THIS PROGRAM IS MADE BY MPT TO ENRICH THE DIVERSE COMMUNITIES THROUGHOUT OUR STATE AND IS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF OUR MEMBERS.

THANK YOU.

[♪♪] CONNECTING MARYLANDERS TO THEIR GOVERNMENT, THIS IS "STATE CIRCLE".

>> Jeff: WELCOME TO "STATE CIRCLE".

>>ED PRICE CHANGES BY THE TIME YOU WALK IN THE DOOR UNTIL YOU PUT THE BREAD ON THE COUNTER THAT IS A FAILED MARKETPLACE.

>> NOBODY SHOULD PAY MORE FOR THEIR GROCERIES ON THE TIME THEY ARE SHOPPING OR WHAT THE WEATHER WILL BE IT SHOULD BE WHAT THEY COST.

>> BEING FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE AND DISCIPLINED DOES NOT MEAN WE STOP INVESTING IN WHAT MATTERS MOST TO THE PEOPLE IN THE STATE OF MARYLAND.

>> I DON'T THINK IT ADDRESSES NEXT YEAR'S BUDGET WHICH WILL BE THE ISSUE.

THIS ONE IS I CALL IT A BAND AID BUDGET.

>> AS THE LEGISLATURE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT WE AGREE ON THE SAME PAGE WITH SOME OF THE PROPOSALS THAT THE GOVERNOR TO LOOK AT.

IS IT GOING TO HAVE TO HAVE A LEVEL OF CUT?

YES.

>> Jeff: AND CRACKING DOWN ON I.C.E.

>> WEARING MASKS IS SIMPLY NOT NECESSARY FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT TO FUNCTION.

>> THESE OFFICERS HAVE TO ARE HAVING TO WEAR THEIR MASKS BECAUSE THEY ARE BEING DOCKED.

>> Jeff: AND CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING MOVES FORWARD.

>> CONNECTING MARYLANDERS TO THEIR GOVERNMENT, THIS IS "STATE CIRCLE".

OF.

>> Jeff: GOOD EVENING.

THE STORY AROUND "STATE CIRCLE" THIS WEEK NO NEW TAXES THAT IS WHAT GOVERNOR MOORE PROMISED AS HE UNVEILED HIS ELECTION YEAR BUDGET IT IT ADDRESSES THE $1.4 BILLION EXPECTED SHORTFALL WITH $900 MILLION IN OUT CANS.

>> THIS BUDGET DOES NOT RAISE TAXES OR FEES ON MARYLANDERS.

THIS BUDGET MAINTAINS A VERY HEALTHY 8% IN THE RAINY DAY FUND.

THIS BUDGET MAINTAINS A MINIMUM CASH BALANCE OF OVER $100 MILLION.

THIS BUDGET SHOWS THAT WE CAN SPEND WISELY AND ALSO PROTECT OR VALUES.

>> Jeff: REPUBLICAN LEADERS WERE CRITICAL OF THE PLAN SAYING IT RELIES ON ACCOUNTING TRICKS WITHOUT MAKING MEANINGFUL CHANGES.

TWO MEMBERS OF THE SENATE BUDGET COMMITTEE WILL DEBATE DETAILS OF THE BUDGET LATER IN OUR PROGRAM.

TO THE TOP PRIORITY OF SENATE LEADERSHIP, SENATE BILL NUMBER ONE WOULD BLOCK LAW ENFORCEMENT SPECIFICALLY I.C.E.

OFFICERS FROM COVERING THEIR FACES.

NANCY YAMADA HAS OUR STORY.

>> ACROSS THIS STATE, MASKED MEN WITH GUNS HAVE INFILTRATED OUR COMMUNITIES AND TERRORIZING OUR THE CAOS AND CALLING IT LAW FORM.

THEY ARE TAKING AND ABUSING OUR FATHERS, MOTHERS, NEIGHBORS, LOVED ONE.

>> CASA LEGAL DIRECTOR STOOD BEFORE LAWMAKERS TO TESTIFY IN SUPPORT OF SENATE BILL ONE.

IT WOULD PROHIBIT LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, INCLUDING FEDERAL IMMIGRATION AGENTS WITH I.C.E., FROM WEARING A MASK OR FACE COVERINGS WHILE PERFORMING DUTIES IN MARYLAND.

SUPPORTERS POINT TO THE VIOLENT CLASHES AND UNREST IN MINNESOTA AS REASON FOR MARYLAND TO ACT QUICKLY.

>> WEARING MASKS IS SIMPLY NOT NECESSARY FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT TO FUNCTION.

>> THE SENATE BILL IS SPONSORED BY 18 DEMOCRATS THE LEAD, SENATOR AUGUSTINE SAYS IT INCLUDES EXEMPTIONS FOR OFFICERS WORKING UNDERCOVER OR EXTREME CONDITIONS OR RELIGIOUS OR HEALTH REASONS TO MASK UP.

>> MASKING WITHIN THE NORMAL COURSE OF DUTY HAS NO BENEFIT, BUT DOES POSE A RISK TO OUR COLLECTIVE PUBLIC SAFETY BY CREATING FEAR AND ANXIETY PARTICULARLY IN SITUATIONS THAT ARE ALREADY TENSE AND WOULD BENEFIT FROM DEESCALATION.

>> ADDING HIS PERSPECTIVE IS RETIRED POLICE VETERAN WILLIAM FOLD HAM.

>> THE OFFICERS HAVE TO WEAR THEIR MASKS BECAUSE THEY ARE BEING DOCKED AND FAMILIES ARE BEING HARASSED BECAUSE THEY ARE PUTTING OUT THEIR FACES ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND SHAMING THEM AND DOING THE JOB THAT HAS BEEN DONE THROUGH EVERY PRESIDENCY.

>> ANOTHER REPUBLICAN SENATOR QUESTIONED WHY POTENTIAL PENALTIES FOR VIOLATING THE FACE COVERING BILL INCLUDE UP TO TWO YEARS IN JAIL AND A $2,000 FINE.

>> THE BILL MAKES ACE UNIFORM DECISION THAT A MISDEMEANOR PUNISHABLE BY JAIL TIME.

>> YES.

>> SO CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT EVIDENCE WE HAVE THAT IT'S HAPPENED IN MARYLAND, THAT WE'RE GOING TO MAKE THIS A CRIMINAL PROSECUTION RATHER THAN AN INTERNAL DISCIPLINE?

>> AS THE SENATE SPONSOR OF THIS, I FELT VERY STRONGLY THAT WE NEEDED TO HAVE STRONG ENFORCEMENT MECHANISMS, BECAUSE OF THE DAMAGE THAT THIS PRACTICE HAS ON THE FABRIC OF OUR COMMUNITY.

>> SHOULD THE BILL PASS, THE CHAIR OF THE SENATE JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS COMMITTEE CONCEDES THEY MAY NOT HAVE THE FINAL SAY ON THE MATTER.

>> WE'RE RESPONSIBLE FOR IMPLEMENTING STATE LAW WHEN A FEDERAL AGENT COMES IN IT WILL CREATE AND ASSUME IT WILL BE CHALLENGED IN COURT BUT WE WANT TO MAKE SURE EVERYONE OPERATING ADHERES TO TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY.

>> I'M NANCY YAMADA FOR "STATE CIRCLE".

>> Jeff: SEVERAL MARYLAND SHERIFFS ALONG WITH REPUBLICAN STATE SENATORS EXPLAINED THEIR OPPOSITION TO A LIMIT A BILL TO LIMIT THEIR PARTICIPATION WITH FEDERAL IMMIGRATION.

THE BILL WOULD BAN COUNTIES FROM ENTERING INTO 287G PROGRAMS.

THE SHERIFFS ARGUING INSTEAD OF I.C.E.

TAKING CUSTODY OF A SUSPECT ALREADY IN JAIL, THE CHANGE WOULD MEAN MORE STREET-LEVEL IMMIGRATION ARRESTS.

>> WE'RE NOT EXPERTS IN INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM BUT WHEN A FEDERAL PARTNERS CALLS YOU RENDER ASSISTANCE.

FOR MARYLAND TO PASS A LAW SAYING WE ARE NO LONGER GOING TO SUPPORT A FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT PARTNER THEY STILL HAVE THEIR JOB TO DO.

IF THEY ARE NOT GOING TO DO IT THANK YOU THE JAILS THEY WILL DO IT BOOTS ON THE GROUND COMING INTO COMMUNITIES I HAVE NO DOUBT ABOUT THAT.

>> WE KNOW THAT 27G CAUSES THE PUBLIC TO MISTRUST AND FEAR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS.

WHEN SOMEONE, YOU THOUGH, CALLS THE POLICE, THEY NEED TO KNOW THEY ARE CALLING SOMEONE THERE TO PROTECT AND SERVE THEM NOT SOMEONE WHO IS GOING TO DETAIN AND DEPORT THEM.

>> Jeff: ONE-THIRD OF MARYLAND COUNTIES CURRENTLY DO REPORT PRISONERS WITH POSSIBLE IMMIGRATION VIOLATIONS.

HAVE YOU NOTICED PRICES ON STORE SHELVES CHANGING MORE OFTEN?

SUE COPPIN REPORTS THE STATE IS LOOKING AT REGULATING DIGITAL PRICE TAGS.

>> DEBRA IS THE OWNER OF BD PROVISIONS A SPECIALTY BULK FOOD STORE IN ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY.

>> WE TRY AND CATER TO LOCALS THOUGH A LOT OF OUR STUFF IS REALLY JUST HOUSEHOLD STAPLES LIKE OUR COFFEE.

WE ROAST COFFEE FRESH ON-SITE EVERY SATURDAY.

>> PRICING WHERE THE COST OF A PRODUCT CAN CHANGE FROM PERSON 0 TO PERSON TAKES UNFAIR ADVANTAGE OF CUSTOMERS.

>> WE DON'T SAY LOOK PETE'S COMING IN AND HE LIKES THAT COFFEE WE ARE GOING TO UP THE PRICE.

WE WOULD NEVER DO THAT.

THE PRICE IS THE SAME FOR EVERYBODY.

EVERYDAY OF THE WEEK.

>> BUT DYNAMIC PRICING IS YOKING AND IT BROUGHT GOVERNOR MOORE THE HOUSE SPEAKER AND SENATE PRESIDENT TO SALT'S STORE TO ANNOUNCE THEY ARE ASKING LAWMAKERS TO APPROVE LEGISLATION TO PROHIBIT THE USE OF DYNAMIC PRICING IN THE STATE.

>> PRICE CAN CHANGE BY THE HOUR, BY THE MINUTE, AND EVEN PIE THE SECOND.

BASED ON WHERE YOU ARE, AND WHERE YOU SHOP.

THAT DIGITAL PRICE TAGS REPLACE PAPER ONES THAT CAMERAS WILL WATCH THE AISLES.

THAT SENSORS WILL COUNT THE CUSTOMERS.

THAT ALGORITHMS WILL CRUNCH THAT DATA AND ANSWER ONE QUESTION: HOW MUCH CAN WE CHARGE THIS PERSON?

>> THE LEGISLATION CALLED THE PROTECTION FROM PREDATORY PRICING ACT OF 2026 WOULD BAN DYNAMIC PRICING, BLOCK STORE FROM USING DATA TO TRACK SHOPPERS AND RAISE PRICES.

ANDREW GROCERY -- AND REQUIRE PRICES TO STAY FIXED FOR ONE DAY.

THE LEGISLATION ALSO REQUIRES THE MARYLAND ATTORNEY GENERAL TO ENFORCE THE PROVISIONS.

VIOLATIONS WOULD BE TREATED AS AN UNFAIR AND OR DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICE AND CIVIL PENALTIES WOULD BE UP TO $10,000 FOR A FIRST OFFENSE, AND $25,000 FOR SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES.

>> IT MEANS THE PRICE ON THE SHELF IS THE PRICE YOU WILL PAY AT THE REGISTER.

BECAUSE THIS LEGISLATION IS ABOUT TRANSPARENCY AND FAIRNESS AND MAKING MARYLAND MORE AFFORDABLE FOR ALL MARYLANDERS.

>> SENATE PRESIDENT BILL FERGUSON SAYS IT IS ALL ABOUT FAIRNESS.

>> WHEN THE SELLER IS CHANGING THE PRICE BASED ON WHO IT IS, BASED ON UNCLEAR INFORMATION, BASED ON PERSONAL DATA THAT HAS BEEN SIPHONED OFF FROM EVERY POSSIBLE AVENUE AND THE PRICE CHANGES BY THE TIME YOU WALK IN THE DOOR UNTIL YOU PUT THE BREAD ON THE COUNTER THAT IS A FAILED MARKETPLACE.

>> NOBODY SHOULD PAY MORE FOR GROCERIES BECAUSE OF THE TIME OF DAY THEY ARE SHOPPING OR THE WEATHER.

IT SHOULD BE WHAT THE BROTHERSRIES COST.

AND AS WE'VE SEEN THE GROCERY PRICES KEEP GOING UP AND UP.

>> I'M SUE COPPIN FOR "STATE CIRCLE".

>> Jeff: A NEW ADDITION TO THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES A BIPARTISAN RURAL CAUCUS.

SPEAKER PENNSYLVANIA JOSELINE PENA-MELNYK SAYS IT WAS LONG OVERDUE IT.

DOESN'T MEAN WE WILL ALWAYS AGREE BUT WHEN WE DEFER WE CAN LEARN FROM EACH OTHER AND WE CAN BE OPEN AND CIVIL WITH EACH OTHER.

>> RURAL COMMUNITIES FACE SHARED CHALLENGES INCLUDING ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE AND SECURE AND AFFORDABLE ELECTRICITY.

OUR TRANSPORTATION NEEDS ARE VERY DIFFERENT.

WORKFORCE SHORTAGES AGRICULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY, PUBLIC SAFETY AND THE ABILITY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO COMPLY WITH STATE MANDATES WITH LIMITED RESOURCES IS A BIG PRIORITY FOR THE RURAL CAUCUS.

[♪♪] >> Jeff: JOINING US FOR THE ANNAPOLIS FACE OFF TWO BUDGET COMMITTEEMEMBERS CORY MCCRAY IS A DEMOCRAT FROM BALTIMORE AND J.B.

JENNINGS IS A REPUBLICAN FROM BALTIMORE AND HARTFORD COUNTIES.

GENTLEMEN WE APPRECIATE YOUR TIME ON FIRST LOOK, WHAT DID YOU THINK OF THIS BUDGET SENATOR JENNINGS?

>> WELL, I THINK THE GOVERNOR, HE DID A SERIOUS ATTEMPT AT TRY TO RESOLVE THE DEFICIT ISSUES WE'VE HEARD ABOUT AND ONLY INCREASED IT -- IT INCREASES BY $3 MILLION BUT IT DECREASED SOME OF THE MANDATED SPENDING AND BROUGHT IT DOWN.

BUT I DON'T THINK IT ADDRESSES NEXT YEAR'S BUDGET WHICH IS GOING TO BE THE REAL BIG ISSUE.

THIS ONE IS I CALL IT A BAND-AID BUDGET WITH THE OLD GAIN THREE CARDAMOMTY WHERE YOU MOVE THE BALL AROUND I THINK THAT IS WHAT THEY ARE DOING IS MOVING MONEY AROUND TO MAKE IT BALANCED AND NOT HAVE TAX INCREASES OR FEE INCREASES BUT THE PRO PROBLEM IS NEXT YEAR.

>> Jeff: SENATOR McCRAY?

>> I WOULD SAY IT IS THE START OF THE CONVERSATION AS THE LEG SAVE BRANCH WILL TAKE A LOOK OVER THE NEXT 80 PLUS DAYS AND MAKE SURE OUR PRIORITIES, PRINCIPLES AND VALUES AND FINGERPRINTS ARE ON TOP OF THE DOCUMENT.

SOME OF THE THINGS I WILL BE LOOKING AT WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF HR ONE FOR S.N.A.P.

AND MEDICAID.

BUT RIGHT NOW THE START OF A CONVERSATION AND LOOKING FORWARD TO JUMPING IN.

>> VERY TRUE.

>> Jeff: WHERE ARE THE GROWTH ITEMS?

THE LEGISLATURE VOTED FOR THE PLAN KNOWN AS THE BLUEPRINT TO INCREASE SPENDING ON EDUCATION BUT THERE'S OTHER THINGS THAT ARE GROWING THAT LEAD TO THIS STRUCTURAL DEFICIT PROBLEM.

WHAT ARE THOSE ITEMS?

>> WELL, I THINK WE BOTH SIT ON THE HEALTH COMMITTEE AND I DON'T WANT TO SPEAK FOR JB BUT WITH DDA THERE IS A LEVEL OF GROWTH AND THERE WILL BE TAKING A LOOK AT THAT TO MAKE SURE NOT THAT WE RIGHT SIZE IT BUT TAKING CARE OF THE MOST VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALS.

BUT ALSO MAKING SURE THAT WE ARE THINKING AND GIVE GREAT CONSIDERATION AND THOUGHTFUL ABOUT WHAT OUR BUDGET OUTLOOKS LOOK LIKE.

THAT IS ONE OF THE SPACES THAT HAD HAD GROWTH AND ALSO THINK IT IS A POPULATION THAT DESERVES TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE SERVED IN THE PROPER MANNER.

>> Jeff: THIS IS HELP FOR THE DISABLED AND I BELIEVE THE GOVERNOR'S BUDGET CUTS THAT BY A BIG NUMBER.

$150 MILLION, MAYBE?

>> WHEN WE THINK ABOUT LIKE WHAT IS THE RATE OF FOLKS BEING PAID IS ONE OF THE THINGS WHAT IS THE LEVEL OF DISCRETION IF YOU HAVE TO HAVE A WAGE EXCEPTION.

THE GOVERNOR'S BUDGET LOOKS INTO THOSE TYPES OF THINGS.

AND TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT IS THE RIGHT SIZE.

BUT WE ALSO AS THE LEGISLATURE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT WE AGREE ON THE SAME PAGE WITH SOME OF THE PROPOSALS THAT THE GOVERNOR TOOK A LOOK AT.

IS IT GOING TO HAVE TO HAVE A LEVEL OF CUT?

YES, BUT ARE THEY THE RIGHT CUTS?

WE WILL BE DIGGING INTO.

>> Jeff: YOU AGREE THERE NEEDS TO BE CUTS ON DISABILITY SPENDING?

>> I AGREE WITH SENATOR McCRAY AT THE DISABILITY COMMUNITY SHOULD BE FUNDED ABSOLUTELY.

WHAT THE FAMILIES HAVE TO ENDURE WITH THEIR LOVED ONES TO PROVIDE HELP IS BOTH SENATOR McCRAY CHAIR OF OUR SUBCOMMITTEE WE'VE SEEN IT AND TALKED TO THE PARENTS AND WE KNOW IT AND UNDERSTAND IT.

LET'S BE HONEST.

THIS BUDGET HAS TO HAVE CUTS.

AND WHAT I CALL ACROSS THE BOARD IT'S EVERYTHING.

AND SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO SHARPEN YOUR PENCIL AND LOOK AT DIFFERENT PROGRAMS AND THIS IS ONE AS HE MENTIONED.

IT DID CUT IT, WHICH YOU KNOW, AGAIN IN FAIRNESS EVERYTHING SHOULD BE CUT BECAUSE WE DON'T -- WE HAVE TO COME UP WITH FUNDING SOMEWHERE.

SO WE DON'T WANT A TAX INCREASE OR FEE INCREASES YOU HAVE TO CUT IT.

SO I THINK IT IS A MATTER OF LOOKING AT SOME OF OF THE PROGRAMS AND MAKING SURE WE'RE TAKING CARE OF THOSE INDIVIDUALS THAT NEED IT THE MOST AND CUTTING ANY TYPE OF FAT WE CAN FIND IN THE BUDGET.

SO I SUPPORT CUTS.

IT'S HARD.

I DON'T LIKE IT.

PEOPLE COME IN OUR OFFICE BEGGING FOR MONEY FOR THEIR PROGRAMS.

EVERY PROGRAM IS IMPORTANT TO SOMEBODY OUT THERE BUT WE HAVE TO UNDERSTAND THAT WE HAVE TO SLOW DOWN SOME OF THIS.

TO ME, THE BIG THING TO FIX WOULD HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH KERWIN, THE BLUEPRINT WOULD ACTUALLY HELP US A LOT IF WE WERE TO SLOW THAT ROLL ON THAT PROGRAM.

BUT THE HOUSE DIDN'T WANT TO DO IT.

THE SENATE WAS WILLING TO DISCUSS IT AND THE GOVERNOR WAS WILLING TO TALK ABOUT IT BUT THE HOUSE WAS THE ROADBLOCK FOR THAT ISSUE.

>> Jeff: THE OTHER OPTION IN ADDITION TO CUTTING SPENDING OR ENHANCING REVENUES IS TO PUSH COSTS DOWN TO THE COUNTIES.

SENATOR JENNINGS, IS THERE SOME OF THAT IN THIS BUDGET?

>> SO THAT IS WHAT I CALL DEJA VU I'VE BEEN HERE FOR A WHILE IN 2007, ITEM, 9, DURING THE ECONOMIC DOWNTURN THAT IS WHAT WE DID AT THE STATE.

UNDER THE GOVERNOR'S BUDGETS THEY PUSHED STUFF DOWN ON THE COUNTIES.

AND THESE COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES SUFFERED.

BIG THING WAS THE HIGHWAY USER FUND WE CUT IT BY 97%.

IT TOOK US YEARS TO GET IT BACK.

THAT'S ONE OF THE THINGS THEY ARE DOING AND I THINK IT'S WRONG.

AND HOPEFULLY WE CAN PREVENT THAT AND NOT REPEAT THE MISTAKES OF ALMOST 20 YEARS AGO.

>> Jeff: SENATOR McCRAY ON THAT AND ALSO THE OTHER THING I NOTICED WAS TAKING MONEY OUT OF THE CAPITAL BUDGET TO USE FOR OPERATING EXPENSES MAYBE THAT'S THE FOURTH OPTION AND DOES THAT CONSTITUTE BASICALLY, A BACK DOORWAY OF BORROWING MORE MONEY?

>> I THINK SOME OF IT IS FUND SWAPS GOING ON, JEFF.

I WILL BE HONEST I'VE HEARD THAT SOME OF THE THINGS IS THE [INAUDIBLE] IT MAY SEEM IT'S WITHIN THAT THRESHOLD OF THE COMMITMENTS BUT WE HAVE TO DIG IN.

THIS IS THE START OF THE CONVERSATION.

BUT I ALSO WANT TO SAY I WILL LEAN IN AND GIVE THE GOVERNOR CREDIT WHERE CREDIT SHOULD BE DUE, I THINK ABOUT THE FEDERAL IMPACTS THAT IS HAPPENING AND LET'S THINK ABOUT WESTERN MARYLAND.

AND WE SHOULD MAKE SURE THAT WITH THE FLOODING THAT TOOK PLACE UP THERE YOU WILL SEE THERE'S EXTRA $12 MILLION COMING BECAUSE FEMA DID NOT STEP UP AND TAKE THAT RESPONSIBILITY BUT WE STILL AS MARYLAND HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY BECAUSE WE ARE NOT A BALTIMORE CITY MARYLAND, WE ARE ONE MARYLAND AND I APPRECIATE THAT APPROACH.

>> Jeff: AND HOW ABOUT ON THE SUBJECT OF THE FEDS?

THE LOSS OF 25,000 FEDERAL WORKERS IN MARYLAND.

SOME OF THOSE PEOPLE MAY HAVE RETIRED, SOME MAY HAVE MOVED.

BUT YOU HAVE A LOT OF PEOPLE HERE LOOKING FOR WORK NOT PAYING TAXES AT THE MOMENT?

>> I THINK THE GOVERNOR'S TAKING THE RIGHT APPROACH.

I'VE HEARD THE SPEAKER AND THE SENATE PRESIDENT AND IT SOUNDS LIKE DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP IS MOVING IN THE DIRECTION WE CANNOT BE DEPEND END ON THE FEDERAL DEFENDANT GOING FORWARD AND LOOKING FOR EMERGING INDUSTRIES IS THE NEXT STEP AND MAKING THE INVESTMENTS TO MAKE SURE THAT WHEN WE THINK ABOUT MARYLAND HOW WE ATTRACTING THESE BUSINESSES TO BE ABLE TO COME HERE AND SAY THIS IS OUR FOOTPRINT WHERE WE ARE GOING TO DOMINATE THE SPACE AND I SEE THAT WITHIN THIS BUDGET.

>> Jeff: SENATOR JENNINGS ON THAT AND COMMENT ON THE WESTERN MARYLAND MONEY?

THAT IS NOT YOUR DIRECTION OF THE STATE, BUT IT'S ALSO POLITICALLY A SIMILAR AREA.

>> IT IS.

IT WAS A DISASTER AND FEMA MONEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN DISPENSED THERE.

YOU KNOW, DISAPPOINTED IN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FOR NOT WESTERN MARYLAND.

WHAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DIDN'T TAKE CARE OF WE HAVE TO DO ON STATESIDE.

AGAIN, I THINK WE SHOULD HAVE USED FEMA MONEY IT WAS A DISASTER.

THAT IS WHAT THE MONEY IS FOR.

THE ONE THING I WANT TO POINT OUT IN THIS BUDGET, IF YOU LOOK AT CORPORATE INCOME TAX RETURNS THEY HAVE DECREASED BY 12% OVER THREE YEARS.

SOME OF THE ACTIONS WE TOOK WITH THE TAX INCREASES HAVE ARE PUSHING THE BUSINESSES OUT WHICH IS PUTTING MORE ON THE BACKS OF INDIVIDUAL TAXPAYER TO PAY THE DIFFERENCE.

AND THAT IS ONE THING WHERE AT LEAST THIS BUDGET DOESN'T HAVE TAXES IN IT.

THE QUESTION IS WHAT ARE WE DEALING WITH NEXT YEAR?

AND SENATOR McCRAY IS RIGHT.

OUR COMMITTEE THE BUDGET TAX COMMITTEE IN THE SENATE WORKS VERY HARD.

THE FOUR SUBCOMMITTEES OF DIVING INTO IT AND I GUARANTEE THIS BUDGET IS NOT GOING TO LOOK MUCH LIKE WHAT THE GOVERNOR INTRODUCED BECAUSE WE ARE GOING TO TAKE OUR TIME AND WORK ON IT.

I WON'T AGREE WITH EVERYTHING ON IT BUT WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO GET US ACROSS THE FINISH LINE SO THAT NEXT YEAR WE ARE NOT IN AS BAD OF A POSITION.

>> Jeff: QUESTION FOR EITHER OF YOU.

WHERE DO YOU THINK THE CHANGES MIGHT BE?

IS THERE ANYTHING OBVIOUS THAT THE LEGISLATURE IS GUARANTEED TO CHANGE?

AND ALSO DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE HOUSE AND THE SENATE WE TALKED ABOUT THE DIFFERENCES LAST YEAR ON KERWIN FUNDING, THE SENATE GETS FIRST CRACK AT THE BUDGET THIS YEAR?

>> IN REFERENCE TO THE CHANGES, I WANT TO LEAN IN AND SAY WE'VE HAD THE BUDGET FOR LESS THAN 48 HOURS.

IT IS VERY MUCH THE START OF A CONVERSATION.

I THINK THAT SOME OF THE THINGS WE'LL THINK ABOUT IS THE SEED FUNDING.

WHEN YOU TALKED ABOUT THE SWAPPING FROM CAPITAL TO OPERATING AND THINGS OF THAT NATURE MAKING SURE THAT IT STICKS TO THE CORE AND IF WE DO MOVE AWAY FROM THE CORE WHAT SEED WAS PUT FORWARD FOR WHAT DOES THAT LOOK LIKE?

A LOT OF RESEARCH DOLLARS, BECAUSE OF ONCE AGAIN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WHEN WE THINK ABOUT LIKE THE CLIMATE AND THINGS OF THAT NATURE WHERE INSTITUTIONS ARE GETTING SEED DOLLARS.

WHAT ABOUT HEALTH RESEARCH THAT WAS TAKING PLACE THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PULLED BACK ON?

HOW DO WE MAKE SURE THERE'S EQUITY.

WE HAVE TO THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS AND THOSE ARE THE CONVERSATIONS THAT WE'LL HAVE.

>> Jeff: GENTLEMEN WE HAVE TO LEAVE IT THERE THERE.

THE SENATORS ABOUT TO DO HEAVY LIFTING ON THE BUDGET.

WE APPRECIATE YOUR TIME.

>> ALWAYS GOOD TO JOIN MY GUY JB.

>> YOU GOT IT, MR.

CHAIR.

[♪♪] >> Jeff: THIS MORNING A BILL WAS INTRODUCED IN THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES TO REDRAW THE STATE'S CONGRESSIONAL MAP.

JEFF BARKER HAS BEEN FOLLOWING THIS STORY FOR "THE BALTIMORE SUN".

THIS NATIONAL TREND OF REDISTRICTING OR RE, REDISTRICTING MAYBE GOT ITS START IN TEXAS?

>> YEAH.

YOU KNOW, I THINK I WOULD ARGUE ALMOST NOBODY LIKES IT.

I FEEL LIKE IT DID START IN TEXAS AND THEN AS YOU KNOW, GAVIN KNEW SOME WANT -- NEWSOME WANTED TO COUNTER IN CALIFORNIA.

REDISTRICTING IS NOT FUN EVERY 10 YEARS AND AFTER FIVE IT MAKES EVERYBODY UNEASY AND IN MARYLAND, THE DEMOCRATS FEEL, I THINK, OUT OF THEIR CONSCIOUS WE HAVE TO COOPERATE WITH OUR NATIONAL PARTY AND OUR NATIONAL PARTY NEEDS US TO REDISTRICT BECAUSE WE WANT TO THROW UP ANYTHING TO BATTLE WITH THE REPUBLICANS.

>> Jeff: AND NORMALLY WHEN MAPS ARE DRAWN LINES ARE MOVED THERE'S HIGH RHETORIC ABOUT COMMONALITIES OF INTEREST AND KEEPING COMMUNITIES TOGETHER.

THIS TIME THERE'S NO GLOSSING OVER WHAT THEY ARE TRYING TO DO THEY ARE TRYING TO GET RID OF ANDY HARRIS THE LONE REPUBLICAN IN THE CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION?

>> YEAH.

IT'S FUNNY YOU SAY THAT BECAUSE I HAD A REPORTER WRITING A STORY AND SAID YOU KNOW, CAN WE JUST SAY THEY ARE TRYING TO GET RID OF ANDY HARRIS?

AND I SAID YEAH THAT IS WHAT THEY ARE DOING.

IT DOESN'T MATTER WHICH PARTY.

IN MARYLAND THE DEMOCRATS ARE IN CONTROL AND IN NORTH CAROLINA IT'S THE REPUBLICANS.

AND THEY CAN GLOSS IT UP TO PROMOTE FAIRNESS.

BUT WE ALL KNOW WHAT THE REASON IS, BECAUSE IT STARTED WITH PRESIDENT TRUMP AND IT'S ALL ABOUT TRYING TO ACCUMULATE ENOUGH HOUSE SEATS THAT YOUR PARTY CAN TAKE CONTROL OF THE HOUSE AFTER THE MIDTERMS.

>> Jeff: SO THIS BILL IS GOING TO MOVE RAPIDLY THROUGH THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES NEXT WEEK AND IT GOES TO THE SENATE WHERE SENATE LEADERSHIP IS OPPOSED ON A NUMBER OF GROUNDS AND ONE IS THAT THIS MAY GET THROWN OUT BY THE COURTS AND THE COURT COULD THROW OUT THE CURRENT MAP.

THE MECHANISM FOR DEFEATING ANDY HARRIS WHO LARGELY AT LEAST IN GEOGRAPHIC TERMS REPRESENTS THE EASTERN SHORE OF MARYLAND, AND YOU NEED TO GET MORE DEMOCRATS INTO THE DISTRICT.

SO THE DISTRICT MAP THAT CAME OUT OF THE GOVERNOR'S COMMISSION, GOES OVER THE BAY BRIDGE TO ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY AND THE ANNAPOLIS AREA.

THE ISSUE WITH THAT IS THAT THE JUDGE WHO RULED AGAINST THE LAST MAP FOUR YEARS AGO, SAID THAT A PROVISION IN THE STATE CONSTITUTION ABOUT RESPECTING GEOGRAPHIC FEATURES APPLIED TO THE CONGRESSIONAL MAP AS WELL.

AND UNLESS YOU CONSIDER THE BAY BRIDGE TO BE A GEOGRAPHIC FEATURE, THIS THING OBVIOUSLY JUMPS THE CHESAPEAKE BAY?

>> I MEAN, I THINK BILL FERGUSON'S ARGUMENT IS THAT THIS COULD BE A SELF DEFEATING EXERCISE.

AND REPUBLICANS GENERALLY AS YOU KNOW, FEEL HELPLESS IN ANNAPOLIS BECAUSE THEY ARE SO OUT NUMBERED IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

BUT THE COURTS ARE THEIR RECOURSE AND THE COURTS, LYNN, THE JUDGE AND I COVERED THAT FOUR YEARS AGO, THAT WAS NOT AN OPINION THAT TRIED TO TOW A LINE AN OPINION THAT SAID, HEY DEMOCRATS YOU ARE GUILTY OF PARTISAN GERRYMANDERING AND I'M NOT GOING 0 PERMIT THIS MAP.

THAT COULD HAPPEN AGAIN.

PRESUMING THAT THE MAP EVEN GETS THAT FAR PRESUMING THAT A IT CLEARS BILL FERGUSON AND THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE AND IS SIGNED AND IT GETS TO THE COURTS.

>> Jeff: SO LOTS TO COME ON THE STORY.

STAY TUNED AND YOU CAN READ JEFF BARKER'S REPORTING AT BALTIMORE SUN.COM.

JEFF, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> JEFF, I APPRECIATE IT.

>> Jeff: AND THAT IS "STATE CIRCLE" FOR THIS WEEK.

JOIN US EVERY WEEK AT THIS TIME AS WE BRING THE STATE HOUSE TO YOUR HOUSE.

REMEMBER, YOU CAN SEE VIDEOS OF RECENT PROGRAMS ON-LINE AT VIDEO.MPT.TV AND THROUGH THE FREE PBS APP.

AND YOU CAN FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA@MPT NEWS.

WE'RE BACK MONDAY WITH "DIRECT CONNECTION" AND YOUR CHANCE TO ASK THE EXPERTS THAT IS MONDAY EVENING LIVE AT 7:00 P.M.

FOR ALL OF US AT MPT THANK YOU FOR WATCHING AND WE'LL SEE YOU BACK HERE MONDAY.

[♪♪]