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Politics

Md. pursues one of the most ambitious climate change plans in the U.S.

Maryland lawmakers passed an omnibus climate change bill on Thursday designed to give the state some of the most aggressive environmental goals in the country — if the bill survives a veto threat from Republican Gov. Larry Hogan. The sprawling legislation accelerates Maryland’s already ambitious environmental goals, seeking to cut emissions by 60 percent of 2006 levels by 2031, up from the current goal of 40 percent. It also spells out sweeping changes to get there.

Hogan Endorses Thiru Vignarajah For Baltimore City State’s Attorney
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan on Thursday endorsed Thiru Vignarajah for Baltimore City State’s Attorney. It is the first time Hogan, a Republican, has endorsed a Democratic candidate. The governor has long taken aim at incumbent Marilyn Mosby, blaming policies like her choice to no longer prosecute certain crimes for Baltimore’s violent crime problem.
Read More: WJZ
Scott And Harrison Join Lawmakers, Advocates In Calling On Hogan To Sign ‘Ghost Gun’ Ban

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and Police Commissioner Michael Harrison joined state lawmakers and gun control advocates in calling on Gov. Larry Hogan to sign into law a ban on “ghost guns,” unserialized firearms that can be purchased as kits and assembled at home. A bill prohibiting people from purchasing, receiving, selling, offering to sell or transferring a “ghost gun” or “ghost gun” part on or after March 1, 2023 was passed in the House of Delegates on Tuesday by a vote of 92 to 41. The Senate passed it on March 16, 35-11.

Read More: WJZ
The Lobby: Ukraine, Locally with Senator Jim Rosapepe

In episode 29 of The Lobby, Damian speaks with Senator Jim Rosapepe (MD-21) about the legislative session and the suspension of the gas tax. Then, stick around while the Senator gives his view of the unfolding situation in Ukraine, colored by his own foreign policy experience as the U.S. Ambassador to Romania from 1997-2001.

We hope to see you soon in the Lobby.

House Passes Statewide Paid Leave Program

The House of Delegates gave final approval to a paid family and medical leave program on Wednesday that would cover most Marylanders but does not specify how much employers and workers would have to contribute until an analysis is complete. The Time to Care Act, sponsored by Sens. Antonio Hayes (D-Baltimore City) and Joanne Benson (D-Prince George’s), would offer Marylanders 12 weeks of partially paid family leave each year to care for themselves after a serious health issue and up to 24 weeks of paid leave for new parents.

Marilyn Mosby amends report that falsely attributed contribution to her dead grandfather

Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby has amended her annual finance report to indicate that her 84-year-old grandmother – and not her deceased grandfather – contributed to her campaign. The corrected report, submitted to the State Board of Elections, wipes from the public record a $500 check that was listed as coming from Prescott Thompson, who died in 2016, on November 30, 2021

Read More: Baltimore Brew
Hogan Announces $216 Million Cancer ‘Moonshot’ Effort with Latest Budget Amendment

Gov. Lawrence J. Hogan Jr. announced a $216 million plan on Wednesday that would boost funding for cancer treatment, prevention and research in Maryland. The investment, which uses a historic budget surplus to invest in projects prioritized by Hogan (R) and legislative leaders, was formally introduced as a supplemental budget amendment in the General Assembly.

Bill to expand Maryland abortion access arrives on Gov. Larry Hogan’s desk

Health care workers besides physicians could start performing abortions in Maryland and the procedure would be covered without cost by most insurance plans in the state under legislation passed by the General Assembly this week and is now headed to Gov. Larry Hogan’s desk. The Abortion Care Access Act received broad support from Maryland Democrats, who hold veto-proof majorities in both chambers of the General Assembly, and was passed over fervent objections from Republican lawmakers who oppose abortion on moral grounds.

Read More: Baltimore Sun
Juvenile justice reform bills seeking to ‘treat children as children’ could mean big changes for Maryland’s youth

While her son spent 891 days in Maryland juvenile detention over a stolen cell phone, his first encounter with the justice system, Keisha Hogan found her voice. Earlier this month — seven years after her son was released — she delivered an impassioned speech to state legislators asking them to support proposed legislation that would prevent other Maryland youth from being incarcerated under similar circumstances.

Read More: Baltimore Sun
Biden Pleads with Congress for More COVID Aid, Gets His Own Second Booster

President Joe Biden announced a new COVID-19 government website Wednesday while urging Congress to approve billions in funding to keep the pandemic at bay. Speaking from the White House, Biden said that without a bipartisan agreement on new funding, the federal government will need to roll back or end programs meant to curb the spread of the virus.

The Morning Rundown

We’re staying up to the minute on the issues shaping the future. Join us on the newsletter of choice for Maryland politicos and business leaders. It’s always free to join and never a hassle to leave. See you on the inside.