The Week Ahead

Last week the Senate passed its version of the budget, including progressive and moderate revenue measures that protect the state from more painful cuts.  This week budget action moves to the House.

Monday, March 19^th

• Senate Budget and Taxation Committee holds a hearing on the Tax Credit Evaluation Act (SB 739/HB 764), which MBTPI supports.   The committee will also hold hearings on a number of tax credits and other bills.  2pm in the Senate Office Building.
• House Ways and Means Committee holds a hearing on the State and Local Revenue and Financing Act of 2012 (SB 523).  2pm in the House Office Building.
• House Appropriations Committee will hold a hearing on the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act (SB 152).  3pm in the House Office Building.

Tuesday, March 20^th

• Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee holds a hearing on SB 966, which would prohibit discrimination on the basis of employment status.  One of the distinctive features of the Great Recession and its aftereffects is that the number of long-term unemployed has risen dramatically.  The situation is further exacerbated because some employers now refuse to consider applicants unless they are already employed.  SB 966 would prohibit that practice in Maryland.  1pm in the Senate Office Building.

Wednesday, March 21^st

• House debates the Operating Budget (2nd Reading, subject to change).
• Senate Finance Committee holds a hearing on SB 778, which would increase regulation of rent-to-own businesses. MBTPI supports this bill.  1pm in the Senate Office Building.

Thursday, March 22^nd

• House debates the Operating Budget (3rd Reading, subject to change).