House OKs Changes To State Venture Fund
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- The Maryland House of Delegates has passed a measure to adjust how money from a state venture capital fund can be used to try to make it more effective.
The House voted 107-25 on Saturday for the bill. That sends it to the Senate to consider amendments delegates made to the measure.
The bill affects InvestMaryland, a top initiative of Gov. Martin O'Malley's that was approved two years ago to help start-up companies.
Under the program, $84 million was raised by selling state insurance premium tax credits at reduced rates. However, only about $5 million has gone so far to companies.
Critics say the need for the bill is proof that the program isn't working, but supporters say it's a long-term project that will take time to reach full fruition.
(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
