MACo Executive Director Michael Sanderson, along with MACo President and Howard County Executive Ken Ulman, testified in support of HB72 with amendments on March 1 before the House Appropriations Committee. HB72, the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act (BRFA), reconciles various provisions incorporated into the Administration's FY 2012 fiscal plan, bringing the proposed budget into balance for the year.  Its Senate crossfile, SB 87, was heard in the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee on March 2. …

Today's Baltimore Sun includes discussion about a potential shutdown of federal government agencies, and the effects on Maryland communities and economy. With the state's proximity to the DC area, and the presence of many federal facilities within the state, Maryland's economy would be affected more than those of most states. From the article: The stakes are higher here than in most states. Maryland ranked fourth in the nation for per-capita federal spending in fiscal year…

Led by Minority Leader Tony O'Donnell, the Republican Caucus will present its budget proposal before the House Appropriations Committee to eliminate the State's structural budget deficit. As reported by MarylandReporter.com: Republican delegates Tuesday will be offering their annual dose of “tough medicine” in the form of perhaps $1 billion in budget cuts, but it is unlikely that Democrats are any more willing to swallow the bitter pills than they were in past years. Trotting out…