The Week Ahead

March was the best month on record for MBTPI's blog. Our most read posts included a guest post on unaccompanied homeless youth, a summary of the federal sequester, and a post outlining the case for increasing the cigarette tax. Last week was a bit slower, with one post on Maryland's falling unemployment rate.

For the week of April 1st to April 7th:

• Both houses passed their version of the operating budget and now need to hash out the differences in conference committee. As of this morning, there is no news on when the committee will meet. Today is the 83rd day of the session - the constitutional target date for budget passage, but that now seems unlikely. Look for our blog post tomorrow about the legislature's apparent lack of urgency.  
• MBTPI is also watching closely for action on SB 703/HB 845. This bill would increase the state refundable earned income tax credit, offsetting the negative effects on low-income families of the important transportation funding bill already passed.
• The Board of Public Works meets on Wednesday, April 3rd, at 10am in the State House.