Outside support for bond bill
In Congress, members’ funding requests for projects in their districts are “earmarks.”
In Annapolis, they’re “bond bills.” Lawmakers generally ask for money only for counties they represent.
But, this year, Sen. Robert J. Garagiola, D-Montgomery, joined Sen. Ronald N. Young, D-Frederick/Washington, in asking for up to $40,000 for a group trying to build a Korean War veterans monument in Hagerstown.
Garagiola doesn’t represent Hagerstown, but is trying to — he’s running for Congress in Maryland’s 6th District.
The Senate version was filed after Del. John P. Donoghue, D-Washington, asked for money on the House side.
Marriage thoughts
Before Friday’s final vote on a same-sex marriage bill, many delegates stood to explain their positions.
As an evangelical, fundamental Christian “governed by a biblical world view,” Del. Andrew A. Serafini, R-Washington, said he voted “no” out of a concern for others, not to condemn friends.
“If I believe in my heart that this is not right,” he said, “if I believe that this is not good, if I knew the bridge was out, should I not warn you? If I believe that I had a medication for something that would help you, should I be silent, even though I don’t want to offend you, and I care for you deeply ... I’m told in Ezekiel 2 that it is my responsibility to warn others or I will be held accountable.”
Del. Neil C. Parrott, R-Washington, said everyone in Maryland can get married, which, since the beginning of humankind, has between one man and one woman.
“What we’re talking about tonight is the redefinition ... for all Marylanders because a few people want to have it redefined,” he said.
Del. Michael J. Hough, R-Frederick/Washington, said, same-sex marriage violates a “bright-line rule” for the “procreation and raising of our children.”
He said it’s “indisputable” that children in a household with a mother and a father are less likely to go to jail or do drugs, and more likely to finish high school.
All five delegates representing Washington County voted against the bill.
In the bag
By tradition, the “green bag” is a satchel the governor’s office uses once a year to deliver nominations to the Senate for its approval.
Of this year’s 111 nominations, four are from Washington County:
