Lawmakers Plan Return Trip to Annapolis

In early April, the Maryland General Assembly passed a "doomsday budget" that would require $512 million in cuts across the state, which would be felt everywhere from classrooms and libraries to police departments and nonprofits.

Now, lawmakers are heading back to Annapolis to fix it.

Gov. Martin O'Malley and state legislators have agreed to reconvene the General Assembly on May 14 to address the budget cuts, The Daily Record reported Wednesday afternoon.

On Tuesday, the of a special session, which would be for the purpose of raising income taxes.

"Businesses and residents have faced the reality that funds are not unlimited, and so too must the legislature," said the chamber. "It’s time to make difficult choices and demonstrate fiscal discipline."

Others in Howard County, including Councilwoman Courtney Watson, D-Elkridge/Ellicott City/Hanover, hoped for a special session. Watson said she was very concerned about taking a hit from "doomsday" cuts.

"The community college is not the place, I think, in this economy that needs to absorb those cuts," . "That is one of the most worrisome aspects of this."

Delegate Gail Bates, R-Howard County, $21,000 a day for lawmakers to reconvene in Annapolis and asked, "In a time when we’re worried about our spending, does it make sense to do that?"

Can lawmakers agree on a better budget? Tell us in the comments.