Curtain rises on ‘07 session
In addressing the House, Busch announced a broad legislative agenda that includes more money for school construction, an effort to expand health care coverage to at least half of Maryland’s 750,000 uninsured, an expedited Chesapeake Bay oyster restoration program and a focus on developing clean energy sources.

Miller: Tax and spend not the answer to state fiscal needs
“I just don’t like the idea of tax, tax, tax, spend, spend, spend,” added Miller. “As responsible leaders our job is to look for ways to cut spending as well as find revenue sources. And it needs to be fair.”

Eminent domain returns as assembly opens
Legislation to ensure fair compensation to businesses dislocated during eminent domain proceedings has already been introduced in the Maryland Senate, bringing back one of last year’s contentious issues.

O’Malley chooses health, MDE heads
Sources close to the O’Malley administration confirmed yesterday that John M. Colmers, the former head of the Maryland Health Care Commission, will be the nominee for health and mental hygiene; and Shari T. Wilson, who helped lead Glendening’s signature Smart Growth initiative, will be the governor-elect’s pick for the Department of the Environment.

Baltimore-based Under Armour expanding its national reach
In its third quarter earnings report, Under Armour said it expects 2006 net earnings to be $410 million, a 46 percent increase over 2005’s $281 million. By creating a fabric that keeps athletes cool and dry, the Baltimore-based corporation started by a former University of Maryland football player has taken the market by storm.