Week Ahead (Memorial Day Edition)

Last week was slow at MBTPI. Here's a look at the week ahead.

For the week of May 27th to June 2nd:

• On Tuesday, May 27^th, the Alcoholic Beverages Article Review Committee meets at 5pm in the Judicial Training room at 2009F Commerce Park Drive, Annapolis.

• On Wednesday, May 28^th, the Board of Public Works will meet at 10am in the Governor’s Reception Room at the State House, Annapolis.

• Additionally on Wednesday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) will release its April report on Metropolitan Area Employment at 10am.

• Later on Wednesday, May 29^th, the Health Care Delivery and Financing Joint Committee will convene to discuss the Medicare Waiver at 1pm in Room 240 of the House Office Building on 6 Bladen Street, Annapolis.

Week Ahead (Mother's Day Edition)

Yesterday was Mother's Day (hope you didn't need the reminder!), and we're celebrating by highlighting a blog post last week by the Bureau of Labor Statistics about working mothers.

Last week we blogged about U.S. Senate action on the internet sales tax, which has the potential to help Maryland businesses as well as state government. We also blogged about how unpopular Maryland is with CEO Magazine. And, we released our latest animated video, on the need for paid sick leave (watch other videos here).

For the week of May 13th through May 19th:

• On Tuesday, May 14th, the Advisory Council for Alternative Response holds their monthly meeting. From 1pm in room 1044 of the Department of Human Resources, 311 West Saratoga Street, Baltimore.
• The Maryland Commission on Artistic Property also meets on Tuesday, at 1:30pm in room 180 of the House Office Building, Annapolis. The Commission will discuss matters related to the State owned art collection.
• Later on Tuesday, the State Commission on Criminal Sentencing Policy meets at 5:30pm at 2009D Commerce Park Drive, Annapolis. 
• Finally on Tuesday, the Community Services Reimbursement Rate Commission meets from 6-8pm at the Mental Hygiene Administration office at 55 Wade Avenue, Catonsville. 
• On Wednesday, May 15th, the Board of Public Works meets at 10am in the State House, Annapolis.
• On Thursday, May 16th, the Maryland Health Care Commission meets at 1pm in their offices at 4160 Patterson Avenue, Baltimore.
• On Friday, May 17th, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) releases state-level employment figures for April. The initial BLS estimate for March found that Maryland's unemployment rate held steady at 6.6 percent, though the number of unemployed residents fell. However, the national figures for April included positive revisions to the February and March estimates, which may spill over to Maryland's figures.

The Week Ahead

Last week we blogged about new family employment figures. This week keep an eye out for the release of our fourth State of Working Maryland 2012 video, on paid sick leave.

For the week of April 29nd through May 5th:

• On Monday, April 29th, the Durable Medical Equipment Provider Task Force discusses recommendations to the Board of Pharmacy regarding which prescription devices it should regulate, from 1-3pm in the Metro Executive Building rooms 108-109, 4201 Patterson Avenue, Baltimore.
• Also on Monday, the Alcoholic Beverages Article Review Committee meets to discuss per diem licenses at 5pm in the Judicial Training Room, 2009F Commerce Park Drive, Annapolis.
• On Wednesday, May 1st, the Maryland Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Authority meets at 9am in the Lower Level Conference Room at the One Call Center, 7223 Parkway Drive, Hanover.
• The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) releases metropolitan level employment figures for March. Preliminary data for February showed declining unemployment rates in all Maryland metros, compared to one year prior (the data is not seasonally adjusted and therefore must be examined by comparing February 2013 with February 2012).
• Also on Wednesday, the Board of Public Works meets at 10am in the State House.
• Wednesday afternoon sees a meeting of the Health Services Cost Review Commission at 1pm in room 100 of 4160 Patterson Avenue, Baltimore.
• On Friday, May 3rd, BLS releases national employment figures for April. Preliminary data for March showed a slight decline in the unemployment rate.

The Week Ahead (Tax Day Edition)

Happy Tax Day (really)! We're thankful yet again for all the things our federal and state taxes pay for--like education, healthcare, and public safety.

Last week we published a follow up post to our pre-session discussion of the three big bad wolves threatening Maryland's budget. We also blogged about the important non-budget legislation passed in the 2013 session, and on unfinished business.

MBTPI is co-hosting a Legislative Reception next week on Tuesday, April 23rd, to celebrate the end of the 2013 legislative session and we want you to be part of it. Click through to find out more or to register for this free event.

For the week of April 15th through April 21st:

• Our friends at Maryland Hunger Solutions are holding a conference call for organizations interested in or engaged in food stamp outreach from 9:30-10:30am on Wednesday, April 17th. The call will focus on the benefits of joining the Maryland Food Supplement Program State Outreach Plan, including the potential for federal reimbursement for staff time and marketing activities related to these efforts. Click here to register.
• That same morning the Board of Public Works meets at 10am.
• The Interagency Committee on School Construction holds their regular meeting at 9am on Thursday, April 18th in Baltimore. School construction, particularly in Baltimore City, was an important issue in the 2013 session.
• Also on Thursday, the Maryland Health Care Commission meets at 1pm.
• On Friday, April 19th, the Bureau of Labor Statistics releases state-level employment figures for March.

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.

The Week Ahead

Last week MBTPI blogged about sequestration and Maryland's annual average employment in 2012. We also testified in support of bills to create a tiered earned income disregard for recipients of temporary cash assistance, and earned sick and safe leave for employees.

For the week of March 4th to March 10th:

• Budget hearings are wrapping up. There are a few hearings on higher education, and in the Senate Health and Human Services Subcommittee. Most other subcommittees start making decisions. More information can be found on the budget hearing calendar.  
• Other issues with hearings and floor sessions this week include gun control, abolishing the death penalty, corporate tax reform, and possibly transportation funding. More information can be found on the committee calendar and floor agendas (click on a date to get more detailed information).
• Board of Public Works meets Wednesday, March 6th.
• Governor's Office of Healthcare Reform holds a stakeholder meeting in the Joint Hearing Room at 10am on Thursday, March 7th.
• Bureau of Labor Statistics releases national employment figures for February on Friday, March 8th.
• Bond Bill Saturday is March 9th.

The Week Ahead

Last week MBTPI released our Regular Person's Guide to the Governor's Fiscal Year 2014 Budget. We also hosted a guest blog from Clinton MacSherry, Director of Public Policy for the Maryland Family Network, about the underfunded Child Care Subsidies Program.

Policy highlights for the week of February 18th through February 22nd include:

Budget Hearings

• On Monday: the Senate Public Safety, Transportation, and Environment Subcommittee discusses the Department of the Environment, the Maryland Environmental Service, and the Maryland Aviation Administration at 1pm in room Schweinhaut, Senate Office Building (SOB). Later the House Transportation and the Environment Subcommittee discusses the Maryland Energy Administration, Public Service Commission, and the Office of People's Counsel at 3pm in room 120, House Office Building (HOB).

• On Tuesday: the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee discusses payments to Civil Divisions of the State, the Department of Information Technology, and the Executive Department at 1pm in room 3 West, SOB. The Senate Capital Budget Subcommittee will then discuss the Maryland Energy Administration and Department of Housing and Community Development at 3pm in the same room.

• On Wednesday: the House Education and Economic Development Subcommittee discusses the Maryland Higher Education Commission, aid to education, and workforce development at 1pm in room 145, HOB. The House Health and Human Resources Subcommittee discusses Medical Care programs at 1pm in room 150, HOB. The House Public Safety and Administration Subcommittee discusses the Executive Department, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of General Services, Maryland Tax Court, and the Worker's Compensation Commission at 1pm in room 120, HOB. The House Transportation and the Environment Subcommittee discusses the Department of Natural Resources, Maryland Transit Administration, and WMATA at 1pm in room 142, HOB. Finally, the House Capital Budget Subcommittee discusses the Maryland Energy Administration and the Department of Housing and Community Development at 4pm in room 120, HOB.

• On Thursday: the House Education and Economic Development Subcommittee discusses the University of Maryland Baltimore County, Towson University, St Mary"s College of Maryland, and Salisbury University at 1pm in room 145, HOB. The House Health and Human Resources Subcommittee discusses the Health Systems and Infrastructure Administration, the Prevention and Health Promotion Administration, and the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights at 1pm in room 150, HOB. The House Public Safety and Administration Subcommittee discusses the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS), the Maryland Parole Commission, and the State Treasurer at 1pm in room 120, HOB. In the Senate the Education, Business, and Administration Subcommittee takes up aid to education, workforce development, and the Maryland African American Museum Corporation at 1pm in room 3 West, SOB. The Senate Health and Human Services Subcommittee discusses Medical Care programs at 1pm in room Amoss, SOB. Finally, the Senate Public Safety, Transportation, and Environment Subcommittee discusses the Office of the Public Defender and the Department of Natural Resources at 1pm in room Schweinhaut, SOB.

• On Friday: the House Appropriations Committee discusses the State Reserve Fund, payments to Civil Divisions of the State, and the Department of Budget and Management at 1pm in room 120, HOB. In the Senate, the Education, Business, and Administration Subcommittee discusses the Maryland Higher Education Commission, TEDCO (the Maryland Technology Development Corp), and the State Treasurer at 1pm in room 3 West, SOB. The Senate Health and Human Services Subcommittee discusses the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Aging, and the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights at 1pm in room Amoss, SOB. Finally, the Senate Public Safety, Transportation, and Environment Subcommittee discusses DPSCS operations and the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention at 1pm in room Schweinhaut, SOB.

Other hearings

• On Monday: the Task Force to Study Maryland Insurance of Last-Resort Programs meets to discuss Senate Bill (SB) 749, which would make operational changes to the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund, at 3:30pm in room 231, HOB.

• On Wednesday: Senate Budget and Taxation hears SB 411, which would gradually lower the corporate tax rate, at 1pm. MBTPI will submit testimony calling for several amendments to this bill, and offer our support for the bill if it is so amended. We will post our testimony, including suggested amendments, on our website Wednesday. You will be able to find it under Advocacy>2013 Session. At 2pm the same committee will hear testimony on SB 830, a transportation financing act. MBTPI will also submit testimony calling for several amendments to this bill, and offer our support for the bill if it is so amended.

• Also on Wednesday: the Board of Public Works meets at 10am on the second floor of the State House.

• On Thursday: the Work Group to Review Disclosure Requirements of the Public Ethics Law discusses financial disclosures at 8:45am in room 250, HOB.

• Also on Thursday: the Maryland Health Care Commission meets at 1pm in conference room 100 at their offices, 4160 Patterson Avenue, Baltimore.

The Week Ahead

Yesterday was Veterans Day, when we honor those who served in our nation's military. This weekend was also the start of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. In a country where 67,000 veterans are homeless on any given night, this week serves as a poignant reminder that the best way to honor our veterans is to take better care of them than we currently do. Baltimore City alone has roughly 350 homeless veterans.

MBTPI was in the news several times in the lead-up to last week's election. We also blogged our reflections about the election and its potential effect on Maryland's budget.

Tuesday, November 13th

• Spending Affordability Committee meets for its second briefing from the Department of Legislative Services (DLS). This time DLS will present on transportation, capital, and state debt. 4pm in room 120, House Office Building, Annapolis.
• Joint Committee on Workers' Compensation Benefit and Insurance Oversight discusses the annual report by the Worker's Compensation Commission and other worker's compensation issues, including cancer presumption. 11am in room 231, House Office Building, Annapolis.
• Joint Subcommittee on Program Open Space and Agricultural Land Preservation receives an update on land conservation policies, funding and programs. 2pm in room 3 East, Senate Office Building, Annapolis.
• Advisory Council for Alternative Response holds its monthly meeting. 1pm in room 1044, Department of Human Resources, 311 West Saratoga Street, Baltimore. 
• U.S. Treasury Department releases federal budget numbers for October, including the national deficit.  
• Center for Community Service and Justice at Loyola University Maryland hosts a screening of The Line, a film about Americans living at or below the poverty line. 7pm in Cohn 133 (room below the chapel), 4501 North Charles Street, Baltimore.
• Maryland Nonprofits offers a Maximize Your Member Benefits webinar. For more information or to register go to their events page.

Wednesday, November 14th

• Special Joint Committee on Pensions meets for an update on the system actuarial valuation report, system funding study, and investment overview. 2pm in room 120, House Office Building, Annapolis.
• Task Force on the Establishment of a Statewide Spay/Neuter Fund discusses presentations on the implications of a rabies surcharge and a survey of public attitudes toward establishing a statewide spay/neuter program. 1pm in room 250, House Office Building, Annapolis.
• Board of Public Works meets. 10am in the Governor's Reception Room on the second floor of the State House, Annapolis..
• Maryland Campaign for Paid Sick Days kicks off with an event featuring worker's rights activist Ellen Bravo and Delegate John Olszewski, Jr. Everyone gets sick and everyone deserves time to get better without risking their economic stability, yet 800,000 Marylanders are forced to make impossible choices: Go to work sick, send an ill child to school, or stay home and sacrifice much-needed income, possibly risking job loss. Learn how paid sick leave benefits business, improves public health, and protects families. Lunch is provided at this free event, but registration is required. 11:30am to 1pm at Westminster Hall, 519 W. Fayette Street, Baltimore.
• Census Bureau posts data on retail sales in October.
• Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) releases the October Producer Price Index.
• Maryland Nonprofits offers a financial management training on Project-Based Financials. For more information or to register go to their events page.
• Maryland Nonprofits presents the next offering in their ongoing Policy Webinar Series: Developing an Advocacy Policy. For more information or to register go to their events page.

Thursday, November 15th

• Maryland Health Care Commission meets. 1pm in conference room 100, Maryland Health Care Commission, 4160 Patterson Avenue, Baltimore.
• BLS releases the October Consumer Price Index, the primary inflation indicator.
• BLS also releases initial unemployment claims data for the previous week. Analysts expect an uptick due to the effects of Hurricane Sandy. 
• Maryland Nonprofits offers a webinar on Compiling Board Member Bios. For more information or to register go to their events page.

Friday, November 16th

• Maryland Advisory Commission on Manufacturing Competitiveness holds a board meeting. 2pm in the 17th floor conference room at the World Trade Center, 401 East Pratt Street,  Baltimore.

The Week Ahead

There are only a couple of events this week, but a number of national economic data releases.

Tuesday, August 21nd

• Workgroup on Lead Liability Protection for Rental Property meets. 10am to noon Maryland Insurance Administration in the Maryland Insurance Administration Hearing Room on the 24th Floor of 200 St. Paul Place, Baltimore.
• Workgroup on Access to Habilitative Services Benefits meets. 2-4pm in the Maryland Insurance Administration Hearing Room on the 24th Floor of 200 St. Paul Place, Baltimore.
• Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) releases data about the summer youth labor force.

Wednesday, August 22nd

• Board of Public Works meets. 10am in the Governor's Reception Room on the second floor of the state house in Annapolis.

Thursday, August 23th

• Maryland Nonprofits offers Streamlining Your Marketing Through Content Strategy. This is a training program in the Silver Spring office. For more information and to register, check out their events page. 
• BLS releases monthly data about mass layoffs.
• Census Bureau releases national and regional data about new home sales. The data - the number of new single-family houses sold and for sale, median and average prices, the number of houses sold and for sale by stage of construction, and other statistics - are from the Survey of Construction (SOC), which is partially funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

Friday, August 24th

• BLS releases data about worker displacement. 
• Census also releases the Advance Report on Durable Goods Manufacturers' Shipments, Inventories and Orders. The Manufacturers’ Shipments, Inventories, and Orders survey provides monthly statistical data on economic conditions in the domestic manufacturing sector. The survey measures current industrial activity and provides an indication of future business trends.

The Week Ahead

Last week we blogged about the 1.2 million Marylanders who are set to gain critical health care protections next year, thanks to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and the governor's announcement of a second special session to focus on gaming, beginning August 9th.

Tuesday, July 31st

• Video Lottery Facility Location Commission meets. The Commission is the state body responsible for awarding the five licenses to operate video lottery operations. The primary topic at the second special session will be whether or not to add a sixth license. The Commission will discuss various legal proceedings, an update on gambling implementation, an overview of the background investigation of a Baltimore City license applicant, and consideration of the Baltimore City license proposal. A portion of the meeting will be held in closed session.  1pm in the Joint Hearing Room of the Legislative Services Building, Annapolis.
• Governor's Commission on Small Business holds a board meeting. 10am to noon in the 17th Floor Conference Room at the World Trade Center, 401 East Pratt Street, Baltimore.
• Maryland Nonprofits offers Researching and Writing Foundation Grant Proposals 101. This is a Maryland Nonprofits training; for more information or to register go to their events page.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

• Board of Public Works holds its regular meeting. 10am in the Governor's Reception Room on the second floor of the State House.
• Maryland Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Authority meets. 9am in the lower level conference room at the One Call Center, 7223 Parkway Drive, Hanover. 
• Maryland Nonprofits offers a webinar on starting a nonprofit. This is a Maryland Nonprofits training; for more information or to register go to their events page.
• Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) releases metropolitan employment data for June.

Friday, August 3rd

• BLS releases national employment figures for July. The unemployment rate in June stalled at 8.2 percent.

Week Ahead

Last week we blogged about the 4th of July as a celebration of interdependence, the high unemployment ratio between blacks and whites in Baltimore, and the stagnant U.S. unemployment rate. Our Executive Director, Neil Bergsman, also appeared in the Washington Examiner and the Washington Times.

Tuesday, July 10th

• Public Health and Long Term Care Subcommittee of the House Health and Government Operations Committee is meeting about House Bill 1090 of 2012. 1pm in room 241 of the House Office Building, 6 Bladen Street, Annapolis: House Bill 1090 of 2012 Workgroup
• Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review (AELR) holds a public hearing on a variety of proposed regulations from the Departments of the Environment and of Agriculture. 2pm in the Joint Hearing Room, Legislative Services Building, 90 State Circle, Annapolis. 
• Advisory Council for Alternative Response holds its introductory meeting. 1-3pm in room 1044, Department of Human Resources, 311 West Saratoga Street, Baltimore.

Wednesday, July 11th

• Board of Public Works meets. The pre-meeting will be held at 9:45am in Room 217. 10am in the Governor's Reception Room, Second Floor, State House, Annapolis.
• Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCRC) holds its monthly meeting. 10am in room 100, 4160 Patterson Avenue, Baltimore
• Maryland Nonprofits is holding an all day Social Media Bootcamp. Unfortunately, registration is now closed. 

Thursday, July 12th

• Neil Bergsman will be one of four panelists at an invitation-only town hall put on by Fox 45 at 7pm. The panelists will discuss the recent tax increases in Maryland, whom they benefit, and the state's deficit. While the town hall will not be broadcast, it will be streamed live over the internet. 

Friday, July 13th

• Board of Social Work Examiners meeting has been cancelled.
• Baltimore Data Day, a workshop sponsored by the Baltimore Neighborhood Indicators Alliance-Jacob France Institute (BNIA-JFI). Data Day is BNIA-JFI’s “workshop to help communities expand their capacity to use technology and data to advance their goals.” See the latest in community-based data, technology and tools and learn how other groups are using data to support constructive change. Register for this event. 8:30am to 3:30pm at the University of Baltimore Thumel Business Center, 11 W. Mt. Royal Avenue, Baltimore.

The Week Ahead

Last week we blogged about the Department of Legislative Services' report on gambling expansion and the rising state unemployment rate.

Monday, June 18th

• Commission to Study Campaign Finance Law holds a commission meeting. 4pm in room 130 of the House Office Building, Annapolis.

Tuesday, June 19th

• Task Force to Study the Court Decision Regarding Pit Bulls holds a briefing with invited speakers. Other interested parties may submit written testimony. 10am in room 2 East of the Senate Office Building, Annapolis.
• Workgroup on Lead Liability Protection for Rental Property holds its first meeting.  10am in room 230 of the House Office Building, Annapolis.
• The Essential Health Care Benefits Advisory Committee of the Maryland Health Care Reform Coordinating Council holds its first meeting. 10am to 11:30am at the Maryland Health Care Commission, 4160 Patterson Avenue, Room 100 Baltimore.
• Maryland Nonprofits is holding a training on Cultural Competency for nonprofit leaders, centered around an assessment tool for organizations. 9:30-11:30am in Silver Spring.  For more information and to register, go the Maryland Nonprofits' events page.

Wednesday, June 20th

• Board of Public Works meets. 10am in the Governor's Reception Room on the second floor of the State House. The pre-meeting will be held at 9:45am in room 217.  Some of you may have read about Comptroller Franchot's displeasure with the pre-meeting routine.
• Workgroup to Consider Gaming Expansion will hear a presentation from the Department of Legislative Services on gaming commissions in other states, followed by a work session. 1pm in room 101 of the House Office Building, Annapolis.
• Our friends a the Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition are cosponsoring - with the Montgomery County’s Advisory Committee on Consumer Protection - a public forum on home improvement issues, with topics covering everything from avoiding scams to state licensing requirements. The forum will be held on Wednesday, June 20 from 7 to 9 p.m., at the Council Office Building, 100 Maryland Ave., First Floor Auditorium, Rockville. 

Thursday, June 21th

• Maryland Health Care Commission meets. 1pm in room 100 at their offices at 4160 Patterson Avenue Baltimore.

The Week Ahead

Happy Monday! Last week I blogged about the need for an internet sales tax and the national employment figures for May.


Tuesday, June 5th

• Joint Committee on Legislative Ethics holds a work session. This is the committee that makes decisions on such issues as whether or not regular session legislator fundraising prohibitions apply during special sessions (they do). 1pm in room 206 of the Legislative Services Building, Annapolis.
• State Advisory Council on Hereditary and Congenital Disorders meets to discuss the Carroll County Health Department and newborn screening. 6pm in room L-1 at 201 W. Preston Street (State Center), Baltimore.
• Maryland's Economic Development Commission holds a board meeting. 10am in the 17th Floor Conference Room at the World Trade Center, Baltimore.
• The Urban Institute holds its monthly lunch forum at noon.  June's topic is "State Leaders Reimagine Reform: Improving Access to Health and Human Services."  You can attend in person or watch the live webcast. 
• The Maryland Advisory Committee of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights will hold a day-long briefing to collect information about why there are racial disparities and their impact on Maryland's prison population. Members of the public are invited to attend, or you can submit comments to the commission at ero@usccr.gov. 9:30am in the Joint Hearing Room, Legislative Services Building, Annapolis.

Wednesday, June 6th

• Board of Public Works holds a regular meeting. The 255 page agenda and its 21 page summary is now available. 10am in the Governor's Reception Room on the second floor of the State House. The pre-meeting will be held at 9:45 A.M. in Room 217.
• Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCRC) holds its monthly meeting. The HSCRC-created in 1971-is one way that Maryland strives to contain health care costs while enhancing access to care. 10am in room 100 at 4160 Patterson Ave, Baltimore.
• Vehicle Theft Prevention Council meets to discuss and vote on grant applications for FY 2013. 11am in the 9th Floor Conference Room of  Baltimore County Police Headquarters, 700 East Joppa Road, Towson.

Thursday, June 7th

• Our partners at Maryland Nonprofits are holding a training called "Superstar Supervisory Skills for Nonprofit Managers."  This is an all day training and lunch is provided if you register by June 4th.  The cost is $200, or $100 if you or your organization are a Maryland Nonprofits member. 10am in Suite 303, 8720 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring.

Friday, June 8th

• Health Quality and Cost Council meets for updates from its work-groups.  The Council was created by Governor O'Malley to coordinate resources; promote effective, appropriate, and efficient policies; and reduce disparities in healthcare outcomes. 9:30am in the Main Seminar Room of the UMBC Technology Center, 1450 South Rolling Road, Baltimore.
• Board of Social Work Examiners holds a public hearing which may include discussing and voting on proposed regulations.  A portion of the meeting may be held in closed session. 11am in room 109 of the Metro Building, 4201 Patterson Avenue, Baltimore.

The Week Ahead

Last week the General Assembly returned to Annapolis and took care of unfinished business.  Over three days the legislature passed a vital revenue bill, passed the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2012 making the legal changes and fund transfers necessary to fully enact the budget, and shared pension costs with local jurisdictions.  This week will be relatively quiet, by comparison.

Tuesday, May 22nd

• Governor O'Malley will sign the next batch of bills from the 2012 legislative session into law.  The list of bills has not been released yet. 10:30am, Annapolis.

Wednesday, May 23rd

• Board of Public Works (BPW) meets.  This meeting was an important pressure on the legislature prior to the special session last week; the BPW would have had to begin implementing the doomsday budget and cut an additional $70 million from the state's budget at this meeting if the General Assembly had failed to pass a revenue package.  10am in the State House, Annapolis.

Thursday, May 24th

• Economic Development Commission holds a Regional and Economic Diversity Forum.  Space is apparently limited so RSVP if you wish to attend.  10am in Suite 110, 5520 Research Park Drive, Baltimore.

The Week Ahead

Last week we joined with more than fifty community organizations to send a letter to Governor O'Malley, House Speaker Busch, and Senate President Miller urging them to call legislators back to Annapolis soon to fix the budget fiasco.  You can add your name to the list by signing our petition.  The faith community wrote a similar op-ed in the Baltimore Sun.


Tuesday, May 1st

• Otherwise known as May Day, the traditional labor holiday (interestingly, also officially Loyalty Day, or Law Day, here in the U.S.).  The Occupy movement is planning a number of events, including a rally at McKeldin Square in Baltimore.  Neil Bergsman wrote about his visit to the Occupy Baltimore camp last October.

Wednesday, May 2nd

• Board of Public Works (BPW) holds their biweekly meeting.  The Governor, Comptroller, and Treasurer have a lengthy agenda (summary) including items on remaining grants for FY 2012; a variety of contracts, leases, and licenses; and capital projects (including Project Open Space). 10am
• After the BPW meeting Governor O'Malley will sign several bills into law.  You can watch the bill signing, starting at 2pm.
• Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) releases employment figures for metropolitan areas.

Friday, May 4th

• BLS releases national employment figures for April.  U.S. unemployment fell slightly in March, to 8.2%.