News you can use:
Minimum Wage: Maryland’s minimum wage will rise from $8.25 to $8.75. It’s the latest bump scheduled to take effect since lawmakers in 2014 approved increases over several years from $7.25. It is scheduled to go up to $9.25 next year and reach $10.10 in July 2018.
Gas Tax: The Maryland gas tax will rise nine-tenths of a cent to 33.5 cents. Lawmakers approved several increases in 2013, with regular hikes to adjust for inflation. The state’s gas tax has gone up a dime since 2013, when lawmakers approved the first increase in 20 years from 23.5 cents.
Powdered alcohol: A ban on powdered alcohol in the state will be extended two years until June 30, 2018.
Land Preservation: Funding to the state’s land preservation program known as Program Open Space will be restored. The law, already signed by the governor, will return $60 million over the next two years.
Veterans Home: A new fund is created to maintain the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home in St. Mary’s County.
Languages-diploma seal: A new seal will be available for high school diplomas of students who have attained proficiency in two or more languages.
Teacher Retention: A Teacher Induction, Retention and Advancement Pilot Program will be established for specified first-year teachers. Also, the maximum state matching stipend for teachers who hold National Board Certification increases from $2,000 to $4,000.
Transportation: Maryland will have a new scoring system to prioritize transportation projects. It’s the result of a battle between the Republican governor and the Democrat-controlled Legislature over transportation funding. While the governor won’t be prevented from funding a project with a lower score than another, an explanation would be required for the decision. The governor vetoed the bill, but the Legislature overrode the veto in April, shortly before adjourning.