With two weeks left in the General Assembly’s session, the pace has intensified! I am proud that the House of Delegates has passed legislation that will have a major impact on health care, the environment and elections:

Health Care. On March 16, the House approved legislation that would provide health insurance to more than 100,000 uninsured residents. House Bill 754 expands eligibility for health coverage under Medicaid and ensures that every child in Maryland can receive medical insurance. Much of the proposal’s cost would be funded by a $1 per-pack increase in the cigarette tax. Unfortunately, the bill’s fate is uncertain because of opposition in the State Senate.

Smoking Ban. Yesterday, the House of Delegates approved a ban (HB 359) on smoking in most indoor public establishments. The legislation’s purpose is to eliminate the hazards associated with second-hand smoke. The bill provides a “hardship” exemption for bars and restaurants that can demonstrate that the ban would hurt them financially. The Senate’s version of the smoking ban also grants an exemption for private clubs, so if and when the Senate bill passes, the difference will have to be worked out in conference committee.

Green Fund. The House of Delegates also approved yesterday HB 1220, which would establish the Chesapeake Bay Green Fund. The bill promotes Smart Growth, reduces sprawl and keeps Maryland on track to meet its goals for reducing nutrient pollution. HB 1220 imposes a fee on impervious surfaces (such as parking lots and rooftops) created by new development projects. The Fund will support projects that protect the Bay from storm water runoff, help local governments address planning needs and promote agricultural best management practices.

Paper Trail. Last week, the House gave preliminary approval to HB 18, which would require the State Board of Elections to implement a voting system by 2010 that produces a paper receipt. The receipt would be available to each voter to inspect and verify before the ballot is cast and would be suitable for the purpose of a random audit. HB 18 is in response to the concerns created by use of the Diebold voting machines, which do not produce a paper trail.

Other Developments - Rosewood. I am very pleased that the State Board of Public Works declared 54 acres at the Rosewood Center in Owings Mills surplus property last week. This is an ideal site for an Owings Mills middle school, which is very much needed. Baltimore County government has expressed interest in purchasing the land, and County Executive Jim Smith has stated that “the most critical use for the property is that it be acquired for a future school site.”

H. Allan Lipsitz Memorial Scholarship. I am naming my delegate scholarship fund in memory of H. Allan Lipsitz, who taught English to seniors in Milford Mill High School for 13 years, from 1964 to 1977. Allan Lipsitz was a dynamic teacher and a yearbook faculty advisor whose creativity was boundless. He inspired and motivated hundreds of students during his many years of teaching. After teaching at Milford Mill, Allan became an academic advisor in continuing studies at Towson University. For the past nine years, he was director of adult education at Beth El Congregation. Unfortunately, Allan Lipsitz passed away in February 2007.

I was fortunate to be a student in Allan Lipsitz’s class at Milford Mill High School in 1975-1976. Through the H. Allan Lipsitz Memorial Scholarship program, I wish to honor his memory.

The scholarship is open to students from District 11 who will be enrolled in an accredited Maryland college or university for the academic year 2007-2008. Anyone who is interested in applying should contact Carol Schwartz, my legislative aide, at 410-841-3527 or dana.stein@house.state.md.us. The application deadline is April 10.

I am proud to be representing you in Annapolis and to be working with Senator Bobby Zirkin, Delegate Jon Cardin and Delegate Dan Morhaim as part of the District 11 legislative team. Please contact me with any comments or feedback or if I can be of any assistance.

Best,

Delegate Dana Stein

410-841-3527