Left to right, Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr., Senate President, smiles as Gov. Martin O'Malley and Michael E. Busch, House Speaker, sign SB 278 and HB 227 Maryland Employment Advancement Right Now (EARN) Program into law in the Governor's reception room. (Kim Hairston, Baltimore Sun /April 9, 2013)
The legislation, sponsored by Del. Carolyn J.B. Howard, a Prince George's County Democrat, passed on a vote of 110-27. It now goes to the Senate.
The bill would let incumbent officeholders and candidates use their campaign funds to pay for the travel, lodging, meal and registration costs of conferences focused on policy issues related to the office they hold or are seeking. Candidates now are restricted to spending such money for campaign expenses or publication of a legislative newsletter.
