We look at how the sequestration spending cuts are affecting Maryland's largest employer, Fort Meade... and at the furloughs for air traffic controllers that are kicking in this week. A report on the potential leadership battle brewing for Republicans in the House of Delegates. Plus: the latest on challenges to MD's new gun control legislation, proposals for Baltimore's budget, and a look at how a US Senate bill requiring state sales taxes for internet buys could impact MD's gas taxes in the year to come.
Sequestration: Seven weeks ago, hundreds of thousands of Maryland workers faced an uncertain future as the federal spending cuts known as sequestration went into effect. And even now, those workers STILL aren't sure what to expect. WYPR's Mary Rose Madden went to Fort Meade to see how the 85-billion dollars in cuts are playing out for Maryland's largest employer. Meanwhile, the sequestration spending cuts are having new effects this week; as furloughs kick in for some of the nation's air traffic controllers. It's possible that the furloughs could have a ripple effect on schedules at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. The FAA tells WJZ that the furloughs will likely cause delays of minutes to hours at the country's largest airports.
MD GOP Leadership: After the Maryland Republican Party got a new chairman over the weekend, there's now a move underway to change GOP leadership in the House of Delegates. Party insiders tell marylandreporter.com that Delegate Nicholaus Kipke is looking to replace House Minority Leader Tony O'Donnell and Delegate Kathy Szeliga is aiming to take over the House Minority Whip position from Delegate Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio. An election that will determine the leadership posts is set to take place a week from today; the victors will likely lead Republicans' efforts to gain House seats in next year's elections. The Washington Post reports that newly-elected state GOP chair Diana Waterman says she's also committed to getting more Republicans elected in heavily-Democratic Maryland. A programming note: we'll talk with Diana Waterman at 9, on Maryland Morning with Sheilah Kast.
Challenges To MD's New Gun Law: The National Rifle Association is planning to take legal action against Maryland and New York over the newly passed gun-control legislation. Maryland's sweeping gun bill was championed by Governor Martin O'Malley, who says he'll sign it into law next month. O'Malley and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo are both considered to be potential contenders in the 2016 presidential race; and the Baltimore Sun reports that NRA President Keene has indicated the two Governors' political ambitions may be a factor in the group's decision to challenge these laws; Keene says the NRA doesn't plan to challenge new gun laws in other states. The NRA also also says it won't back a petition drive to put the new gun law before Maryland voters; the Gazette notes that the organization that successfully put three controversial laws on last year's ballot says it also will not push for a referendum on the gun measure.
Internet Sales Taxes: The US Senate yesterday advanced a bill that would require online businesses to collect state sales taxes. Currently, most internet businesses don't charge a sales tax, and while people are required to declare their online purchases for state taxing purposes, most do not. If the Senate gives final approval to the bill -- and it's also passed by the House of Representatives -- Marylanders would not see their gas taxes go up as much as currently scheduled; the Baltimore Sun notes that a transportation funding bill passed during this year's General Assembly session would see gas taxes go up about 7 cents per gallon in 2016 if Congress does NOT allow the collection of sales taxes on internet buys.
Baltimore's Budget: The Baltimore City Council is getting the first phase of Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake's budget plan. It includes new taxes for taxi services and billboards. Phase two is coming soon and will call for property tax cuts and changes to benefits for city workers. Mayor Rawlings-Blake tells WJZ-TV that she's "willing to listen" to ideas on how to increase Baltimore's revenue stream.
Escape From Central Booking: An inmate who tried to escape from Baltimore central booking yesterday morning now has a leg wound after being shot by a corrections officer. The Baltimore Sun reports that the unidentified man was in custody after being arrested for loitering when he slipped out of his plastic handcuffs and took off out the back gate, being shot in the leg before jumping a fence. He ran down an embankment and into a parking lot before being taken into custody again. The man is hospitalized in stable condition, and the case remains under investigation.
In sports news: the Orioles took down the Toronto Blue Jays yesterday; the score was 2 to 1. The win puts the O's at 11-and-8 for the season. The Orioles play the Blue Jays again tonight at Camden Yards; the game starts at 7:05pm.