edward j kasemeyer

• Maryland

Election Day 2018 in Maryland: District 12 stays in Democratic hands

District 12 Democrat State Del. Clarence Lam handily won his bid to replace the retiring Democrat Sen. Edward J. Kasemeyer on Election Day. The district represents constituents in both Howard and Baltimore counties.

By Cody Boteler

Nov 7, 2018

• Politics

Maryland Republicans fall short of hoped-for gains in Senate, lose seats in House

The Maryland Republican Party was seeking to ride Gov. Larry Hogan's coattails to curb Democrats' power in General Assembly. Their effort failed.

By Michael Dresser

Nov 6, 2018

• Opinion

The Baltimore Sun endorses — a complete list of our picks in the 2018 midterm election

Here are The Sun's endorsements in Tuesday's midterm elections.

• Opinion

Sun endorsements: The 'Drive for Five' Senate races

The Sun provides endorsements in the six state Senate races targeted as part of Gov. Larry Hogan's "Drive for Five."

• Maryland

Lam beats Sigaty in wide victory for District 12 Democratic candidate for state Senate

A team of incumbent Democratic legislators representing District 12 — including Clarence Lam who beat out Mary Kay Sigaty for state Senate nomination — along with a newcomer, will likely advance as a slate to the general election in November.

By Cody Boteler

Jun 27, 2018

• Politics

Two Baltimore state senators defeated in Maryland General Assembly races; Conway trails in tight contest

All of the 188 seats in the Maryland General Assembly — 47 in the Senate, 141 in the House of Delegates — were on the ballot Tuesday, forcing many veteran incumbents in the Baltimore region and elsewhere to face possible ouster as voters decided whether to make sweeping changes in Annapolis. 

By Michael Dresser

Jun 26, 2018

• Maryland

Two Democrats face off for state Senate District 12 seat

Howard County Council member Mary Kay Sigaty and District 12 Del. Clarence Lam vie in primary election for Democratic nomination for District 12 state Senate seat. The winner will face sole GOP candidate Joe Hooe in the November election.

By Cody Boteler

Jun 14, 2018

• Maryland

Win, lose, draw: how the General Assembly session ended for Howard County

We took a look at the county’s legislation and representatives to give a rundown of Howard County’s winners and losers from this year’s General Assembly session.

By Kate Magill

Apr 10, 2018

• Politics

Maryland lawmakers' tax relief plan leaves many with higher state tax bills

More than one in five Maryland taxpayers will their state and local income tax bills go up by $730, on average, next year. The tax relief plan nearing final passage would reduce that tab by $40.

By Erin Cox

Apr 9, 2018

• Politics

Despite assurances, 9 percent of Maryland taxpayers are likely to pay more for 2018

Despite assurances from the most powerful three men in Maryland politics, not all Marylanders will be protected from paying more as a result of the new federal tax bill.

By Michael Dresser

Mar 27, 2018

• Politics

Maryland Senate unanimously approves $44.5 billion state operating budget

The state spending plan for the fiscal year that begins July 1 represents a 2.2 percent increase over the current fiscal year.

By Michael Dresser

Mar 15, 2018

• Maryland

Baltimore Metro Subway to reopen Friday after monthlong shutdown for emergency repairs as legislature boosts budget

The entire Baltimore Metro Subway will reopen Friday morning​​​​​​, three days earlier than expected, the Maryland Transit Administration announced, after a nearly one-month shutdown for emergency track repairs that officials said couldn’t wait until this summer.

• Politics

Maryland Senate panel scraps Hogan tax relief bill, OKs alternative

Gov. Larry Hogan's proposed bill to protect Marylanders from negative effects of President Donald Trump's tax overhaul would overshoot the mark and actually amount to a significant tax cut, according to legislative analysts.

By Michael Dresser

Mar 6, 2018

• Maryland

Meet the Republicans running for District 12's House seats

Three Republican candidates, all from the Baltimore County side of the district, have announced their candidacy for one of District 12’s three long Democrat-held delegate seats.

By Libby Solomon

Feb 23, 2018

• Politics

Maryland Senate budget chief Kasemeyer decides not to run for re-election

Senate Budget & Taxation Committee Chairman Edward J. Kasemeyer will not run for re-election.

By Michael Dresser

Feb 9, 2018

• Baltimore County

'Anything can happen' as southwest Baltimore County delegates prepare for start of legislature

During the 2018 state legislative session, southwest county delegates plan to work on issues ranging from healthcare and education to beer.

By Libby Solomon

Jan 3, 2018

• Baltimore County

A revival of ideas for redeveloping Spring Grove land

As community members clamor for a chance to reinvent Spring Grove's 189-acre campus, the Maryland Department of Health is making no promises.

By Libby Solomon

Oct 9, 2017

• Politics

Hogan proposes $68 million cut to this year's Maryland budget

Even though the state's financial picture hasn't changed, Gov. Larry Hogan wants to trim Maryland spending mid-year.

• Politics

Madaleno enters Democratic race for governor

Stalwart liberal state Sen. Richard S. Madaleno Jr. is planning to launch his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for governor Monday — heralding a contest for the party’s progressive base.

By Michael Dresser

Jul 16, 2017

• Politics

Hogan says he wants to keep Preakness in Baltimore, is willing to discuss deal

Gov. Larry Hogan opened the door Tuesday to discussion of a state investment in a renovation of Pimlico Race Course, saying he wants to keep the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore and is willing to work out a deal if the price is right.

• Politics

General Assembly completes work on Hogan's $43.5 billion budget

The General Assembly wrapped up its work on the state budget Tuesday as both houses gave final approval to the compromise reached the day before by House and Senate negotiators.

By Michael Dresser

Mar 28, 2017

• Politics

Deal to fund Baltimore schools, pass manufacturing tax break taking shape

A deal that give the Baltimore school system money to help close its $130 million funding shortfall and Gov. Larry Hogan his proposed tax break for manufacturers is taking shape in Annapolis.

By Michael Dresser

Mar 24, 2017

• Politics

As Maryland lawmakers near budget vote, trepidation about future looms

As the House of Delegates nears an up-or-down vote on Gov. Larry Hogan's $43.5 billion spending plan Thursday, House budget chief Maggie McIntosh sees a lot of good news. Looming, however, are Republican President Donald J. Trump's expected cutbacks to the federal workforce.

By Michael Dresser

Mar 15, 2017

• Politics

Franchot seeks new police powers against income tax fraud

Comptroller Peter Franchot, who failed last year in his efforts to get more power to investigate tax cheats, is trying again. This year he has a powerful new ally in Republican Gov. Larry Hogan. But the bill still has to get through the Maryland Senate.

By Michael Dresser

Feb 15, 2017

• Politics

Hogan says budget will reduce Maryland government spending

Gov, Larry Hogan outlined a budget Tuesday that he said reduces spending for next year while holding off tax increases or painful cuts to service.

By Michael Dresser

Jan 17, 2017

• Maryland

Three bills compete to change Howard’s school board structure

The structure of Howard County's school board could be up for a toss-up as state lawmakers propose three competing plans to redraw how school board members are elected.

By Fatimah Waseem

Dec 12, 2016

• Baltimore County

Arbutus is latest stop for workshops on bus route changes, questioned by riders

In what MTA called a fundamental shift in the bus system, the agency has created a system of 12 CityLink routes to eliminate bottlenecks in downtown Baltimore.

• Politics

Maryland Senate panel rejects tax break for manufacturers

A state Senate committee decided to put off any action on proposed tax breaks for manufacturers until at least next year, deciding there isn't enough time before the end of the 2016 legislative session on April 11 to craft legislation.

By Michael Dresser

Mar 29, 2016

• Politics

Senate panel OKs income tax cuts for most Marylanders

A Senate committee approved a tax cut package Thursday that bears only a slight resemblance to Gov. Larry Hogan's plan, making it likely that several of his proposals will go by the wayside.

By Michael Dresser

Mar 17, 2016

• Politics

Maryland Senate's revised budget bill would bar use of aircraft for tax assessments

A Senate committee's version of Gov. Larry Hogan's budget would bar the state from using aircraft flights over people's land to assess their value for property tax purposes.

By Michael Dresser

Mar 16, 2016

• Politics

Hogan proposes $12.7 million more for Baltimore schools

Gov. Larry Hogan proposed Thursday to spend $12.7 million to help Baltimore offset education aid it had lost because of declining enrollment.

• Maryland

Maryland's working poor likely to get a boost

Amid the partisan discord and more than 100 competing tax proposals in Annapolis, Republicans and Democrats have firmly agreed on one thing. They want to funnel millions into the pockets of Maryland's working poor, expanding a program widely considered the government's most effective tool for helping people out of poverty.

By Erin Cox

Mar 5, 2016

• Baltimore County

Ebersole proposes liquor law change to help Catonsville Gourmet

Del. Eric Ebersole has filed a bill that will allow Catonsville Gourmet to serve liquor, even though it's less than 300 feet away from a church in Baltimore County.

By Rachael Pacella

Feb 19, 2016

• Politics

Hogan backs off plan to build new Baltimore jail

Responding to criticism from lawmakers, Gov. Larry Hogan on Thursday said he no longer wants to pay for a new Baltimore jail in his budget and instead wants lawmakers to put the money toward projects at state universities.

• Howard County

Howard delegates unite around public criticism of county's school system

The Howard County Delegation unanimously passed a bill Wednesday that would launch a state-level investigation into how county school officials have handled public information requests under Superintendent Renee Foose's leadership. After the vote, several delegates questioned the county school board's handling of Foose's recent contract renewal.

By Lisa Philip

Feb 11, 2016

• Maryland

Enough of game-playing politicians

U.S. Representative Christopher Van Hollen, a Democrat, is Mr. Gerrymander. He first gained national office in 2003 in large part due to the gerrymandering of Maryland's Eighth Congressional District. The reshaping of the Eighth District was done by Maryland Democrats with the intent to eliminate Republican Connie Morella, who had held that seat for about 16 years.

• Politics

Maryland General Assembly leaders Miller, Busch back college savings plan

Democratic leaders of the Maryland legislature said Monday they will push plans to help people save for college and pay off student debt.

• Business

Tax policy likely a focus in the new year

Lowering taxes for business is likely to be a focus of Annapolis lawmakers in the new year, as Gov. Larry Hogan seeks to deliver on promises made during the election and Democrats look to burnish their credentials with business. While momentum is gathering for reform, just what shape that tax relief may take — and how far it will go — remains unclear.

By Natalie Sherman

Dec 25, 2015

• Politics

Md officials warn state debt threatens construction projects

A state budget expert told local officials Thursday the cost of Maryland's debt has grown so large that construction projects may have to be canceled.

By Erin Cox

Dec 11, 2015

• Opinion

'Veep' may be on the move. Maryland-based HBO series gets tax credits to film in California

The political comedy series "Veep," which has been filmed the past four years in Columbia and elsewhere around Maryland, may be on the verge of pulling up stakes after landing $6.5 million in tax credits from California to shoot there.

• Politics

Hogan releases $68M for state employee raises

Maryland state employees will not have to give back the 2 percent pay raise they received Jan 1.

By Michael Dresser

May 6, 2015

• Baltimore County

Charlestown residents get report on General Assembly

District 12 legislators field questions from residents

• Maryland

Political polarization discussed at McDaniel lecture

• Politics

What to expect in Annapolis this week

The House and the Senate are expected to go into conference by the end of next week on the one things they must do under the Maryland Constitution ¿ pass a balanced budget.

By Michael Dresser

Mar 30, 2015

• Business

Senate panel rejects gas tax cut, other Hogan proposals

A Senate committee cut a swath through Gov. Larry Hogan's first-year legislative agenda Friday as it said no to several of his flagship initiatives, including a halt to increases in the gas tax.

By Michael Dresser

Mar 27, 2015

• Howard County

School start date up for debate, again

Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot has long been a supporter of starting school after Labor Day and in January he picked up a new, key supporter of this proposal, Gov. Larry Hogan.

• Politics

Lawmakers weigh pension shift to free up funds

The General Assembly's budget committees are weighing a proposal to change the way it funds its state employee pension system, a move that would free up as much as $60 million that Democratic lawmakers would like to redirect to education and other programs.

By Michael Dresser

Feb 27, 2015

• Politics

Despite deadline, no details of Hogan's 2 percent spending cuts

The Hogan administration still isn't tipping its hand how it intends to trim spending by 2 percent in every agency next year, despite a request for details from heads of the General Assembly's budget committees.

By Timothy B. Wheeler

Feb 27, 2015

• Politics

Despite Hogan promises, critics see 'gimmicks' in his budget

During the campaign that took him to the State House, Gov. Larry Hogan frequently railed against former Gov. Martin O'Malley's use of "gimmicks" to balance the budget.

• Politics

Budget panel chiefs seek specifics on Hogan's 2% budget cuts

Budget panel chiefs seek specifics on Hogan's 2% budget cuts