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Maryland Lawmakers Scramble to Resolve Slots Vote

MARYLAND – As reported by the Baltimore Sun: "Pro-gambling lawmakers scrambled yesterday to assemble a significant tax package that could win approval from Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. and free the administration's slots bill for a long-sought vote in the House of Delegates.

"House Democrats insisted that no vote would come on legalizing slot-machine gambling until Ehrlich agrees to at least $500 million in new revenues.

"…The stalemate has overshadowed much of the work in the legislature's final days, as lawmakers anxiously await an agreement by the presiding officers and the governor -- three strong-willed leaders who have yet to blink. The 90-day session is scheduled to adjourn at midnight Monday, though the governor has issued an order to extend it if a budget deal is not worked out in time.

"Yesterday, Senate Democratic leaders began quietly circulating a two-year plan that would generate between $300 million and $400 million for general state spending by increasing a tax on sales and transfers of cars, and diverting existing money from transportation and land preservation programs.

"…House Speaker Michael E. Busch and House Democrats made clear that they believe the next move is the governor's: If he doesn't like the package of $670 million in they said…"

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