Maryland state government and elections news- The Baltimore Banner
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State government

    Maryland now mandates detention for teens with repeat offenses while on ankle monitoring

    Betsy Fox Tolentino is the newly appointed acting secretary of the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services.
    Governor’s offer to state workers: $20K plus $300 per year of service to quit
    The buyout offer is one element of Moore’s plan to trim personnel costs by over $120 million to meet requirements of the state budget.
    Gov. Wes Moore outlined a buyout offer to state employees: a payment of $20,000 plus $300 per year of state service, as well as six months of health insurance.
    Van Hollen wins first budget skirmish to hold onto Maryland FBI headquarters
    The decision could be reversed before the Senate wraps up work on the spending plan.
    U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen argued that Congress needs to stand up for its spending power — no matter who is in the White House.
    Who’s really getting a tax break in Maryland?
    Maryland Gov. Wes Moore often touts that 94% of taxpayers will get an income tax break or see no change. Who really is going to save money and how much?
    Construction on the Maryland State House in Annapolis began in 1772 and it's the oldest state capital building in the nation still in continuous legislative use. The building's dome is undergoing a rehabilitation project.
    Maryland transportation chief Paul Wiedefeld leaving agency
    Maryland’s transportation secretary, Paul J. Wiedefeld, is leaving his post at the end of the month.
    Paul J. Wiedefeld announced he's leaving his post after more than two years leading MDOT.
    Trump tax bill could mean a lot more money for Maryland private school vouchers
    Maryland could see an explosion of school voucher funding for students to attend schools now that President Donald Trump’s tax and policy bill passed.

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    Gov. Moore returns to hush-hush ‘billionaire summer camp’
    This is at least the second time Moore has traveled to the Sun Valley Conference as governor. Moore attended in 2023 to raise money for the Democratic Governors Association.
    Gov. Wes Moore is traveling to Idaho this week to participate in the Sun Valley Conference, a retreat that's been dubbed "billionaire summer camp."
    Harris votes yes on Trump budget bill after White House promises more cuts to come
    Andy Harris, Maryland’s lone GOP member in Comgress, changes tack to back President Donald Trump's bill in close House vote to ensure passage.
    WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 18: Rep. Andy Harris (R., Md.) speaks during a news conference on the proposed continuing resolution to extend government funding through March 14, on Capitol Hill on December 18, 2024 in Washington, DC. Allies of President-elect Trump criticized a massive government funding bill unveiled Tuesday, urging lawmakers to oppose it ahead of a looming deadline and complicating efforts by House GOP leaders, while Trump himself has yet to weigh in.
    The Declaration of Donald Trump may start the next American revolution
    On Independence Day, this is the Declaration of Donald Trump: a vision of America remade in the image of his skinflint cruelty.
    President Donald Trump speaks to reporters outside the West Wing of the White House, Thursday, May 8, 2025, in Washington.
    From water to weed, here’s what will cost more in Maryland
    Maryland taxes on cannabis, online sports betting, vehicle registration fees and more will be increased on July 1.
    Taxes on cannabis, online sports betting and more increased July 1.
    Maryland approves $2.75M to man wrongfully convicted of murder in Baltimore
    James Langhorne, 51, of Baltimore, was released in February after serving almost 30 years in prison for a murder that he did not commit.
    James Langhorne, who was exonerated after being convicted of a murder he did not commit, speaks at the Maryland Board of Public Works meeting at the State House in Annapolis on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. Langhorne received compensation from the state under the Walter Lomax Act.

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    With leaders at funeral, deputies take rare helm of Maryland spending board
    For the first time in at least three decades, Maryland's top spending board approved scores of contracts and grants on Wednesday without any of the main members present.
    Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller, center, leads a meeting of the Maryland Board of Public Works at the State House in Annapolis on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. She is joined by, at left, Chief Deputy Treasurer Jon Martin and, at right, Chief Deputy Comptroller Andrew Schaufele. The meeting represented the first time in at least 30 years that all three board positions were filled by substitute members.
    Trump wants FBI HQ at DC’s Ronald Reagan Building instead of ‘liberal’ Maryland
    The U.S. Agency for International Development, which Trump shut down, also was housed in the Reagan building.
    WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 07: The U.S. Agency for International Development building is seen after workers removed its sign at their headquarters on February 07, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Donald Trump and Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) abruptly shutdown the U.S. aid agency earlier this week leaving thousands unemployed and putting U.S. foreign diplomacy and aid programs in limbo.
    New tax on gold and silver poses existential threat to Maryland bullion shops
    As Annapolis faced a budget deficit, officials opted to tax gold and silver purchases. Bullion store owners say that decision could prompt stores to close down.
    Richard Davis, owner of American Bullion Center, inspects jewelry brought in by a first-time customer.
    Maryland’s new 3% tech services tax starts Tuesday. Here’s what to know.
    Maryland businesses and individuals will now pay a 3% tax on certain technology and data services.
    Your lease will come with a ‘bill of rights.’ Here’s what that means.
    The bill of rights in Maryland will include new protections in the 2024 law, such as capping security deposits at one month’s rent and more.
    The law that mandated the tenants’ bill of rights also allows evictions to be postponed out of medical necessity or during extreme weather.

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    Your lease will come with a ‘bill of rights.’ Here’s what that means.
    The bill of rights in Maryland will include new protections in the 2024 law, such as capping security deposits at one month’s rent and more.
    The law that mandated the tenants’ bill of rights also allows evictions to be postponed out of medical necessity or during extreme weather.
    New laws that kick in July 1: Boosting the number of teachers, opioid treatment oversight and more
    Dozens of bills passed by Maryland lawmakers earlier this year will become law come July 1.
    An American flag is caught on top of a lamppost in front of the Maryland State House dome in Annapolis, Md. on Thursday, May 15, 2025.
    BGE customers could get rebates of $80, starting as soon as August
    Maryland legislators earmarked $200 million for rebates to utility customers earlier this year. An estimated $80 per customer could appear on bills as soon as August.
    Baltimore Gas and Electric Compaby and other utility customers will receive an estimated $80 rebate, which will be applied to two utility bills.
    Maryland restarts process to redevelop State Center in Baltimore
    The state — once again — is looking to hire a consultant to develop a plan for the site.
    For years the center has been seen as a key site to unlock revival in West Baltimore
    5 takeaways about Betsy Fox Tolentino, Maryland’s new juvenile services head
    Betsy Fox Tolentino is a few weeks into her new job and already has her eye on building trust and confidence in a troubled system.
    Betsy Fox Tolentino is the newly appointed acting secretary of the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services.
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