The Governor and Presiding Officers met yesterday to discuss transportation funding and other priorities  for the upcoming General Assembly session.  However, negotiations on the “fiscal cliff” will determine whether they can move forward on some of these priorities.  As reported by the Washington Post:

“We’re all very concerned with what’s taking place in Washington, D.C.,” House Speaker Michael E. Busch (D-Anne Arundel) said after an afternoon meeting with Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) and Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller (D-Calvert).

Moving forward on a transportation package becomes far more difficult, both legislative leaders suggested, if federal income taxes rise on most Marylanders and the state experiences major job losses in industries tied to the federal government.

The Governor has not yet decided whether to re-introduce legislation this session to increase transportation revenue.  However, he has indicated that he does plan to reintroduce legislation dealing with wind power and has expressed interest in repealing capital punishment.