Maryland General Assembly 2009

Lawmakers reflect on difficult session
ANNAPOLIS — In the midst of an economic recession and a state budget with little room for extras, Washington County fared well during the legislative session in Annapolis, according to the county’s more »

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• Bills of local interest
  Editor's note: This is a partial list of local bills and resolutions introduced in the Maryland General Assembly by Washington County lawmakers during the 2009 regular session. For more information, go to mlis.state.md.us and
• County to get more than $200K in open space funding
  ANNAPOLIS - Gov. Martin O'Malley has announced Board of Public Works approval of more than $8 million in Program Open Space funding for land acquisition and park improvements in seven Maryland counties.
• O'Malley signs Preakness bill into law
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Martin O’Malley has been quick to enact a Maryland law to create extra protections to keep the Preakness Stakes horse race in Baltimore.
• Key bills passed by the General Assembly
  A look at bills approved in the general assembly in the 2009 session:
• Early voting bill passes
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Legislation to create early voting in Maryland cleared the General Assembly late Monday night, and Gov. Martin O’Malley has indicated he will sign the bill.
• Bill aimed at keeping Preakness in Baltimore OK'd
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — The Preakness Stakes horse race would have extra protections to remain in Baltimore under a plan approved Monday by the General Assembly.
• House of Delegates passes Fair Share bill
  ANNAPOLIS — A debate over whether nonunion state employees should be forced to join a union turned into a battle over votes on the budget Monday.
• Md. lawmakers OK $13.8 billion budget
  The Maryland General Assembly gave final approval Monday to the state’s $13.8 billion operating budget, which relies heavily on federal economic help to avoid even deeper cuts.
• Bills of local interest
  Editor's note: This is a partial list of local bills and resolutions introduced in the Maryland General Assembly by Washington County lawmakers during the 2009 regular session.
• Bill would force some nonunion employees to pay union dues
  Nonunion state employees would be forced to join a union and pay dues under a bill being considered in the Maryland General Assembly.
• Shank's strip search bill combined with juvenile legislation
  ANNAPOLIS — A bill sponsored by Del. Christopher B. Shank that would prevent improper searches of correctional officers has been merged with another strip search bill.
• Arts school, museums get state money
  ANNAPOLIS — A new high school for the performing arts in downtown Hagerstown and two local museums are expected to receive at least $100,000 each in state money.
• County not excluded from speed camera bill
  ANNAPOLIS — State lawmakers have lost in their attempt to exclude Washington County from a bill allowing speed cameras in school and work zones.
• Budget conference committee wraps up work
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — A panel of Maryland lawmakers has decided on some of the core lingering issues to resolve differences in budget legislation approved by the House and Senate.
• Lawmakers to try again to exclude county from speed camera law
  ANNAPOLIS — An effort by state lawmakers to exclude Washington County from a law allowing speed cameras to ticket drivers has failed, but they are expected to try again today.
• Delegation frustrated by progress on possible USM-H program
  ANNAPOLIS — Del. Andrew A. Serafini said Wednesday he is frustrated by the University System of Maryland’s lack of cooperation in establishing a program to train aircraft maintenance technicians.
• Delegation wants county excluded from speed camera law
  ANNAPOLIS — Washington County's delegation to the Maryland General Assembly wants Washington County to be excluded from a state law allowing speed cameras.
• Deal could restore full funding for USM-H
  ANNAPOLIS — State lawmakers have reached a preliminary decision to fully fund the University System of Maryland at Hagerstown campus downtown.
• Lawmakers cut $162M in local highway funds
  ANNAPOLIS - A panel of lawmakers agreed Tuesday to cut $162 million in state aid for local road main
• Baugher to seek Mooney's Senate seat
  ANNAPOLIS — Lisa Baugher, a former candidate for state delegate, has announced that she plans to run for the state Senate seat occupied by Sen. Alex X. Mooney, R-Frederick/Washington.
• Bill would limit school system financial reports
  ANNAPOLIS — Financial status reports to the state from local school systems would be limited under a bill being considered by Maryland lawmakers.
• Panel rejects bill to block incinerator near Monocacy battlefield
  FREDERICK, Md. (AP) — A state Senate committee has rejected a bill that would have blocked construction of a proposed trash incinerator near a Civil War battlefield just south of Frederick.
• Conference committee struggling over Md. budget
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — A panel of Maryland lawmakers struggled Monday in search of compromise in budget legislation approved by the House and Senate, meeting for a little more than an hour before breaking up until more progress could be
• Bills deal with driver's licenses for illegals
  ANNAPOLIS — Jeff Werner doesn’t hate immigration. “Just come in and do it the legal way,” said Werner, who has been active in groups combating the negative effects of illegal immigration.
• Annapolis Notes
  April Fool’s fever strikes Annapolis; Myers sole no vote on respiratory bill; Shank appointed to ALEC committee
• Bills of Local Interest
  This is a partial list of local bills and resolutions introduced in the Maryland General Assembly by Washington County lawmakers during the 2009 regular session.
• Effect of bill on Pryor case unclear
  ANNAPOLIS — New restrictions on the death penalty in Maryland are raising questions about whether a man charged with murdering two people would still be eligible for capital punishment if convicted.
• Property tax relief for seniors moves on to Senate
  ANNAPOLIS — Senior citizens and landlords of all ages in Washington County are closer to getting relief from property tax increases.
• Committee must work out USM-H funding compromise
  ANNAPOLIS — A compromise on the University System of Maryland at Hagerstown’s budget could begin today, but no official decisions will be made until next week.
• Serafini offers budget warning
  ANNAPOLIS — Del. Andrew A. Serafini warned fellow lawmakers Friday about the dangers of borrowing money to pay for the state’s capital budget.
• Senate approves $13.8M operating budget
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — The Maryland Senate has passed the state’s $13.8 billion operating budget, which contains major cuts to local governments.
• USM-H funding to be decided in conference
  ANNAPOLIS — Opposing views on the best funding plan and future for the University System of Maryland at Hagerstown will be reconciled by a group of lawmakers next week.
• Amendment would secure $5M for library
  ANNAPOLIS — Del. John P. Donoghue has helped preliminarily secure for the Washington County Free Library funding that was not included in the capital budget being considered by state lawmakers.
• Bill requiring monitoring of domestic abusers is withdrawn
  ANNAPOLIS — Washington County Sheriff Douglas Mullendore said he is hopeful local judges will require some domestic abusers to be monitored with an electronic tracking system.
• Amendment sought to sheriff’s salary bill
  ANNAPOLIS — Sens. Donald F. Munson and Alex X. Mooney say the power to decide the salary of Washington County's sheriff should remain with state lawmakers if there is to be any system of checks and balances.
• Md. House passes ban on texting while driving
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Maryland appears likely to join Virginia and the District of Columbia in banning texting while driving.
• Senate poised for final vote on budget
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — The Maryland Senate is scheduled to debate the state’s budget and take a final vote.
• Senate votes against delay in medevac 'copter purchase
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — The Maryland Senate decided Tuesday not to support a one-year delay in buying new medevac helicopters intended to give lawmakers time to study the procurement process.
• Justice's Law fails; family to continue fight
  ANNAPOLIS — The grandmother of a slain Washington County infant describes her family's fight for justice as the "life sentence" they hope to impose on those who kill children.
• Homeless man testifies for bill
  ANNAPOLIS — James Devine's home happens to be his van, and now the Washington County resident is pushing for a state law that would make crimes against him and other homeless people considered hate crimes.
• Annapolis Notes
  Budget cuts aren’t the only cuts happening in Annapolis.
• Bills of local interest
  Editor's note: This is a partial list of local bills and resolutions introduced in the Maryland General Assembly by Washington County lawmakers during the 2009 regular session. For more information, go to mlis.state.md.us and
• Measure would restrict new drivers in Md.
  ANNAPOLIS — A bill being considered in the Maryland General Assembly would lengthen the amount of time new drivers are required to hold learner’s permits and provisional licenses.
• Senate panel backs USM-H funding increase
  ANNAPOLIS — The University System of Maryland at Hagerstown would get a 1 percent increase in funding under a recommendation adopted Friday by a Senate committee.
• Md. House, Senate OK police surveillance bills
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Maryland lawmakers have approved legislation designed to prevent authorities from violating First Amendment rights with covert police surveillance.
• Panel to consider full funding for USM-H
  ANNAPOLIS — A Maryland Senate committee today will consider whether to keep full funding for the University System of Maryland at Hagerstown and strike an amendment that would require a study of the center's viability.
• Religious expression bill stalled in committee
  ANNAPOLIS — Legislation that would clarify students’ right of religious expression in school is languishing in committee, and its sponsor, Del. Andrew A. Serafini, said it likely will not get a vote.
• Serafini's death penalty amendment fails
  ANNAPOLIS — Del. Andrew A. Serafini offered an amendment to the death penalty bill Thursday that would have allowed those who kill correctional officers to be sentenced to death.
• Md. House OKs death penalty restrictions; bill goes to O'Malley
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Maryland lawmakers on Thursday approved limits to how the death penalty can be used, with supporters saying it will help protect innocent people from execution.
• Shank suggests new model for USM-H
  ANNAPOLIS — Del. Christopher B. Shank says he wants a new model for the University System of Maryland at Hagerstown.
• Amendment calls for USM-H viability study
  ANNAPOLIS — A task force would study the best and most viable model for the University System of Maryland at Hagerstown under a budget amendment proposed Wednesday by Del. LeRoy E. Myers Jr.
• Senate hears handicapped parking bill
  ANNAPOLIS - State lawmakers are considering a bill that would require handicapped parking spaces to be at least as wide as regular parking spaces.
• Kaplan students’ state aid at risk
  ANNAPOLIS — The president of Kaplan College's Hagerstown campus asked state lawmakers Tuesday to continue to allow students there to receive state grant money.
• Senate panel rejects USM-H funding cuts
  ANNAPOLIS — A Senate subcommittee has rejected a House panel’s decision to cut funding for the University System of Maryland at Hagerstown by $500,000.
• Bills of local interest
  This is a partial list of local bills and resolutions introduced in the Maryland General Assembly by Washington County lawmakers during the 2009 regular session. For more information, go to mlis.state.md.us and click on “Bill
• Annapolis Notes
  There was a rumor circulating in the State House last week that Danny DeVito was in Annapolis testifying on a bill. Reactions varied from “What?” to “Huh?”
• Donoghue-Shank relationship still tense
  ANNAPOLIS — The relationship between Del. Christopher B. Shank, R-Washington, and Del. John P. Donoghue, D-Washington, had soured so much that they don't want to sit next to each other.
• Panel OKs USM-H funding cut
  ANNAPOLIS — A $500,000 cut in funding from the University System of Maryland at Hagerstown’s $2 million budget was approved Friday by the House Appropriations Committee.
• House committee hears Myers’ bills on body transports
  ANNAPOLIS — Current practice would allow anyone with a working vehicle to transport a dead body to the state medical examiner in the trunk of their car, according to Tom Wetzel, who owns a Hagerstown body transport company.
• House subcommittee recommends $500K cut to USM-H budget
  ANNAPOLIS — The University System of Maryland at Hagerstown stands to lose $500,000 from its $2 million budget if state lawmakers approve a House of Delegates subcommittee recommendation made Thursday.
• Donoghue blames Shank for proposed USM-H cut
  ANNAPOLIS — Del. John P. Donoghue on Wednesday criticized Del. Christopher B. Shank, saying Shank’s actions are to blame for attempts to cut funding for the University System of Maryland at Hagerstown.
• Bill makes rules for body transport
  ANNAPOLIS — A bill to be heard by state lawmakers Thursday would create guidelines and a code of conduct for firms that transport dead bodies.
• Lawmakers propose bills to stop online predators
  ANNAPOLIS — Children could be better protected from online predators if the Maryland General Assembly adopts legislation being proposed by two members of Washington County’s delegation.
• Bill would change searches of Md. prison workers
  ANNAPOLIS — A Hagerstown correctional officer forced to remove his clothing in front of his supervisor as part of a search for drugs last year says the experience has made him the subject of ridicule and public humiliation.
• Bill: Owners would pay for care of their seized animals
  ANNAPOLIS — A bill pending in the Maryland General Assembly would make animal owners pay expenses associated with the care and housing of the animals during legal proceedings.
• Bills of local interest
  Editor's note: This is a partial list of local bills and resolutions introduced in the Maryland General Assembly by Washington County lawmakers during the 2009 regular session. For more information, go to mlis.state.md.us and
• Medevac privatization could cost patients thousands
  ANNAPOLIS — Several Washington County Hospital patients have been transferred to other hospitals by helicopter thinking it was a free service provided by Maryland State Police, only to later get a bill for $8,000 or $9,000.
• USM-H chief expects some degree of funding cut
  ANNAPOLIS — The executive director of the University System of Maryland at Hagerstown said Friday he is confident the downtown campus will be spared a suggested 90 percent funding cut.
• Bill would bring harsher penalties for child killers
  ANNAPOLIS — The family of a slain Washington County infant is asking state lawmakers to consider a more severe penalty for those convicted of killing children.
• Bill to raise sheriff's pay questioned
  ANNAPOLIS — Proposed legislation that would increase the Washington County Sheriff’s salary to $88,000 in 2012 caused one state lawmaker to question why a sheriff would receive a raise given the current economic situation.
• Mooney's bill aims to block Frederick Co. incinerator
  ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — State Sen. Alex X. Mooney is redoubling his efforts to block construction of a large-scale trash incinerator near Frederick.
• Seniors seek property tax relief
  WASHINGTON COUNTY — Legislation sponsored by the Washington County delegation would allow senior citizens to keep property taxes at the rate they are when the homeowner signs up.
• Firefighters oppose private 'copter service
  ANNAPOLIS — Proposed legislation that would privatize Maryland State Police’s medical aviation services has local emergency responders concerned that patients will be forced to pay for expensive helicopter transportation.
• Shank seeks end to sex offender loophole
  ANNAPOLIS — A Boonsboro High School graduate who now lives in Hawaii testified in favor of a bill that would correct a law that allows sex offenders like her father to avoid registering as such.
• Annapolis Notes
  Del. LeRoy E. Myers’ son was in Annapolis last week to testify in favor of a bill that would clarify the rights of students to express their religious beliefs in school.
• Bills of local interest
  Editor’s note: This is a partial list of local bills and resolutions introduced in the Maryland General Assembly by Washington County lawmakers during the 2009 regular session. For more information, go to mlis.state.md.us and
• Warner: Proposed USM-H cut a ploy
  ANNAPOLIS — Del. John L. Bohanan Jr., D-St. Mary's, supports a funding cut for USM-H, but pledged Thursday that no action would be taken that would end USM-H's operations.
• Bill would regulate size of handicapped parking spaces
  ANNAPOLIS — Sen. Alex X. Mooney is sponsoring legislation that requires handicapped parking spaces to be the same size as regular parking spaces.
• USM-H funding cut proposal called 'attractive'
  ANNAPOLIS — A state lawmaker on Thursday called a recommendation to cut University System of Maryland at Hagerstown funding by about 90 percent “very attractive.”
• Md. Senate approves bill to limit death penalty
  ANNAPOLIS — The Maryland Senate has approved a measure to limit, but not ban, the use of capital punishment.
• USM-H funding threatened again
  ANNAPOLIS — The University System of Maryland at Hagerstown’s funding has been threatened again by the Maryland General Assembly.
• Religious expression bill testimony heard
  ANNAPOLIS — When two of her friends at Hancock Middle-Senior High School died in a house fire about two weeks ago, Karly Logsdon said her first instinct was to pray.
• Senate backs revised death penalty bill
  ANNAPOLIS — Capital punishment in Maryland would be limited but not banned under compromise legislation backed by the state Senate on Wednesday.
• Bingo operator seeks OK to add tip jars
  ANNAPOLIS — The owner of Washington County’s only for-profit bingo business wants to sell tip jars and is pushing for a change in state law that would allow her to do it.
• Child buying bill fails
  ANNAPOLIS — Lawmakers in the Maryland Senate have turned down a bill proposed by Sen. Donald F. Munson that would have made it illegal for someone to buy a child.
• Senate amends death penalty repeal bill
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — The Maryland Senate voted Tuesday to amend a death penalty repeal measure to keep capital punishment on the books while limiting its use.
• Annapolis Notes
  U.S. Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin, D-Maryland, spoke Friday with members of the General Assembly’s Western Maryland delegation, which includes state lawmakers representing Washington County.
• Md. considers raising tax on alcohol
  ANNAPOLIS — Some are calling the alcoholic beverage industry “recession proof,” but Washington County business owners say it won’t resist financial pressure for long if Maryland lawmakers vote to increase taxes on beer and liquor.
• Death penalty repeal bill fails in committee
  ANNAPOLIS — A measure to repeal capital punishment in Maryland has failed in a Senate committee.
• Bill would provide insurance coverage for autism
  ANNAPOLIS — Legislation being considered by state lawmakers would provide insurance coverage for some families with autistic children.
• Sheriff against special deputies bill
  ANNAPOLIS — A bill heard Thursday would give Washington County Sheriff Douglas F. Mullendore the power to appoint citizens to be special deputies if needed.
• WCPS opposes bus emissions bill
  ANNAPOLIS — Washington County Public Schools Superintendent Elizabeth Morgan testified Wednesday against a bill she says could cost the county more than $2 million.
• Boonsboro officials, first responders honored
  ANNAPOLIS — Boonsboro Town Council members and the town’s first responders were honored by the General Assembly and Gov. Martin O’Malley for their work to restore the town after last February's fire.
• Bill would clarify pupils’ religious rights
  ANNAPOLIS — A bill being considered by lawmakers in Maryland's General Assembly seeks to clarify the rules of religious expression in public schools.
• Bill aims to attract, retain doctors locally
  ANNAPOLIS — Del. John P. Donoghue has sponsored a bill that would help doctors repay their student loans by charging patients an additional fee.
• Williamsport High senior spends week as page
  ANNAPOLIS — She’s seen two protest demonstrations and a hearing where the merits of the death penalty were debated.
• Annapolis Notes
  Two weeks ago, a lawmaker in Maryland’s House of Delegates asked fellow House members to hold hands during the presession prayer.
• None in delegation back death penalty repeal
  ANNAPOLIS — Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley wants the death penalty to be repealed, saying it is outdated and does nothing to prevent crime. But Washington County lawmakers mostly oppose a repeal.
• Shank: Use GPS to track domestic abusers
  ANNAPOLIS — Del. Christopher B. Shank wants to outfit some domestic abusers with the same technology used to track sex offenders.
• Child buying bill killed
  ANNAPOLIS — Lawmakers in the Maryland House of Delegates have turned down a bill proposed by Del. Andrew A. Serafini that would have made it illegal for someone to buy a child.
• Mooney could be swing vote on death penalty repeal
  ANNAPOLIS — Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley once again is asking state lawmakers to ban the death penalty.
• Leadership group meets with lawmakers
  ANNAPOLIS — Washington County business people, nonprofit representatives and government employees were in Annapolis Wednesday with the Leadership Washington County class they are enrolled in.
• Bill would mandate school uniforms
  ANNAPOLIS — A bill being considered in the Maryland General Assembly aims to move hemlines toward the knees by requiring students statewide to wear uniforms.
• Annapolis Notes
  The Maryland General Assembly is considering a bill that would raise the salaries of members of the Washington County Board of Education.
• Lawmakers eye process by which U.S. senators are appointed
  ANNAPOLIS — The spectacle of former Gov. Blagojevich's appointment of President Obama's successor to the U.S. Senate has convinced some that laws are needed to prevent governors from appointing U.S. senators.
• Bill would increase access to trauma fund
  ANNAPOLIS — Some physicians who treat trauma patients at Washington County Hospital are not being paid for all of their services, but proposed legislation would help some doctors recoup money.
• Bill: Protective orders would restrict weapons
  ANNAPOLIS — Alison Munson asked judges more than once to force her longtime boyfriend to give up his knives and guns.
• Videotape ban based on incorrect advice
  WASHINGTON COUNTY — Relying on incorrect advice, three Western Maryland state representatives tried to prohibit a Cumberland, Md., man from videotaping a public meeting in Annapolis on Tuesday.
• HCC students meet lawmakers
  ANNAPOLIS — While working part time and attending school full time, Rachel Lighter says she barely makes enough money to scrape by.
• Bill would freeze seniors’ property taxes
  ANNAPOLIS — Del. Christopher B. Shank, R-Washington, has suggested a plan to essentially freeze property taxes for seniors and defer payment of the increases until after their death.
• Delegation OKs bill to raise sheriff's pay
  ANNAPOLIS — The salary for the Washington County sheriff could be raised to $88,000 from $80,000 in 2010 under a bill being considered by the Maryland General Assembly.
• Myers defends refusal to allow citizen to videotape meeting
  CUMBERLAND, Md. (AP) — Del. LeRoy E. Myers Jr. is defending his refusal to allow a citizen to videotape a meeting between the local legislative delegation and the Allegany County commissioners.
• Lawmakers regain access to Facebook
  ANNAPOLIS — Less than one week after two social networking Web sites were banned from Maryland General Assembly computers, lawmakers learned Tuesday they will regain access to one of them.
• Some pension costs could shift to counties
  ANNAPOLIS — Lawmakers are criticizing a proposal to shift some pension costs to counties, saying the added expense could lead to higher property taxes or reductions in county services.
• Many unknowns remain in budget forecast
  ANNAPOLIS — Gov. Martin O’Malley has put a lot of hope in the economic recovery plan in Congress, but many unknowns remain regarding how much money Maryland will receive and how the state will be able to use it.
• Annapolis Notes
  People magazine has contacted Sen. Donald F. Munson, R-Washington, asking for an interview.
• State help sought to fill vacant buildings
  ANNAPOLIS — Officials lobbied lawmakers in Annapolis last week for help finding ways to reuse vacant buildings in a weak economy.
• Dogs’ killings prompt bill
  ANNAPOLIS — The killing of two dogs in Williamsport has prompted a bill being considered by the Maryland General Assembly that would make it illegal to kill a dog that is chasing deer.
• Lawmakers give back money
  ANNAPOLIS — In December, most members of Washington County's delegation to the Maryland General Assembly said they would voluntarily give up a portion of their salaries.
• Bill would give sheriff a raise
  ANNAPOLIS — A bill being considered by the Washington County delegation to the Maryland General Assembly would raise the county sheriff's pay to $105,000 beginning in 2010.
• Local representatives lobbying in Annapolis
  ANNAPOLIS — There were about 100 lobbyists waiting to speak with Maryland Senate President Thomas V. "Mike" Miller Jr. outside of his office Wednesday afternoon.
• Mooney would add hate-crime protection for homeless
  ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Sen. Alex X. Mooney, R-Frederick/Washington, is again pushing legislation to add homeless people to the list of those protected by hate crime laws.
• Slots draw few bidders
  ANNAPOLIS — Disappointed by a low number of bidders interested in operating slot parlors in Maryland, Senate President Thomas V. "Mike" Miller says the state's slot commission should revisit the issue.
• Annapolis Notes
  Del. Andrew A. Serafini, R-Washington, sponsored his first bill last week — legislation making it illegal to buy a child.
• Lawmakers use Facebook to reach out
  ANNAPOLIS — There’s probably only one place where Del. Christopher B. Shank would call himself friends with Democratic Gov. Martin O’Malley. It’s on Facebook.
• Some call O'Malley's speech 'divisive'
  ANNAPOLIS — Republicans called Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley’s State of the State address “divisive” Thursday, with one member of Washington County’s delegation warning that there will be consequences.
• Delegation supports HCC police powers
  ANNAPOLIS — From time to time, a student applying to enroll at Hagerstown Community College will admit to having a criminal history.
• Additional $3.9 million requested for WCPS
  ANNAPOLIS — Washington County Public Schools Superintendent Elizabeth Morgan was in Annapolis on Wednesday lobbying for more state money for local school projects.
• Bill would prohibit buying a child
  ANNAPOLIS — Del. Andrew A. Serafini, R-Washington, said he was told about a woman at City Park who was offered money for one of her children.
• Lawmakers briefed on prison escape
  ANNAPOLIS — A convicted murderer who escaped from a Hagerstown-area prison Jan. 17 hid behind a Dumpster before scaling a fence, according to Del. LeRoy E. Myers Jr., R-Washington/Allegany.
• Delegation supports stamp for Kennedy
  Civil-rights advocate and former Hagerstown resident Thomas Kennedy might be gone, but he has not been forgotten.
• Annapolis Notes
  Several members of Washington County’s delegation to the Maryland General Assembly have swapped committees this year — some by choice and some by request.
• Special license proposed for wineries
  ANNAPOLIS — The owner of a winery opening in Clear Spring said he hopes a proposed winery liquor license will help future vineyards overcome some of the obstacles he has faced.
• Morgan seeks more school money
  ANNAPOLIS — Superintendent Elizabeth Morgan will be in Annapolis next week to ask officials for an additional $3.9 million in funding for Washington County Public Schools.
• Prison officers might work longer days
  ANNAPOLIS — Officials are considering longer work days for Maryland correctional officers, a decision some say would put the workers at risk.
• Lawmakers to seek bond bills ban
  ANNAPOLIS — Washington County delegation members will ask Maryland leaders in the General Assembly to consider eliminating bond bills this year due to the state's budget limitations.
• O'Malley proposes 'painful' cuts
  ANNAPOLIS — Layoffs of 700 state workers, spending cuts statewide and salary freezes for state employees are included in Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley’s proposed budget that was released Wednesday.
• Delegates getting new committee assignments
  ANNAPOLIS — Committee changes in Maryland's House of Delegates have not yet been finalized, but three Washington County representatives say they already know they have been affected.
• Federal stimulus money expected
  ANNAPOLIS — Del. LeRoy E. Myers Jr. said officials are considering using federal stimulus money to jump-start projects that are ready to go.
• Lawmakers hope layoffs won't hit here
  ANNAPOLIS — Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley said Wednesday, on the first day of the General Assembly’s 2009 session, that he will ask lawmakers to approve layoffs of state employees.
• Session has optimistic opening
  ANNAPOLIS — Despite a nearly $2 billion budget deficit, Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley and local representatives said Wednesday they are optimistic about the state’s ability to pull through tough economic times.
• Bipartisan tone sets opening session
  ANNAPOLIS — Gov. Martin O'Malley met with the Republican caucus Tuesday, making a plea for bipartisan support he said was needed to see the state through tough economic times.
• Lawmakers anticipate budget cuts
  WASHINGTON COUNTY — Lawmakers say it will be hard to get more state money for Washington County in a year when Maryland is facing a possible shortfall.
• Donoghue moving office to USM-H
  Del. John P. Donoghue, D-Washington, will move his local office to the University System of Maryland at Hagerstown at the end of the month, saving about $7,000 in state funds.
• Lawmaker won’t oppose USM-H funds
  HAGERSTOWN — A state lawmaker who tried to divert funding from the University System of Maryland at Hagerstown last year has promised not to ask for similar cuts this year.