Latest news with #MarylandHouse
The Independent
07-04-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Maryland lawmakers near the end of their session after a tough budget year
Maryland lawmakers were nearing the end of their legislative session Monday in a challenging budget year that was aggravated by uncertainties with the Trump administration's downsizing of the federal government on a state that relies heavily on federal jobs and contracts. Democratic Gov. Wes Moore and lawmakers addressed a $3.3 billion deficit by making cuts throughout state government and raising taxes and fees. Lawmakers also announced they were forming a panel to monitor federal actions and provide updates to legislators to prepare them to respond to decisions in the nation's capital 30 miles (48 kilometers) away. 'From public education, to health care, and our federal workforce, we have already witnessed how recent federal actions threaten the economic stability of our state," Maryland House Speaker Adrienne Jones, a Democrat, said. "We know these threats will continue after the General Assembly's 2025 legislative session adjourns.' Moore also noted concerns about continuing challenges that the heavily Democratic state faces from actions taken by the Trump administration, from federal job cuts to tariffs. The governor described the Maryland revenue increases as tax reform that spares the middle class and brings tax cuts for many, while asking more of high-income residents. He said the state budget reductions were 'the largest amount of cuts that you've seen in a Maryland state budget in 16 years.' 'We are continuing to deliver for the people of the state, particularly at a time when we're seeing so much chaos coming from Washington, D.C.,' Moore told reporters Monday. Senate President Bill Ferguson said that from the beginning of the session in January, 'the theme that really resonated the most was fear and uncertainty.' 'What's happened at the federal level has been truly unpredictable at every turn,' said Ferguson, a Baltimore Democrat. Republicans, who are outnumbered in both the House and Senate, have repeatedly noted that Maryland has been facing a big deficit since before Trump regained the White House in January. They criticized the tax increases and fees, noting a variety of them relate to vehicles and will affect anyone who drives. 'We could have done it differently,' said Del. Jesse Pippy, a Republican and the House minority whip who said the budget could have been balanced without tax increases. 'I think the taxpayers would have appreciated a different course of action.' Here is a look at some of the highlights of legislation lawmakers have approved and sent to the governor's desk: Budget changes Lawmakers closed a big budget deficit with cuts throughout state government and tax increases. The budget includes a new 3% tax on information technology services. It also includes two new tax brackets for high-income residents, one for people who make over $500,000 annually and another for those with more than $1 million in annual income. There also is a new 2% tax on capital gains for people with income over $350,000, as well as tax hikes on recreational cannabis and sports wagering. Budget legislation includes about $1.6 billion in revenues, along with roughly $2 billion in spending reductions. The state would still have about $2.1 billion in its rainy day fund and a fund balance of more than $300 million. Abortion funding The Maryland Department of Health would have access to $25 million for an abortion grant program to help providers pay costs for the uninsured. The money comes from part of the federal Affordable Care Act that has collected fees from insurers to pay for abortion services for their policyholders. Health care for young adults Lawmakers approved a measure to make permanent a program that provides subsidies to help young adults get affordable health insurance. Prescription drugs A state board would have its authority expanded to set upper price limits for prescription drugs statewide, instead of only for state and local governments. Sentencing second look People convicted of a crime between the ages of 18 and 25 who have served 20 years or more of a prison sentence would be able to petition for a reduction in sentence if they have not been sentenced to life without the possibility of parole or are a sex offender. The bill does not apply to offenders convicted of killing first responders. Criminal records Many more state residents would be able to expunge criminal records after completing their sentences. The measure also will require the state to automatically shield records from public view for roughly 175,000 people who were pardoned by the governor last year for minor cannabis convictions. Slavery reparations A statewide commission would study and recommend potential reparations for slavery and the lingering effects of racial discrimination. Sex abuse lawsuits Future liabilities from claims of sexual abuse at state and private institutions would be limited with caps on settlements from $890,000 to $400,000 for cases filed after May 31 for state institutions and from $1.5 million to $700,000 for private institutions.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Maryland bill would create commission to consider reparations for slavery
The Brief A new bill aimed at studying reparations for slavery in Maryland is now on the governor's desk. The bill won't order slavery reparations but form a commission to consider potential reparations for slavery. The commission would cost taxpayers $54,500 a year. Some legislators say with the state's $3.3 billion budget deficit, they just can't afford it. ANNAPOLIS - A controversial bill is sitting on Maryland Gov. Wes Moore's desk right now. It involves studying reparations for slavery in the state. With the legislative session winding down and a budget crisis still looming, it's drawing a lot of attention. The bill won't order slavery reparations but form a commission to consider potential reparations for slavery and the lingering effects of racial discrimination in Maryland. The commission would cost taxpayers $54,500 a year. The backstory This legislation has been a priority of the legislative black caucus in Maryland. They were able to get it passed with a 101-36 vote along party lines but now the focus shifts to the governor's office and the question if he will sign it or not. "We are in a deep fiscal crisis right now and we are not going to kick the can down the road on that and so I'm working with and will continue to work with the general assembly to make sure everything that makes it to my desk understands the "lenses" in which we're dealing with," Gov. Moore said. Republicans say with the state's $3.3 billion budget deficit, they just can't afford it. "Once again, we should be concerned with fixing or budget deficit and trying to make Maryland more livable and more affordable for people," said Sen. Justin Ready, who represents Carroll and Frederick Counties. Dig deeper A California Reparations Task Force released a report after two-year study, recommending a formal apology for slavery and to offer financial payouts up to $1.2 million. "Slavery is an indelible stain upon our history. It does not, and it cannot blot out the greatness of the American experience," Maryland House Republican Leader Jason Buckel said. While Maryland lawmakers debated on the bill, there were questions about who would determine who would be eligible but supporters say those guardrails are in place. "They will look at eligibility requirements for applicants, if any, including appropriate methods for people do demonstrate eligibility. So this commission is coming up with the eligibility requirements," Democratic Delegate Joseline A. Pena-Melnyk said. What's next If the law is enacted, the commission must provide its preliminary report by Jan. 1, 2027, and a final report by Nov. 1, 2027.
CBS News
03-04-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Maryland lawmakers approve measure to study reparations for slavery
Maryland lawmakers voted Wednesday to create a commission to study and recommend potential reparations for slavery and the lingering effects of racial discrimination in the state. The 101-36 vote in the Maryland House sends the bill to Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat who says he will consider the legislation. Potential reparations outlined in the bill include official statements of apology, monetary compensation, property tax rebates, social service assistance, as well as licensing and permit fee waivers and reimbursement. Reparations also could include assistance with making a down payment on a home, business incentives, child care, debt forgiveness, and tuition payment waivers for higher education. The measure was a top priority of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, which has 66 members and is the largest Black caucus in the nation's state legislatures. "The commission will carefully examine and evaluate a range of reparations proposals that will not only consider financial restitution, but will also explore strategies to support and uplift vulnerable communities that continue to suffer the lingering and evasive effects of discriminatory practices rooted in systematic racism," Del. Aletheia McCaskill, a Baltimore County Democrat, said when the caucus outlined its priorities for the legislative session in January. Moore, who is the state's first Black governor and nation's only Black governor currently in office, has declined to say whether he will sign the measure, noting the lingering impact of racism while also acknowledging the state's difficult budget conditions. "I have said and long stated that the history of racism in this state is real," the governor told reporters, adding that the impacts "are still very much being felt and they've been structurally felt within the state of Maryland." Moore also noted the state's fiscal constraints in a tough budget year, saying he's viewing legislation through the lens of growing Maryland's economy, making the state more business-friendly and investing in the state's people. Last year, California lawmakers passed some of the nation's most ambitious legislation aimed at atoning for a legacy of racist policies that drove racial disparities for Black people. None of the bills provided widespread direct payments to Black Americans. Instead, California lawmakers approved the return of land or compensation to families whose property was unjustly seized by the government, and issuing a formal apology. New York City lawmakers approved legislation last year to study the city's significant role in slavery and consider reparations to descendants of enslaved people.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Maryland lawmakers plan to study reparations for slavery
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland lawmakers voted Wednesday to create a commission to study and recommend potential reparations for slavery and the lingering effects of racial discrimination in the state. The 101-36 vote in the Maryland House sends the bill to Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat who says he will consider the legislation. Potential reparations outlined in the bill include official statements of apology, monetary compensation, property tax rebates, social service assistance, as well as licensing and permit fee waivers and reimbursement. Reparations also could include assistance with making a down payment on a home, business incentives, child care, debt forgiveness, and tuition payment waivers for higher education. The measure was a top priority of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, which has 66 members and is the largest Black caucus in the nation's state legislatures. 'The commission will carefully examine and evaluate a range of reparations proposals that will not only consider financial restitution, but will also explore strategies to support and uplift vulnerable communities that continue to suffer the lingering and evasive effects of discriminatory practices rooted in systematic racism,' Del. Aletheia McCaskill, a Baltimore County Democrat, said when the caucus outlined its priorities for the legislative session in January. Moore, who is the state's first Black governor and nation's only Black governor currently in office, has declined to say whether he will sign the measure, noting the lingering impact of racism while also acknowledging the state's difficult budget conditions. 'I have said and long stated that the history of racism in this state is real,' the governor told reporters, adding that the impacts "are still very much being felt and they've been structurally felt within the state of Maryland.' Moore also noted the state's fiscal constraints in a tough budget year, saying he's viewing legislation through the lens of growing Maryland's economy, making the state more business-friendly and investing in the state's people. Last year, California lawmakers passed some of the nation's most ambitious legislation aimed at atoning for a legacy of racist policies that drove racial disparities for Black people. None of the bills provided widespread direct payments to Black Americans. Instead, California lawmakers approved the return of land or compensation to families whose property was unjustly seized by the government, and issuing a formal apology. New York City lawmakers approved legislation last year to study the city's significant role in slavery and consider reparations to descendants of enslaved people.
The Independent
03-04-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Maryland lawmakers plan to study reparations for slavery
Maryland lawmakers voted Wednesday to create a commission to study and recommend potential reparations for slavery and the lingering effects of racial discrimination in the state. The 101-36 vote in the Maryland House sends the bill to Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat who says he will consider the legislation. Potential reparations outlined in the bill include official statements of apology, monetary compensation, property tax rebates, social service assistance, as well as licensing and permit fee waivers and reimbursement. Reparations also could include assistance with making a down payment on a home, business incentives, child care, debt forgiveness, and tuition payment waivers for higher education. The measure was a top priority of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, which has 66 members and is the largest Black caucus in the nation's state legislatures. 'The commission will carefully examine and evaluate a range of reparations proposals that will not only consider financial restitution, but will also explore strategies to support and uplift vulnerable communities that continue to suffer the lingering and evasive effects of discriminatory practices rooted in systematic racism,' Del. Aletheia McCaskill, a Baltimore County Democrat, said when the caucus outlined its priorities for the legislative session in January. Moore, who is the state's first Black governor and nation's only Black governor currently in office, has declined to say whether he will sign the measure, noting the lingering impact of racism while also acknowledging the state's difficult budget conditions. 'I have said and long stated that the history of racism in this state is real,' the governor told reporters, adding that the impacts "are still very much being felt and they've been structurally felt within the state of Maryland.' Moore also noted the state's fiscal constraints in a tough budget year, saying he's viewing legislation through the lens of growing Maryland's economy, making the state more business-friendly and investing in the state's people. Last year, California lawmakers passed some of the nation's most ambitious legislation aimed at atoning for a legacy of racist policies that drove racial disparities for Black people. None of the bills provided widespread direct payments to Black Americans. Instead, California lawmakers approved the return of land or compensation to families whose property was unjustly seized by the government, and issuing a formal apology. New York City lawmakers approved legislation last year to study the city's significant role in slavery and consider reparations to descendants of enslaved people.
