Budget Negotiators Clear Way for Vote On Compromise

Negotiators from the Maryland Senate and House of Delegates wrapped up their work yesterday on the state's $31 billion operating budget, clearing the way for both chambers to approve a compromise spending plan as soon as today.

Before breaking, the lawmakers reached agreement on a handful of outstanding issues, including spending levels for stem cell research and an infant and toddlers program, as well as language restricting the actions of the state's independent-minded comptroller, Peter Franchot (D).

Their actions leave more than $200 million in unallocated general funds for the fiscal year that starts in July. The leftover cash, in addition to about $740 million in the state's rainy-day account, can be tapped if revenue collections fall short of expectations because of the sluggish economy.

Advocates of stem cell research made up considerable ground yesterday, with negotiators agreeing to spend $19 million on grants next year. Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) had proposed spending $23 million. The House wanted to cut the amount to $15 million, and the Senate included only $5 million in its version of the budget.

The agreement yesterday creates the possibility of an additional $1 million for the research if there is more money available in the state's cigarette restitution fund, which was set up to receive Maryland's share of the 1998 national tobacco settlement.

Maryland is one several states that started funding embryonic stem cell research after an executive order by President Bush restricted federal allocations. Advocates say the research holds great promise for a range of debilitating conditions. The embryonic research is controversial because it involves the destruction of a human embryo.

Budget negotiators also agreed yesterday to meet O'Malley more than halfway on a late-session request to significantly increase funding for the Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program, which provides early intervention services. O'Malley sought to spent an additional $7.6 million on the program, which received $5.8 million this year. Lawmakers agreed to $4.6 million.

Negotiators also agreed to put language in the budget that restricts spending by Franchot, a former Montgomery County delegate, to duties granted to the comptroller under the state Constitution.

Senators, who have been irked by Franchot on a range of issues, insisted on the language. House members had resisted until yesterday, suggesting that Franchot should not be singled out. It is unclear how the provision will be enforced.

"No one has ever gone to jail for violating budget language," Warren Descheneaux, the legislature's top fiscal adviser, joked during the meeting.

-- John Wagner