Politics & Government

Republicans Temporarily Delay Vote On City School Construction

Democrats were poised to push through a preliminary vote on an overhauled $1.1 billion bill before other delegates could read an adjusted document detailing the costs.

Democrats in the House of Delegates were poised Wednesday night to push through a $1.1 billion school construction bill for Baltimore City until Republicans started asking questions.

Primarily, members of the minority party wanted time to read a bill so heavily amended that Del. Adrienne Jones, the floor leader for the bill, described it as completely different from the bill that was first introduced.

The amended bill creates a complicated deal between the state, Maryland Stadium Authority, state lottery agency, the city and Baltimore City Schools that will result in $1.1 billion in bonds being issued for school construction needs in the city. The Stadium Authority will issue the bonds used for the projects.

Find out what's happening in North Baltimorewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The changes resulted in a new fiscal note explaining the costs—a document some Republican members of the House said they would like to read before being asked to cast a vote. Delegates pointed out that they would lose the chance to offer amendments to the bill if the preliminary vote were taken before they had a chance to review the new bill and its associated costs.

"You don't vote on a bill and then get the information you need after you vote," said Del. Sue Krebs, a Carroll County Republican who asked for the delay.

Find out what's happening in North Baltimorewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Jones and other Democratic leaders resisted the request even as the issue was brought to a procedural vote to delay further discussion.

The Democrats overwhelmingly voted to reject the one-day delay. But aides to House Speaker Michael Busch began working the floor before the final totals were taken as Republicans stalled for 15 minutes by explaining their votes.

Del. Norman Conway, chairman of the Appropriations Committee, eventually stood up and supported the delay that he initially asked the 141 members of the House to reject.

"I don't want the work the that committee has done to be overshadowed by any comment that was made about us not giving this house every opportunity to discuss it," Conway said.

Ultimately, the delay was approved by a vote of 123-11.

The House is expected to take up the bill again on Thursday.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from North Baltimore