by Brandon Butler,
legislative aide
The confetti flew in both chambers as the 2010 legislative session of the Maryland General Assembly came to an end in Annapolis on Monday, and Del. Wendell R. Beitzel (R– Dist. 1A) and Sen. George C. Edwards (R–Dist. 1) had a lot to celebrate.
“Despite some disappointments, the Garrett and Allegany County delegations got a lot accomplished this year both individually and as a group” said Beitzel.
Beitzel and Edwards also served on all four conference committees that dealt with the state budget. Beitzel served as a voting member of the committee, while Edwards was an advisor to the committee. This was the first time that Garrett and Allegany representatives served on all of the conference committees and were represented by both the House and Senate.
As a result, the Maryland Mined Coal Tax Credit was, once again, restored. The measure, which makes Maryland coal competitive with cheaper Pennsylvania and West Virginia coal, has been a measure that has directly contributed to industrial jobs in Garrett and Allegany counties.
“The General Assembly has been concerned about job creation and retention; this tax credit is a proven job creator for Garrett and Allegany counties,” said Edwards.
The Allegany County Delegation also sponsored a measure that would authorize counties to establish a preference for local construction firms competing for school construction projects. Delegate Beitzel worked hard to get Senate Bill 551 through during the closing minutes of the session. The House of Delegates even momentarily adjourned the session and immediately reconvened in order to overcome a procedural hurdle that would have prohibited the passing of the Senate bill.
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