Thoughts on Sine Die

Post #47

Last night at midnight, the General Assembly concluded its 90-day session in Annapolis.  Having shared this experience eight times during my tenure in the House of Delegates, I know what mixed emotions it can evoke.  There is elation at completing a budget and a legislative gathering that can be contentious, challenging, and educational.  There is simple exhaustion from the pace of the final days and the sheer volume of issues that are considered during long floor sessions interrupted for urgent standing committee or conference committee meetings.  In an election year, there is the sentimentality of knowing that some of your colleagues would not be back in the year to come, either by their choice (retirement) or the voters’ choice (defeat).

This session seemed to be particularly challenging.  The $2 billion budget gap meant that nearly any policy proposal with a fiscal note could not be seriously considered.  Exceptions were made, though, for capital bond projects.  In an election year, legislators still wanted to fund worthy initiatives in their districts.  Among those receiving funding were the Garrett Park Nursery School, the fitness room expansion at the Rockville Senior Center, and the effective, Gaithersburg-based nonprofit group Identity.

Members of the Judiciary Committee made a lot of news for their refusal to make protective orders easier to obtain for those in fear of their domestic abusers.  There was also an unfortunate unwillingness to require ignition interlock devices for drunk drivers, despite the fact that the Senate passed the bill unanimously.  (Transportation safety did get a boost, however, with passage of new laws restricting cell phone use.)  On the last day and despite a seeming great deal of reluctance from some corners, these legislators did acquiesce on modifying the child support guidelines for the first time in 20 years.

Child sex offenders were a top priority, but legislators had different ideas how to address the problem after the horrifying murder of an 11-year old girl on the Eastern Shore.  Fortunately, there was a strong enough commitment to strengthen the laws, and consensus was reached late last night. 

The outcome for the environment was mixed, as it was for many other issue areas. 

Next year, with legislators newly (re-)elected, long-term budget solutions must be the top priority.  I hope to be one of those brainstorming various equitable and sustainable fiscal options that will ensure that Maryland remains the state we are proud to call home.

I would love to hear from you, dear Blog reader!  What surprised or interested you most about the just-completed legislative session?  Please send an email to Blog@CherylKagan.org or click on the "Comments" link below to express your views.  Please be sure to indicate which post (#47) you're addressing.

Thanks for reading.  I will post again soon.