State Roundup, May 18, 2016

CITY SCHOOLS ASK BPW TO RECONSIDER: Michael Dresser of the Sun reports that Baltimore City school officials have asked the Board of Public Works to reconsider what they called a “punitive and unreasonable” decision to withhold $5 million in school construction money if the system doesn’t install window air-conditioning units in 2,000 classrooms by August. House Speaker Michael E. Busch backed the school system, accusing the board majority — Gov. Larry Hogan and Comptroller Peter Franchot — of intruding on the powers of the General Assembly. He said lawmakers could review the board’s role during next year’s legislative session.

POLLUTION MEASURED OMITTED: Josh Hicks of the Post writes that Maryland officials left a key pollution measure out of a glowing assessment released this month of the state’s compliance with federal air-quality standards. An annual report from the state Department of the Environment touted Maryland’s progress in meeting federal guidelines for air pollutants such as nitrous oxide and ground-level ozone. But it neglected to mention sulfur dioxide, which can cause asthma and other breathing problems.

SUNLIGHT ON ELECTION REVIEW? State officials say they are focusing on about 60 precincts in their review of irregularities in Baltimore City’s primary election — a process they agreed Tuesday night to open to the public after a judge was asked to intervene, Luke Broadwater reports for the Sun.

 

READ THE REST HERE:

http://marylandreporter.com/2016/05/18/state-roundup-may-18-2016/