The 2016 General Assembly Session Is Underway

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- The 2016 General Assembly session is open and there's an expectation of heated debate on several issues.

Political reporter Pat Warren has more.

Opening day often sets the tone of the 89 days to come and already a couple of shots have been fired.

Expect some haggling over Hogan's tax relief proposals that include families, retirees and small businesses.

"And I would say anyone who isn't in favor of that probably doesn't deserve to be in the legislature," Hogan said.

The Democratic leaders in exchange want guarantees on school funding.

"And folks, it's going to be a cold day in hell when public education is cut in the state of Maryland, I'll tell you that," said Senate President Mike Miller.

This is the first session since the death of Freddie Gray ignited a riot in Baltimore. Lawmakers will consider bills on police policy. Baltimore will also play heavily into the governor's proposal to bring manufacturing jobs back to the city, western Maryland and the lower shore by waiving state taxes.

"Maryland is great because Democrats have been in control," said Miller.

And they plan to exercise that control by overriding Governor Hogan's vetoes, including a bill he vetoed that would make smoking pot in public a civil offense. The veto overrides are expected next week.

"Special ordered for consideration of a veto override, yes," said House Speaker Mike Busch.

Already some 1,200 bills are being drafted.

Governor Hogan has said he hopes both parties can work together to come up with a plan. He will present his budget January 20.