Maryland Legislative Session Ends
I haven't done my taxes yet, but since I'm active in social issues, I had to mention here some successes:
Equality Maryland writes that "less than an hour before the end of the 2007 General Assembly session, House Bill 1057, sponsored by Del. Heather Mizeur (D-Montgomery County) at the request of Equality Maryland, sailed to passage, marking the only health care reform bill passed in Annapolis this year. When enacted into law in January 2008, the Equity in Family Coverage Expansion Act will require health insurance companies to write policies inclusive of domestic partners and children up to the age of 25, at the request of an employer."
A Paper Trail bill passed, though they have until 2010 to implement. Thanks to TrueVoteMD.
In Prince George's Co., the 9 single-member school board districts bill passed. See prince_georges.
Funds for the Intercounty Connector (ICC) have been delayed, though the project hasn't been expunged. This is a very expensive project that will take away from other worthwhile transportation projects while not benefitting Prince George's Co. It is also not good for the environment as it will tear through some beautiful countryside and allow run-off into the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers. We need metro over the Wilson Bridge and other public transportation options and to encourage businesses to stay inside or near the beltway where people can commute by using public transportation. We need to encourage livable communities in those areas, too.
Equality Maryland writes that "less than an hour before the end of the 2007 General Assembly session, House Bill 1057, sponsored by Del. Heather Mizeur (D-Montgomery County) at the request of Equality Maryland, sailed to passage, marking the only health care reform bill passed in Annapolis this year. When enacted into law in January 2008, the Equity in Family Coverage Expansion Act will require health insurance companies to write policies inclusive of domestic partners and children up to the age of 25, at the request of an employer."
A Paper Trail bill passed, though they have until 2010 to implement. Thanks to TrueVoteMD.
In Prince George's Co., the 9 single-member school board districts bill passed. See prince_georges.
Funds for the Intercounty Connector (ICC) have been delayed, though the project hasn't been expunged. This is a very expensive project that will take away from other worthwhile transportation projects while not benefitting Prince George's Co. It is also not good for the environment as it will tear through some beautiful countryside and allow run-off into the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers. We need metro over the Wilson Bridge and other public transportation options and to encourage businesses to stay inside or near the beltway where people can commute by using public transportation. We need to encourage livable communities in those areas, too.