A Lot On The Agenda As Maryland Legislature Starts 90-Day Session

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) — The Maryland General Assembly is back in business, as the 2017 session is underway, and there's a lot on the agenda.

WJZ's Pat Warren was in Annapolis Wednesday as lawmakers began their 90 day session.

The session begins with the promise to work together, but particularly on issues that affect families.

With $500,000 in deficit, don't expect tax cuts, but no increases, either.

"Today, I would hope that every Marylander is hopeful that we in the general assembly are going to make their lives better at the end of 90 days," said Maryland House Speaker Michael Busch.

That includes paid sick days for people choosing between going to work and getting well, which lawmakers expect to pass this session.

That and other issues of priority.

"I believe we can work together on every one of those issues with respect to education, the environment and transportation," said Gov. Larry Hogan. "They are the top priorities and I think there's a lot more that unites us than divides us and while you're certainly not going to agree on everything, i think we can agree to disagree without being disagreeable."

Next year is the state election year and we will see how this session goes after a move to override the governor's veto of a renewable energy bill.

The general assembly will also consider passing a constraint - a prescription affordability initiative - in light of skyrocketing medicines.

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