MD Lawmakers Override Vetoes From Governor Hogan

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The General Assembly overrode two vetoes Thursday, including reinstating a measure that would strip control of school-construction funding from the state’s Board of Public Works.

The Maryland House and Senate on Thursday voted to override Hogan’s veto of the 21st Century School Construction Act, but not before considerable discussion.

At the Board of Public Works meeting on Wednesday, Hogan vetoed and drew an “X” through the proposal that would have stripped power from the panel, which includes the governor, Comptroller Peter Franchot and Treasurer Nancy Kopp, both Democrats.

Delegate Nic Kipke, R-Anne Arundel, on Thursday said the override was done “precisely for political reasons.” He defended the Board of Public Works’ effort, particularly on behalf of students and teachers.

Delegate Maggie McIntosh, D-Baltimore, led the response from Democrats in the House by scolding the governor’s “circus” display.

“What you saw was theater,” said McIntosh, whose amendment to put school-construction decisions in the hands of a state commission triggered the veto. McIntosh told Capital News Service that the amendment was a reaction to Franchot’s over-involvement in local school decisions.

One after another, House Republicans stood up to criticize the decision to take power from the board.

When the final 90-48 vote was tallied, Delegate Ric Metzgar, R-Baltimore County, had a short message for the yea voters: “You hurt the children today,” he said.

Shortly thereafter, the bill came to the Senate floor. Sen. J.B. Jennings, R-Baltimore and Harford counties, opened discussion by acknowledging the override would likely happen.

“We know where the votes are,” Jennings said. “It’s going to be an override. But, it’s a shame it is.”

The final vote tallied 29 yeas to 15 nays, with one excused vote.

“The people have spoken,” Miller said. “Public schools are important.”

Also on Thursday, the Senate voted, 32-14, to override Hogan’s veto of Senate bill 639.

Sen. Guy Guzzone, D-Howard, proposed the legislation, which alters procedures for suspending or dismissing public school personnel, among other changes including hearing requests and guidelines for arbitration.

Later Thursday, the House also overrode the veto, via an 89-49 vote.

— By Sean Whooley, Alex Mann and Zach Shapiro, CAPITAL NEWS SERVICE

RELATED: Hogan Vetoes School Construction Oversight Bill

File photo of state symbols in use at the capital from Capital News Service.