Once in awhile Democrats can come up with a good idea, although I’m not so sure they didn’t steal a GOP one as their own.
Anyway, on Wednesday a bill was introduced in the Maryland General Assembly to open up the process of government. HB344 would, among other things, make committee votes easier to access and allow people to sign up online to testify on pending legislation. Those hearings would also be broadcast over the General Assembly’s website.
HB344 would also make the subscription “Up-to-the-minute” service free, with the shortfall made up for by increasing the fee for registering lobbyists from $100 to $145. Finally, a tax increase I can live with.
Maryland’s Americans for Prosperity leadership was also pleased. AFP Maryland director Dave Schwartz stated:
“HB344 is not about left, right, Republican or Democrat. This bill is about good government and making it easier for Marylanders to hold their elected officials accountable. We thank Delegate Mizeur for her introduction of this proposal, and will be encouraging our members to support HB344.”
Americans for Prosperity-Maryland is a free market, grassroots organization that also encourages good government policies. With the exploding popularity of social networking websites, we believe the internet is a cost effective tool to encourage transparency and accountability within state government. HB344 uses that technology in a way that promotes those virtues.
The bill already has 76 co-sponsors, with 7 of them being Republican. Why that number is so low I don’t know, but perhaps more will come on board as often happens once a bill moves farther along in the process. Its only drawback is that the law wouldn’t take effect until October 1st, meaning the remainder of this year’s pivotal session won’t be broadcast under these rules.
No hearing has yet been scheduled for the bill, which lies under the jurisdiction of the House Rules and Executive Nominations Committee. That committee (see page 28) is chaired by Delegate Hattie Harrison of Baltimore City, with her vice-Chair being a local Delegate, Rudy Cane (District 37A, Dorchester/Wicomico). Delegate Norm Conway (one of my Delegates here in District 38B, Wicomico/Worcester) is also on the Rules and Executive Nominations Committee. Obviously local AFP members are familiar with Conway, so he should get a little encouragement on helping this along.
