January 2009 Archives

by MICHAEL FROST
Capital News Service

State law enforcement officials would be prohibited from spying on anyone based on their political beliefs under a bill introduced Thursday.
   
The bill, entitled "The Freedom of Association and Assembly Protection Act," would require authorities to have a "reasonable suspicion of criminal activity" before starting any investigation. It is designed to prevent the type of surveillance that the Maryland State Police conducted during a 14-month period in 2005 and 2006.
   

by MAREN WRIGHT
Capital News Service

Universities will make the necessary sacrifices to cut costs, officials said Thursday, to deal with Gov. Martin O'Malley's recommended freeze on in-state tuition rates in the proposed fiscal 2010 budget.
   
"The cost to deliver the quality education, programs and services continues to rise. It does increase the struggle for universities like ours," said Morgan State University spokesman Clinton R. Coleman.
   
The O'Malley budget gives the University System of Maryland an increase of $21.1 million, though this may not be enough to offset expected cost increases.