ANNAPOLIS — Maryland lawmakers approved broad environmental and energy initiatives to close the 2008 General Assembly session but delayed tough decisions on the state’s persistent budget problems until they return in January.
Before ending the session at midnight Monday, the Democrat-controlled Assembly approved a settlement between the state and Constellation Energy that will return nearly $2 billion to Baltimore Gas and Electric customers in coming decades.
Lawmakers also approved measures to curb energy consumption and put $25 million into a trust fund to clean the Chesapeake Bay.
“Not only have we restored fiscal responsibility to our state, but we’ve also been able to make very solid progress on education, on the environment and on coming up with a better and more secure energy future for our state,” Gov. Martin O’Malley, a Democrat, said yesterday at his second bill-signing ceremony of the year.
Critics cautioned against celebration, noting the slowing economy and a series of one-time fixes — such as cutting payments to a retiree benefits fund — to balance the state’s $31.2 billion budget.
“Government continues to grow virtually unchecked, and the appetite for taxes has not been satisfied,” said House Minority Leader Anthony J. O’Donnell, Southern Maryland Republican. “The Democrat leadership is trying to pull the wool over the eyes of the taxpayers with empty rhetoric about spending cuts and sound fiscal management.”
After intense lobbying by the technology industry, lawmakers replaced a tax on computer services with a tax on people who make more than $1 million a year.
Mr. O’Malley won approval of most of his priorities but lost support of measures to allow speed cameras on roads and place strict caps on carbon emissions.
Lawmakers approved a deal with Prince George’s officials to create an authority to stabilize the county hospital system. They also approved a scaled-back version of Mr. O’Malley’s proposal to expand DNA collection from criminal suspects.
“I think the greatness of this is the … branches of government all have a common goal and we all worked to achieve that goal,” said House Speaker Michael E. Busch, Anne Arundel Democrat.
Budget writers left $250 million in the state’s cash reserves in expectation of deepening budget troubles before the 2009 session begins in January.
Officials began preparing for a fight over a referendum to legalize slots gambling. Voters will decide in November whether to approve the placement of up to 15,000 slot machines across the state.
“I look forward to November when Marylanders will truly have an opportunity to let their voices be heard on the issue of expanded gambling in our state,” said Comptroller Peter Franchot, a Democrat and staunch opponent of such legalized gambling.
State leaders are banking on $650 million in revenue from slots.
The governor won approval for a series of bills designed to help homeowners facing foreclosure. Tomorrow, he is expected to testify before Congress on the measures.
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