Council supports public campaign financing expansion, if state funds it
State positions would become eligible, too
March 8, 2021 | 8:49 pm
March 9, 2021
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This story was updated at 9:54 p.m. on March 8, 2021, to correct a quote from Council Member Evan Glass.
The Montgomery County Council on Monday unanimously supported a state bill that would expand public campaign financing to additional political races.
But because state offices would be added, the state should cover the costs, council members said.
The financing system allows for certain donations to be matched by public funds for campaigns. The system is meant to decrease the influence of large donations from businesses, political action groups and other large organizations, helping more people run for office.
Race could attract multiple candidates; some council members seeking another term
March 1, 2021 | 10:44 pm
April 7, 2021
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich said he will run for a second term next year. He is pictured at a press conference on March 25, 2020.
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This story was updated at 9:40 a.m. on March 2, 2021, to include an additional comment from County Council Member Craig Rice. It was also updated at 1:59 p.m. on March 3, 2021, to clarify information regarding a candidate’s qualification, and April 7, 2021, to correct a reference to Brandy Brooks’ finish in the 2018 primary.
County Executive Marc Elrich has decided to run for a second term next year.
Council split on state bill letting grocery stores sell alcohol
Opponents say change could hurt small businesses By Briana Adhikusuma and Dan Schere |
February 23, 2021 | 11:03 am
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A state delegate from Montgomery County is pushing to let some grocery and convenience stores sell alcohol, a major deviation from the current law, which restricts them from selling beer or wine.
The Montgomery County Council was split on Monday on whether to support the bill, eventually tabling a vote on its official stance.
Del. Lily Qi’s bill is aimed at encouraging grocery businesses to settle in underserved areas of the state by requiring liquor boards to grant them licenses to sell alcohol.
Bill would let council have more input in projections
February 5, 2021 | 10:54 am
February 5, 2021
Logo from Montgomery County
To improve financial forecasts, the Montgomery County Council might create a panel of county employees to review and predict revenues every quarter.
The council on Tuesday introduced a bill to create the Revenue Estimating Group. It would include employees from the departments and offices of finance, management and budget, legislative oversight and the chief administrative officer, as well as council central staff.
A quarterly report on revenue projections would go to the county executive and council, to help improve budget decisions.
Council Member Andrew Friedson, who spearheaded the legislation, said the group would be similar to the Consensus Revenue Monitoring and Forecasting Group that provides revenue projections for the state.
Council supports state proposal to ban plastic bags for retail stores
Officials also back bills on broadband access, energy, ban of flavored tobacco
February 1, 2021 | 10:54 am
Montgomery County Council members are in favor of banning plastic bags in retail stores, which is proposed in a state bill.
The Plastic Bag Reduction Act would prohibit retail stores from distributing plastic carryout bags to customers, starting July 1, 2022.
Montgomery County currently charges a 5-cent excise tax on both paper and plastic carryout bags. The county could continue charging the tax for paper bags.
The County Council unanimously supported the state bill at a meeting to discuss state legislation on Jan. 25.