a powerful message when the President-elect, on the day before his Inauguration, volunteers in a homeless shelter. It’s a photo op, but in this case, a substantive program encouraging public service – both full-time and volunteer, is sure to follow. Of all the issues I’ve worked on over the years, the laws I’ve …more >

It wasn’t as cold as I thought it would be Saturday afternoon on the steps of the War Memorial. Granted, I was wearing more layers of clothing than I ever have. Nor was the event as emotional as I thought it would be. Nonetheless, I emailed a friend, “Very glad I went.” What did move …more >

It depends on what the meaning of “reasonable” is? The owners of an apartment or condominium will have to make reasonable accommodations for the religious practices of residents of the building – if my legislation is adopted. I didn’t originate the phrase “reasonable accommodation.” It’s been part of our civil rights laws for 40+ years. …more >

Today began my 27th year as a member of the House of Delegates. For two former colleagues I spoke with, Clay Mitchell and Nancy Kopp, this was their 39th opening day in Annapolis. Or first day in school, as a younger, parenting staffer termed it. I began the day with my annual cholesterol binge of …more >

Bad news travels fast. The session hasn’t started, and I attended my first budget briefing today. No, I haven’t returned to the Appropriations Committee. The projected deficit was the topic at our Democratic Caucus meeting this morning. “The forecast for 2009 is very bad, and that’s assuming benefits to the economy from the Obama stimulus …more >