No Tax Hike in Budget, O'Malley Backs $10 Minimum Wage and Craig Announces Weak Fundraising: MD Political Roundup

By Adam Bednar

No Tax Increase in O’Malley's Proposed Budget

Baltimore Sun: Gov. Martin O’Malley has released his $39 spending plan on Tuesday evening that he will present to the Maryland General Assembly. The plan does not include new taxes or fees, but raises college tuition 3 percent.

GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Craig Reports Weak Fundraising 

Washington Post: Harford County Executive David Craig, who is considered a top Republican gubernatorial candidate, has reported $183,000 less in his campaign war chest then he had on hand a year ago. Craig is facing several other candidates in June’s primary election.  

O’Malley Wants to Raise Minimum Wage to $10.10

Capital Gazette: Gov. Martin O’Malley announced Tuesday his support to raise the state’s minimum wage to $10.10 by 2016 from the state’s current $7.25 an hour minimum. 

Legislators Lack Confidence in Retroactive Health Coverage

Carroll County Times: Members of a House of Delegates committee expressed concerns about a plan to grant residents retroactive health care to Jan. 1 to make up for those who were unable to purchase health insurance on the state’s exchange because of problems with the website. 

State Board of Elections Never Officially Ruled on Ulman Fundraising  

Maryland Reporter: The Maryland State Board of Elections never officially ruled that Howard County Executive Ken Ulman, who is running for lieutenant governor with current Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown, can continue to fundraise during the current 90-day General Assembly session. Maryland law prohibits state elected officials from raising money during the legislative session. But it does not explicitly prevent Ulman from raising money for the ticket because he is a county official.