Session set for hectic ending

O'Malley on way to 2 key victories

General Assembly

Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, a Prince George's County Democrat, indicated late last week that there's not enough support in the Budget and Taxation Committee for O'Malley's plan to pay for a repeal through the millionaire tax and spending cuts to transportation and other programs. Miller raised the possibility of dropping the higher income tax and making up the lost revenue entirely through spending cuts, though that would be a tough sell as well.

"The problem is getting Democrats to agree is like herding cats to a common goal," Miller said.

Legislative leaders predicted that the bill to implement the BGE settlement would move quickly. While some lawmakers might try to amend the bill, most probably would be loath to take steps that could jeopardize the hard-fought deal.

"I'm sure we'll have a piece of legislation that puts this in place," said Thomas "Mac" Middleton, a Charles County Democrat and chairman of the Finance Committee.

While legislative sessions often come down to the wire, the coming days promise to be among the more hectic. Only a few dozen bills have been approved so far, after weeks of Miller and House Speaker Michael E. Busch of Anne Arundel urging their respective chambers to get their work done.

"No matter how much it snows, a lot of snow always seems to accumulate in front of the plow," said Lt. Gov. Anthony G. Brown. "As we near the end of session, difficult decisions are being made on big issues."

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