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MD Governor Gives State of the State Address, Dems Lay Out Agenda

Governor's office
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Governor's Office

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan is scheduled to give the annual State of the State speech, and he has said he'll be proposing a tax cut.

Hogan will give the speech to a joint session of the General Assembly on Wednesday.

At a PBS Newshour discussion Monday night in Baltimore, the Republican said he would talk about a "major tax cut" when he delivers the speech, though he declined to offer details Monday night.

Hogan has included some tax cuts in his budget for the next fiscal year for retired military, law enforcement and fire and rescue personnel, as well as for manufacturing employers that create jobs in high-unemployment zones. He also has proposed increasing tax deductions on interest for student loans.

Democratic Agenda

Credit official photos
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official photos
House Speaker Michael Busch (D) and Senate President Mike Miller (D)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Cutting prescription drug costs and ensuring health insurance coverage for people with pre-existing medical problems are some of the top priorities for Maryland Democrats this legislative session.

Democrats, who control the Maryland General Assembly, outlined the proposals Tuesday in Annapolis.

They also want to raise the state's smoking age from 18 to 21 and raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour. Democrats are proposing a ban on 3D-printed gun blueprints and untraceable "ghost" guns.

Democrats say they'll also try to reduce child care costs for parents by increasing a child care tax credit, which has remained unchanged in the state for nearly 20 years.

They also are proposing to make Maryland the first "foam free" state by banning polystyrene, a synthetic polymer often used in Styrofoam packaging.

Don Rush is the News Director at Delmarva Public Media. An award-winning journalist, Don reports major local issues of the day, from sea level rise, to urban development, to the changing demographics of Delmarva.