Speaker’s office says state’s most important issues were addressed during session

ANNAPOLIS – The most important issues facing the state were addressed during the 2008 legislative session, which concludes today, according to a spokeswoman for House Speaker Michael E. Busch (D-Annapolis), Alexandra Hughes.

“Off the top of my head—I can’t think of one,” Hughes said when asked to name an important topic that did not come up during the session.

She then added, “Assuming everything is passed in the next eight hours.”

The state senate must still pass legislation to complete the governor’s settlement with Constellation Energy, which is expected to save BGE customers $2 billion.

A senate amendment passed Thursday threatened the effectiveness of the bill.

Hughes said the house stripped the amendment, which would regulate any new power plant built in the state and require the owner to first sell electricity to Maryland customers.

The press office of Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller could not be reached for immediate comment.

Hughes highlighted successes of passing legislation designed to combat the foreclosure crisis, the constellation agreement passed in the house and extended funding for K-12 education.