January 14th, 2015 by WCBC Radio
One thing's certain about the General Assembly session that opens Wednesday: It will feature a budget fight. Otherwise, the 435th session of Maryland's legislature is unpredictable. Gov.-elect Larry Hogan has been singularly focused on state spending, and he broke with custom by not telling General Assembly leaders what other issues he will pursue. Democrats, who have dominated all branches of state government, will work with a Republican governor for the first time in eight years. Adding to the uncertainty: The legislature will have it’s the biggest freshman class in at least two decades. The only issue sure to command attention is a clash over how to close an estimated $750 million shortfall in the budget year that begins July 1. Funding for transportation projects, colleges, K-12 education, aid to local governments and health programs appear most vulnerable to cuts. Locally, the District One delegation has undergone a dramatic change with a fifty percent turnover. The senior member of the delegation, beginning his 9th term is State Senator George Edwards…
.jpg)
