Field Notes By Delegate Mike McDermott

Observations and Reflections on Legislative Activities

By Delegate Michael A. McDermott

Week 1, January 8-11, 2013

Tuesday Morning Caucus Meeting: The House Republican Caucus had their traditional organizational meeting to elect the Minority Leader and the Minority Whip. With no objections, the members decided that Delegate Tony O’Donnell and Delegate Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio would continue to serve in their current positions. There was limited discussion on strategy, policy, or legislation, although it is clear that gun control, along with taxes on gasoline and electricity are in the forefront. Congressman Andy Harris spoke to the members about pending legislation in the US Congress and budgetary issues which could have a direct impact on Maryland and our own budget proceedings. He also addressed his vote on Hurricane Sandy Relief indicating that his hope was that congress would fix the National Flood Insurance Program instead of simply piling on many more billions in debt. As it sits right now, the program is insolvent and inadequate for any future relief efforts.

This meeting expanded to a joint luncheon conducted with the Senate Republican Caucus. There were presentations by the Minority Leaders of both bodies as well as the Minority Whips. All focused on the need to remain motivated and encouraged our members to fight. This is an important factor as we face an emboldened, progressive legislative effort taking shape from the Democrats, and a governor with his eyes on 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Wednesday Opening Ceremonies: At noon, the House Chamber opens for business with many ceremonial acts, including the recognition of guests and dignitaries in attendance. Almost all of Maryland’s Congressional Delegation was present as well as the Governor, Lt. Governor, and Cabinet members. Many County Executives were also in attendance including Wicomico County’s Rick Pollitt.

With a carefully scripted agenda, Delegate Michael Busch (D-Anne Arundel) was elected to another term as Speaker of the House. We heard presentations from Governor O’Malley, Sen. Mikulski, and Rep. Hoyer. Historically, these ceremonies amount to a love fest for the Democrats as the party that has ruled for a hundred years. It was no different today. As members of the minority party, we were thanked for our input by Speaker Busch. Governor O’Malley referred to our “creative tension”. My analysis: It must be great to be the king.

Thursday: Most of the morning session was devoted to honoring many of our former colleagues who had passed away during the previous year. A delegate from the respective district is selected to eulogize the member who has passed on from this life. There was much reflection and an abundance of laughter shared as stories and tales were told. Many of those former members had family members present in on the House Floor while the ceremonies were conducted. Following these presentations, there is a long moment of silence followed by a solid rap of the Speaker’s gavel on the dais to close the day’s proceedings. It stands as a solemn reminder that time is fleeting, and another will fill your seat as soon as you are done. Keeping this in mind helps cut down on the many worries and stresses of this life.

Thursday Afternoon Judiciary Committee: There was a brief organizational meeting of the Judiciary Committee this afternoon. Originally, we were told that we had two new members to replace Delegate Don Dwyer (R) and Delegate Tiffany Alston (D). Dwyer was transferred to Ways and Means in response to criminal charges stemming from a drunken boating accident and he was replaced with Delegate Glen Glass (R). Alston was forced out of the House following her criminal conviction for misappropriation of campaign funds. She was replaced by Delegate Michael Summers (D-Prince Georges). There was another appointment to the Judiciary Committee that was most peculiar, but keeping with many shenanigans I have come to expect. Delegate Sandy Rosenberg (D-Baltimore City) has been added to the committee as well, thereby increasing the Democrat presence. Rosenberg left his post as the Vice Chairman of Ways and Means (a posh assignment) and is a staunch advocate for greater gun control and is expected to be at the forefront on the O’Malley-Brown legislative effort to seize, ban, or further restrict firearms in Maryland. It is, to say the least, an interesting turn of events. “Stacking the deck” is not restricted to Vegas. This would change the vote count needed for passage to 13, so it is an interesting strategy.

Friday Morning: Eastern Shore Delegation Meeting: The delegation heard presentations from the Secretary Raymond Skinner from the Dept. of Housing and Community Development and Secretary Richard Hall from the Department of Planning. We also received a presentation on a coordinated project in Cambridge at Sailwinds Park.(click to view the minutes).

I received most of my requested bills back from Bill Drafting and made a few alterations following review. Next week, I will be dropping some in the Hopper and will provide you with a good overview of the legislation. My office will also be publishing Press Releases in the coming days as we move forward with our legislative agenda.