david collins is live, from annapolis, with this charge the meeting. >> there were about one dozen house members on the fence. it is not led to believe that they are six short of the number they need for passage. both sides of the issue relied on carefully chosen words, actions to make their case. many people were turned away to an overflow room the quickly became crowded. they hoped it would be a game changer. he was flanked by clergy with opposing views but both agree on the governor's goals. they approach the issue differently. >> of gays and lesbians are denied certain rights because they engage in behavior that some may be to be immoral and an affront to marriage, why not also deny certain rights to those heterosexuals to commit adultery, have been endorsed -- divorced from or have bothered children out of wedlock under the pretense that it would strengthen marriage and family. >> he said he believes america is a christian union and he will refuse to marry same-sex couples. >> notwithstanding, my personal beliefs and faith traditions come i can support the civil marriage protection

. >> david collins had a seat at the table and joins us live from annapolis with more on the story. >> the governor increased funding to the program by more than $500,000. legislators have been asked to consider slashing that amount by half, but it would still be an increase in funding. the chef created quite a buzz in annapolis. he drew a crowd everywhere he went. he is here to use his celebrity status to fight budget cuts in public school breakfast programs. >> they have to be excited about being in school. if you are there with an empty stomach, it is not the right environment for learning. >> the governor put by vanity thousand dollars in his budget for the project. -- the governor put five and $60,000 in his budget for the project. since 1998, participating schools offer students a free breakfast in the classroom. no one has to pay, regardless of family income. >> it is a few hundred thousand dollars. given the amount of, number of families that have indicated they are eligible for free and reduced lunch and breakfast programs, this could not come at a worse time. >> budget cuts

david collins is following that story from the state house. >> they certainly need a bigger table. everything remains on the table. in terms of tax increases. that is what is fueling the creation of a doomsday budget being proposed by democrats. this is a way to balance the books to cuts only. although not quite as dramatic as the end of the world 2012 movie clip, a doomsday budget will arrive at the state house next week. mike miller predicts this session will be profiles in courage or hell as legislators consider spending cuts as an alternative to tax and fee increases. the senate takes up the budget first this year before sending it to the house. >> you prepare a doomsday budget in case no one can agree on revenue proposals. you have to have a fallback position. >> public push back on the tax for gasoline is helping to fuel the doomsday approach. boaters are up in arms over the income tax hike on those who earn one under thousand dollars a year or more. >> we do not want to rosh people with 34 revenue proposals. -- we do not want to rosh -- parish -- barrage people. >> cuts incl

david collins joins us live from the state house with the latest. >> there is now competing legislation with the same goal, to protect children. the current law urges everyone to report suspected child abuse, but it does not provide the authority to prosecute those who do not. >> emotions are still raw for this schoolteacher, still haunted by the deaf but reject the death of an 8-year-old back in 1998 -- still haunted by the death of an 8-year-old back in 1998. no one came to rescue the child. the state does not have the power to prosecute those who do not report abuse and neglect. a new bill makes it punishable by up $1,000 fine and a year in jail. >> we want to be able to save a child who has been a victim of abuse. many times it goes unreported. >> people will be on notice and they realized they have a duty and a legal obligation to report it. >> it child abuse or neglect is suspected -- the current law exempts clergy or attorneys from reporting if they become aware of these privileged communications. the proposed legislation does not stifle the language. >> you can make it a civil o

david collins has learned some members of the house and senate want to make sure that any increase goes towards fixing roads. he joins us live from annapolis. david? >> this is been a very popular reservoir of money to borrow from, but the legislation is designed to stop that. maryland law mandates that your gas tax dollars go to the state's transportation trust fund, used to pay for roads, bridges, and mass transit. in reality, the fund is often used to help balance the state budget. governor o'malley has yet to submit his plan outlined the state sales tax to gasoline. earlier this week, he says he supports a mechanism to keep the funds from being used for other purposes. members of the house and senate did not want to leave anything to chance. bills designed to protect existing and future transportation funding are in the mix. david brinkley is taking an ironclad approach. under no circumstances will transportation money be used for other purposes. >> right now, the taxpayer can look at it as a transportation mistrust fund. >> under certain circumstances, the governor puts it forward,

david collins is inside the state house and lowell melser standing by with the latest on the same sex marriage legislation. we will begin with david on the budget battle. >> the people are being heard on at least two front, eliminating mortgage deductions and increasing the gas tax. they are said to be likely to be taken off the table. not even a hard, steady rain could wash away the frustration. protest of governor martin o'malley's proposal that phases out the mortgage deduction. >> we are very concerned about the effect it will have on consumer confidence. >> it will be devastating for everybody. nobody would feel they need to buy any more. >> it will be detrimental if this passes, because a lot of people that want to take advantage of getting a deduction are going to be pushed out. >> their concerns are being heard. legislators in the process of working on the governor's budget say eliminating the mortgage interest tax deduction is now off the table. >> if you are going to reduce that when people are looking to buy homes, that difference could make the difference if someone is a h

david collins had a seat at that table and joins us live from annapolis with more on the story. >> one thing we heard today is that applying the state sales tax to gas may cost more than a it is worth. the state's top tax collector believes raising the gas tax is an awful idea, and applying the state sales tax would come as a crushing blow to families and businesses. >> it is hard to imagine a worst time to raise any tax, but particularly one that will immediately bite into family income, raise prices on consumer goods, and destroy the profit margins for so many of the state's employees. >> peter franchot hosted a roundtable discussion on the issue. experts predicted it would be an administrative nightmare, costing millions to recalculate pumps. >> when you work out the math on it, there are 160 different tax rates depending upon product formulation. >> the governor still has not submitted a bill detailing how he plans to apply the state sales tax to gasoline. another expert believes that under the governor's plan, maryland's gas prices would average 26 cents a gallon more than in virg

david collins had a front row seat and filed this report.cheers and applause] >> it was like new years. supporters leaped from their seats embracing the 72-67 house vote to legalize gay marriage. celebrations rocked the state hallways. the public began lining up since 8:00 a.m. for a seat. l the house speaker embraced a teary-eyed michael bush. >> the dignity of every individual. this guy did this. this man did this. >> the house spent two days debating and amending the legislation. >> we should extend to families same sex loving couples the right to marry in a civil ceremony. >> in that act of creation, god himself defined marriage as the union of one man and one woman. >> i believe that this is a civil -- the civil rights issue of our generation. >> i wonder openly are our churches fully protected. >> i'm confident that this legislation now has some of the strongest language in the country to protect religious institutions. >> i am sent here because my constituents have faith in my judgment. however, my constituents did not send me here to

david collins will let us know what the senate addresses that issue. >> you thought gas prices were bad. they could get worse if the governor has his way. a 2% increase a year. there is a braking mechanism that could stall the price. the governor acknowledges it will be a tough sell. revenue would go towards funding transportation projects. the governor advocated increasing fees on the so-called flush tax to upgrade the wastewater treatment plants. the governor's busy day was capped off with a push for wind power. he pushed for the bill he introduced. the bill has safeguards double in sure the average customer will not see a bill increase of more than $2 a month. >> an elderly driver died in a car crash. she was driving on joppa road last thursday when she ran a stop sign and crash into a trade. she was not wearing a seatbelt -- and crashed into a tree. she died on sunday. a man is in serious condition after an accident in harford county. this happened at atlantic tractor on willis school road. the employee was working on a tractor when the jack supporting it collapsed, pinning him unde

david collins has the latest from the statehouse. >> opponents tested the patience of some legislators by framing their arguments around stereotypes. one told the committee, people aren't born gay or lesbian. they choose to be. one said being a victim of child molestation made him gay, but he's not any longer. the issue also brought out the worst in people. one woman is worried about her safety. one person posted on line "i want to punch her in the face." another writes, if i ever see this girl, i will kill her. that's a promise. >> earlier in the day o'malley was flanked by two baptist ministers. >> if gays and lesbians are denied certain rights because they engage in behavior that they believe immoral and an affront to marriage, why not also provide marriage rights to those who have abortion or adultery. >> not withstanding my personal beliefs and faith traditions i can support the civil protection act because civil marriage is not synonymous with religious marriage. >> legislators engage in several lively discussions. >> what would be the harm in us putting this before the voters of

david collins had a ringside seat. >> many expect a the same old argument. the governor could now be bringing game changing testimony with him. strong emotions were held in check. those on both sides of the same- sex marriage issue relied on carefully chosen words. many people were turned away into an overflow room that quickly became crowded. gov. martin o'malley brought with him what supporters hope would be a game changer, he was flanked by clergy with opposing definitions but agree on the governor's goal. many have believed this before. he included the developments in california and washington state. >> it is not right or just that these children should of lesser protections under the law than the children of other families in our state. nor would it be right to force religious institutions to conduct a marriages that conflict with their own religious beliefs and teachings. >> with the governor's desk that commanded attention. they approach the issue differently, profoundly come and arguably convincing. >> of bear denied certain rights because they engag

david collins joins us live from annapolis with more. i know it can get very expensive. >> we heard one figure of about $14,000 a month out of your own pocket. supporters say what are they waiting for? in the words of one lawmaker, this is the case of legislation catching up with madison. cancer patients, doctors, nurses, advocates unite for calls to save lives and enhance the quality of life for the terminally ill. >> the act is named after the late wife of senator james mathias. they are paying out-of-pocket costs for oral cancer therapy drugs. >> it does not cover the pill form. some policies cover it under a prescription drug plan, but not all. oral chemotherapy treatment is 6 -- expensive, costing as much as $12,000 a month, putting families in financial turmoil. >> it was just survival. we were going to do anything to get my wife the treatment, to get her what she needed. >> it requires carriers to cover oral anti-cancer jobs -- and drugs without imposing co- payments. >> this is simply truth in advertising. people sign up for thei

he has yet to put the plan on paper, but as david collins found out, some legislators are taking action in anticipation. he joins us live from the statehouse in annapolis with more. david? >> they've introduced legislation to make sure that whatever money goes into the transportation trust fund that stays with the fund. maryland law mandates that your gas tax dollars go to the state transportation trust fund. that money is used to pay for roads, bridges, and mass transit projects. in reality, the fund is often used to help balance the state budget. governor o'malley has had to submit his plan at applying the state tells taxed -- the state sales tax to gasoline. the city supports a mechanism to keep the funds from being used for the purposes. but members of the house and senate could not want to leave anything to chance. the bills designed to protect existing and future transportation funding are in the mix. david brinkley is taking an ironclad approached. under no circumstances will transportation money be used for other purposes. >> right now, the taxpayer can look at it as a transport

david collins had a seat at the table. >> chef brian botagio drew a crowd wherever he went.brity status to encourage improved school lunches. governor o'malley put $550,000 for the maryland meals for achievement project. since 1998 participating schools throughout the state offer students a free breakfast in the classroom. no one has to pay regardless of family income. >> it is $200,000. but given the amount -- given the number of families that have indicated that they need this, i think it comes at the right time. >> it will help us draw down $2.8 million in federal funding. you cut that in half, we are cutting back the amount of money we get for child nutrition. >> and that was david collins reporting. >> students from around baltimore city gathered to see if months of hard work paid off. the robotics tournament challenged students to design robots that can pick up objects and put them down in precise locations. students say it involves skills in science, technology, engineering, and math. >> it is lots of fun, especially when you see it doing great. it is like oh, i did t

david collins joins us with some highlights from today's address. >> the governor urged the maryland general assembly to pass his legislative agenda for the sake of job creation. [applause] >> governor martin o'malley outlined an ambitious but expensive agenda. he recognize that his tax proposals will not be popular, but it all has a price. >> let's ask one another, how much less expectation the thing would be good for our children -- talmadge less education would be good for our children's much less publics safety, how many fewer jobs? >> his plan would extend the state sales tax to gasoline, which is repeatedly attacked by republicans. next i don't know what world he lives in. >> he has proposal after proposal on tax after tax. the mortgage deduction introduced, internet tax, gas tax, the list goes on and on. >> o'malley made an emotional plea to pass these things. >> we want our children to live in a loving, caring, stable, committed home, protected under the law. this cannot write and his cannot just that the children of gay couples should have lesser protections than the childre

and that's not the only concern. 11 news i-team reporter david collins investigate. >> a new generation of fake i.d.'s is so realistic, even the cops have a tough time telling the difference. experts say the most popular counterfeit i.d.'s are made in china and come from someone well known as chinese guy. howard county police department confiscate these. photos and physical descriptions are real and so are the signatures. sometimes the addresses are too. the holograms are exact copies and bar code can fool scanners. >> word on the street is everyone has one of these i.d.'s. is that an exaggeration? >> no, it's not. everybody has them. it's insane the amount of people that have these i.d.'s. >> shawn pierce is a doorman at towson. he said local police consider him one of the best in the business in spotting fakes. >> they can be scanned. i have seen the i.d.'s scan before. it does scan and does work. >> underage drinkers we spoke with consider towson an easy place to get away with bogus i.d.'s and users say the chinese guy makes them easy to obtain. >> it's pretty easy to get. >> benjami

david collins had a front ro seat and filed this report. applause >> it was like new year's. supporters leaped from their seats embracing the 72-67 house vote to legalize gay marriage. celebrations rocked the chamber. the public began lining up at 8:00 a.m. to be in the chamber. >> the dignity of every individual. these guys did this. this man did this. >> after a week of speculation, the house spent two days debating the legislation. >> we should extend to families, same sex loving couples, the right to marry in a civil ceremony. >> in that act of creation, god himself defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman. >> i believe that this is the civil rights issue of our generation. i wonder, openly, are our churches fully protected? >> i am confident that this legislation has the strongest language in the country to protect religious institutions. >> i am senlt here because my constituents have faith in my judgment. however, my constituents did not send me here to judge people. >> right now, as a state, we have to move beyond this issue. >> the maryland catholic con

david collins was there for the address and he joins us live from annapolis with the latest. >> the governor titled his speech "balanced approach." the legislators called his agenda ambitious and expensive and summon up this way, it is a tough sell -- a sum it up this way. governor martin o'malley outlined an expansive agenda, wrapped around job creation. he recognized that his tax proposals will not be popular. >> the most important job we create is the next one. this is why everyone is needed. this is why i am asking everyone to get on board. >> he change the tax code on those making over $100,000 and extend the sales tax to gasoline and the internet. >> i don't know what world he lives in, but this cannot the world that the people in maryland live in. >> he has proposal after proposal raising tax after-tax. an internet tax, the list goes on and on. >> baltimore county executive kevin says they are prepared to absorb that cost. >> we will continue our austerity program in baltimore county which is reducing our expenses whatever we can, without having to raise tax rates. that is our goal. w

david collins is in annapolis and will have a full report tonight. the house just voted to approve the payroll tax cut extension deal. that deal was reached thursday morning and would extend the 2% cut in petrol taxes through the end of this year. the bipartisan compromise would also extend unemployment benefits and stop a real -- stop our reimbursement cut for doctors who treat medicare patients. president obama's said he will sign the deal as soon as it hits his desk. same-sex marriage in maryland has come down to a few votes but with a few delays. the house attach an amendment that said if passed, it would not start until october of next year instead of january. that would give people against the bill more time for a referendum. the battle over same sex marriages spilled into the hallways of the house building thursday, where opponents lobbied hard to strike the bill down. >> they want to come up with the delegates, their stand on traditional marriage. >> another delay on the vote, supporter veronica turner is in the hospital for emergency surgery

reporting live from lawyers mall in annapolis, david collins, wbal-tv 11 news. >> baltimore mayor stephanie rawlings-plate delivered her third state of the city address today. she wants to grow baltimore by 10,000 families in the next 10 years. carey kavanagh is live it city hall with more on today's address. >> stephanie rawlings'-blake placed a heavy emphasis on the goal of growing the city by 10,000 families over the next decade. she believes that people will move here if they can count on good schools, a feeling of safety and a reasonable commute to work too well paying jobs. to that extent, the mayor wants to extend the free bus service. she says connecting emerging neighborhoods to downtown jobs is key. >> today i am proposing that we extend the purple line of the circulator up to 33rd street, connecting 10 stations with johns hopkins and the charles north community, serving as a catalyst for future growth. >> tonight at 11:00, we will have more on her take on crime, taxes and the embarrassing state of baltimore city schools. >> thank you. today president obama unveiled his budget for

david collins is following the case and joins us live with more. >> senator kerry met with that committee behind closed doors for 4.5 hours. he tried to leave your back door but we caught up with him. you are in their long time. what did they ask you, what did they want to know? >> i cannot comment. >> is there any wiggle room for a negotiated deal? >> not until after a decision has made. >> do you get any sense of when a decision would be rendered? >> it will be soon. it is out of our control. >> senator ulysses currie met for 4.5 hours behind closed doors. his case was referred to the panel after his acquittal in federal court on bribery and other charges related to his consulting agreement with shoppers food warehouse. the grocer paid carry $245,000 between 2003 and 2008. he was a senator at the time and chairman of the budget and taxation committee. he did not reveal details on his disclosure forms. the committee is considering sanctions. this could be anything from a reprimand to censure or even expulsion. the joint committee is made up of six delegates and six senators. the chairman

david collins is live in annapolis with more on how the plan could cost you. >> first of all, the increase adds 18 cents to a gallon of gas within three years. the measure makes it harder to shift transportation trust fund money for other purposes. the governor at mintz general assembly passage is a very -- the governor admits general assembly passage is a very heavy lift. it is something the governor cannot afford to run out of. the governor says -- the public opposes as much as a penny increase. >> that is our quandary right now. we have to break out of that since that the pennies we invest right now cannot save us down the road. in fact, they can. >> the governor proposes applying the state's 6% sales tax to the price of a gallon of gas. it will be phased in over three years. if it goes up 15% of the previous year, a braking mechanism would kick in. it would give local jurisdictions more state aid for transportation projects precauti. in order to transfer funds of the transportation trust fund, it would take a stand-alone bill, proceed to a supermajority vote in each chamber, and then h

david collins has the status report. drivers would love that. >> absolutely. last year the measure died. this year's chances are hard to tell. you like the cameras but fewer are complaining about the money they generate. >> for nine months there has not been any construction on the roadway. there has been construction on the bridge 200 feet up. for some reason they feel like giving tickets to people at 11:00 p.m. on saturday night or 6:00 a.m. sunday morning when all the lanes are open and the shoulders are open is about public savincity. >> 3% of tickets were issued when workers were not there. this state issued four ordered 75,000 citations. if everyone pays up it would generate $90 million in fines. that program is supposed to protect motorists and workers. >> it is about changing behavior, come back and say we want to change behavior but we want money. you cannot have it both ways. >> drivers are slowing down. an average of 5 miles per hour. current law allows the cameras to operate 24-7. they are being used in nine works on statewide. two years ago a hand

david collins is falling and the debate live from annapolis. >> we are in the chamber, live and just one minute away from the vote. right now, that eastern shore republican is talking about why he is going to vote against the bill. before he stepped to speak, there were a number of other speakers. there are 44 other senators in the chamber. the vote is perhaps one minute away. just they with us for a moment. the frederick area senator luncheon to what sounds like a filibuster attempt when he introduced an amendment. he talked about for 25 minutes and after a bill supporter called for a vote, the senate president jumped in and of my colleagues that everyone will have an opportunity to speak. droning on and on has not affected vote as long as he has been in office. a democrat from anne arundel county made an amendment to make the bill more clear but it was voted down. the galley is packed. there's not an open seat in the house. the media has lined both sides of the chamber and the republican senator from eastern shore is currently explain why he is going to vote against the same-sex ma

david collins is following the money and joins us live with that story. >> momentum is growing for table games, but also now wildcard in the mix, one that could cost baltimore city and and randall county. -- anarundal county. did rick figures showing slots revenues are up 3% over december, there is a growing appetite to put table games into the mix. a huge crowd in support of table games gathered for a committee hearing on several pieces of table game legislation, but one of the measures is considered a wild card that could be real expanded gaming. it would allow them to operate in prince george's county. national harbour is mentioned as the preferred site. >> national arbor provides us with a unique opportunity to take advantage of the district of columbia, and i-95 corridor, one of the busiest highways on the east coast to build a high- in the destination facility. >> overall it will bring about $2.5 billion to the state of maryland during the construction in the first five years of the construction phase. it will bring about 2000 jobs to the state. >> mike miller supports opening a sl

david collins is monitoring the bill's progress and he will let us know when the senate addresses the issue. you thought gas prices were bad now. they could get even worse if the governor has his way. gov. o'malley outlined his gas tax proposal on tuesday. it calls for a 2% increase per year for the next three years. however, there is a braking mechanism that would stall the gas tax. if prices spiked 15% or more. even with the precautions, the governor acknowledges it will be a tough sell. revenues raised would go toward funding transportation projects. house and senate negotiators have apparently reached a deal to extend the payroll tax cut along with other measures. kate amara has more on how the agreement is hammered out. >> several republican lawmakers have predicted the house will approve this deal. from capitol hill this morning, good news for anyone who gets a paycheck. democrats and republicans struck a tentative deal with last night to extend the payroll tax cut through the end of this year. >> i expect to see a number of democrats voting for it as well. >> it is estimated th

david collins joins us live from annapolis. >> this hearing is just now wrapping up. 10 hours long. advocates on both sides offered personal stories and legal arguments. some expressed concerns about teaching alternative lifestyles in public schools. >> opponents tested the patience of some legislators by framing their argument around stereotypes. one told the committee, people are not born gay or lesbian. he says being a victim of child molestation made him a day, but he is not any longer. the issue also brought out the worst in people. the parents of syrup, a 14-year- old -- sarah, a 14-year-old to spoke out, are worried about her safety. earlier in the day, gov. martin o'malley defended the bill. many believe they provided game changing testimony. >> if gays and lesbians are denied certain rights, why not also denies certain rights to those heterosexuals who commit adultery, have been divorced, had had an abortion? >> this rev. declared marriage is a christian union between a man and woman and he will refuse to marry a same-sex couple. >> notwithstanding my personal beliefs i can

for the i-team i'm david collins. >> pete gilbert.oming up in sports, honors for ravens last night. the first-ever awards show. we'll check in on that straight ahead. >> up next, baltimore's top cop and top prosecutor join me to give a bird's eye view of their crime plan. i'm jayne miller. i'm jayne miller. you don't want to miss thiso homicide of young people in america has an impact on all of us. how can we save these young people's lives? as a police chief i have an opportunity to affect what happens in a major city. i learned early on if you want to make a difference you have to have the right education. university of phoenix opened the door. my name is james craig, i'm committed to making a difference and i am a phoenix. >> he may or may not retire. terrell suggs is one of the best centers in all the land. for that he has been honored by the nfl earning man-of-the-year honors. it is the biggest and most prestigious award they hand out. elementary school reading programs. he's powerful in any block he's made in an nfl uniform. the

david collins continues our session 2012 coverage from annapolis. >> the ethics panel determined and the senate agreed that senator currie used his position for personal gain and to help shoppers food warehouse. this is the first time in 14 years that the senate has chosen to censure one of its own. before being censured by unanimous vote, senator ulysses currie, seemingly humble and contrite, shook the hands of every senate member of the ethics panel. he looked them each in the eye and said, a job well done. the joint committee on the legislation and ethics investigated his relationship with shoppers food warehouse. the grocery store change paid him to order 45,000 others over five years as a consultant. -- they paid him $245,000 over five years as a consultant. the provide a written response to the committee's questions and the panel grilled him five hours. >> we are all here today to discuss an important and somewhat unpleasant matter, discipline in one of our own members. >> the panel submitted a 31-page report that determine that career filed inaccurate and incomplete financial

as david collins explains, the subcommittee set aside four hours to hear testimony. >> family mattersthat this house some supporters are framing the debate over same-sex marriage. following a breakfast, martin o'malley proclaimed his proposed bill brings more clarity to the issue over religious freedom. >> we have done our best in the drafting of this bill to make very, very explicit the protections of religious liberty as well as the protection of rights equally under the law. >> the civil marriage protection act extends protection to religious leaders. last year shielded only institutions. it clarifies language stating that religious leaders control theological doctrine ended limits punitive actions against religious organizations for failing to perform same-sex marriages. the state will not deny funds to religious institutions that do not recognize same-sex marriage. >> off the language is more inclusive to put to rest any doubt if this lives up to our history of protecting religious freedom. >> the language is intended to persuade cents hitters. voters realize they were five short

david collins has more on the speech. [applause] >> governor martin o'malley unveiled an expansive agenda, wrapped around job creation. he recognized his tax proposals will not be popular. but job growth and transportation have a price. >> the most important job we save is the next one. that is why i am asking everyone to do more. >> the governor plans to change the tax code on those making $100,000 or more, and extend the sales tax to gasoline and the internet. it was immediately attacked by republicans. >> i do not know what world he lives in. it is not maryland. >> he proposes to create tax after-tax. the mortgage reduction deduced. the charitable deduction reduced. an internet tax. a gas tax. the list goes on. >> the governor wants to split the cost of teacher pensions and social security with various jurisdictions. >> i am going to continue our austerity program in baltimore county, which is reducing our expenses whatever where we can without having to raise tax rates. that is our goal. we are trying not to furlough

david collins joins us live from annapolis with reaction from lawmakers there. >> the case has ignited debate over capital punishment. a house bill introduced us today to abolish it has a record number of co-sponsors. an anne arundel county jury found 32-year-old lee stephens guilty in the 2006 stabbing death of corrections officer corporal david mcguinn. the conviction makes him the first to be eligible for the death penalty. the new rules preserve the death penalty only in circumstances where there is a videotaped confession, a video linking the suspect to the scene, or dna tying the defendant to the crime. the biological evidence in this case is the victim's blood. ironically, the conviction comes on the same day that as many as 65 delegates in the house co- sponsored a deal -- a bill to repeal the death penalty. >> we would put money into victim services by some of the money saved by not having the death penalty. >> legislation leaves the likelihood of -- is once again stirring debate at the state house. >> if we take that off the table, we will lose that ability to bargain with pe

. >> david collins has an exceptional seat in the front valley during the vote. he has more tonight from annapolis. >> this makes maryland the eighth state in the nation to legally recognize same-sex marriage and the fourth state legislature to do it in the past year. same sex marriage supporters rejoiced. >> the house received a constitutional vote. >> the senate took up the house version of the bill which passed by the narrowest of margins last week, only after what the man did and after several delegates dramatically switch their positions. >> how you go forward with all the references applied to husbands and wives, applied to the same sex marriage? >> my religious beliefs, you do not change those. and i am not changing them today. i believe that marriage is between a man and woman. >> under the guise of introducing amendments, opponents launched into what resembled a filibuster. one explanation alone lasted 25 minutes. >> i have not even giving you the footnotes and the citations on it. >> the droning on and on, in my opinion, has not affected the votes. >> t

david collins previous trade can go to our website -- you can go to our website, wbaltv.com. responding to injustice suffered by an interracial couple. love against the law, the described how the endured despite the law designed to give them apart. how the governor reacted to their story. >> it is like a release -- relief that someone acknowledges it was not a crime. >> relief and validation. they say that is what they gained by telling their story. in 1956 there were indicted and thrown in jail when the state and forced an antiquated law. the crime, giving birth to a child fathered by a black man. john asked the governor for an apology for is wife. >> it was insulting. the feeling i had, i knew she was carrying the weight of these years. >> it was not a criminal offense. it was not something you need to be indicted for or go to jail for. it was a waste of time and money. just everything. and heartache and stress. >> social services and child welfare got involved. their son was sent to an orphanage for two years. after their story aired the received an e-mail from a spokesper

david collins, wbal-tv 11 news. >> opponents of same-sex marriage or working to collect signatures to bring a lot to referendum. lowell melser has a closer look at that effort. >> earlier this afternoon, just before the maryland board of elections get approval to the language for that petition, that if they get enough signatures will ultimately end up getting the same sex marriage bill on the november ballot, delegates from both sides of the aisle who are against same-sex marriage spoke to reporters, telling them in their opinion, they think when it comes to the issue of marriage, the voters can decide. a delegate from washington county tells reporters wednesday he has a bipartisan arsenal ready to spread the word to get the citizens of maryland to voice their opinion on the recently passed same sex marriage bill. >> i believe that the people of maryland are intelligent enough to elect us to office and have the opportunity to have their voices heard on this very important issue. so i do support the petition drive, as to 85% of my district. >> it is indicative of the support in the sta

david collins, wbal-tv 11 news. >> using the self on wall driving could soon cost to $500 in fines -- using a cell phone while driving. a bill is now working its way through the house committee. at the present time, officers can only pull you over for some other violation before writing you a citation for using your cell phone while driving, but this would change that. >> you cannot use the phone while you are driving. that will also deter people, in my opinion, from even thinking about texting. >> blaster, a senate committee killed similar legislation. the bill posey sponsor believes its chances for passage are much better -- last year, a senate committee killed similar legislation. >> a new argument popped up in the robocalls case. it involves another robocalls that also went out in november 2010. jayne miller is live in the newsroom with details. >> julius henson is essentially arguing the state prosecutor's cherry pick this case. he is asking why go after this robocalls and not another one in another race in the same election. julius henson, hard by the bob ehrlich campaign in 201

david collins, wbal-tv 11 news. >> a senate debate on the same sex marriage bill could begin debate as early as tomorrow. supporters said note to 2 minutes that would have killed the legislation, which barely passed the house on friday. a vote on final passage in the senate is expected later this week. it would prohibit discrimination against transgender residence in baltimore county. the town council approved a measure that would add gender identity and sexual orientation to baltimore counties existing human relations law. the council and recommended the bill that addressed in -- that address the use of public restrooms. anne arundel county council members remain deadlocked on the decision to fill the vacancy of former member darryl jones. the chamber had voted 104 times, including three votes today, but each time the boat remained split between two. this comes on the heels of our racial slur made by member during the voting session. tonight 8000 residents remain without representation. >> you have qualified candidates. there is no reason why the canada council should be deadlocked on

david collins joins us now live from annapolis with more on who opposes helping veterans. >> the push back on this new plate is surprising because the program is designed to pay for itself. mva considers it a hassle and cites lack of space. the state secretary will not support it because the mva won't. for most people, a round of applause for returning military veterans does not come close to really appreciating the debt owed to the men and women in service, and then there are heroes such as this major debate the ultimate sacrifice. >> we have the maryland supports veterans below it to show that this is for maryland veterans, and all the money raised would go to take care of the disabled veterans in maryland. >> this proposed license plate is designed to honor and support u.s. military veterans. >> we are reminded in the paper of our war that often, but the people want to do something more. they would like to participate and show that they care. this license tag represents an opportunity for the people of maryland to do just that. >> house bill 541 requires the mba to develop and dist

david collins will be in the state capitol today getting the inside scoop on session 2012.g up, lying about a military honor is one of the topics being discussed today at the u.s. supreme court and why the man involved says he is innocent. plus, a woman stealing education, arrested and now convicted and sentenced to five years. we will explain why, next and dr. patrick allen is here to answer your pet questions. you can e-mail [ male announcer ] are you paying more and more for cable and enjoying it less and less? stop paying for second best. upgrade to verizon fios and get tv, internet and phone for an incredible price: just $89.99 a month for two years with a two-year agreement. it's an amazing deal, but it's for a limited time only. so don't wait. want to save even more? call right now and we'll add a special bonus: $300 back. unlike cable, fios delivers a 100% fiber-optic network to your home. get america's fastest, most consistent, most reliable internet, plus the best tv picture quality, and more hd. why keep paying so much for cable? switch to fios for just $89.99 a

david collins caught up with him right after that hearing. >> you are in there for a long time. what did they ask you? what did they want to know? >> i cannot comment. >> is there any wiggle room for a negotiated deal or anything? >> i think that after council of the san question. do you get any sense of when a decision will be rendered? >> we are told it is going to be soon. it is our control. >> the panelists that to meet again tomorrow. there is no word on when a decision will be made. possible sanctions include expulsion. >> more disturbing details on the double murder suicide sunday of father and his two young sons in washington state. >> the dick -- the details are difficult to say but the pierce county medical examiner says the boys died of smoke inhalation and some other horrible injuries. >> we know that the children are with their mother, and they are safe. >> small comfort to the family whose two young grandson's were killed by their own father. investigators say josh powell intentionally set the fire inside this home and killed himself along with seven year- old char

dollars, and laws that could affect you each and every day of the session, with 11 news reporter david collins. you can see his daily session previews on our web site. wbaltv.com. be sure to click on "session 2012." >> four days before crucial g.o.p. primaries, mitt romney outlined a far reaching plan today to gradually delay americans' eligibility for medicare and social security. campaigning in detroit where he was born, romney called himself a car guy but can he win his home state where rick santorum is threat tong steal a victory? 11 news reporter steve handelsman has tonight's commitment 2012 report. >> desperate to win in his home state, mitt romney came to detroit promising to cut income taxes. >> 20% down, across the board. >> romney reminded michigan he opposed the auto bail out. >> we should get the government out of general motors so that the future of that compp company is determined by the -- of that company is determined by the demands of the marketplace and not by the preferences of bureaucrats in washington. >> ford field looked almost empty. the setup candidates usually avoid.

you can stay on top of what is going on with your tax dollars with david collins. he has daily session previews on our website, wbaltv.com. >> pajamas will be banned in public if one has his way. he wants to ban wearing pajamas in public. he said the band would be similar to the sagging ordinance. that brings us to our water cooler question of the day. do you think a legislature should be able to restrict people from wearing certain types of clothing, like pajama bottoms, out in public? you can share your response at wbaltv.com and on our facebook page, or send us an e-mail to watercooler@wbaltv.com. >> as long as everything that is supposed to be covered is covered, what is the problem? >> maybe we get our bosses to do that? >> 35 degrees on tv hill. a disturbing surprise at for a family. >> a dramatic rescue of a dog. >> a dramatic rescue of a dog. that is denny's new sizzlin' skillets are here for a limited time. so strike while the iron's hot. starting at $4.99. only at denny's. america's diner is always open. >> welcome back. 41 degrees downtown. all this quie

. >> stay on top of what is going on every day in annapolis with david collins. see his previous on our website, wbaltv.com. >> a top education official visits baltimore. there was a panel discussion and students were urged to consider the program which promises to forgive loans if they agree to work in public service after graduation. >> we have to many students who are leaving college with debt they cannot afford to pay back, much less the burden of debt that you can afford to pay back. the difficulty of watching that paycheck every single month to make sure that those ends meet. >> you can visit our website for more. 55 degrees on tv hill. a request in the trial of gerry sandusky. >> marijuana plants discovered in a new york city building. >> this is 83 and york road. denny's new sizzlin' skillets are here for a limited time. so strike while the iron's hot. starting at $4.99. only at denny's. america's diner is always open. >> welcome back. 5:09. there is some light rain and sprinkle activity. 57 degrees at the maryland science center. we will make it into the

. >> you can stay in cutch with the law with david collins at wbaltv.com. just click on "session 2012." >> a suspicious envelope was delivered to the office of barbara mikulski friday. it was determined the powdery substance was harmless. other state offices received similar letters. >> a couple at westfield mall, annapolis, were walking back to their car with their new laptop when they were robbed by three men. >> sheldon dutes has more. >> that robbery happened here at the mall. some shoppers are rethinking their safety. >> it is crazy to think this would happen. >> amanda says she enjoys shopping at the westfield mall because she does not have to worry about her safety. >> anne arundel county police have stepped up their patrol in the area. three men walked up to them. >> there was a struggle. they attempted to get their property. they were unable to get property from the female. they were able to take a laptop computer from the male. we have received information that the vehicle the suspects were in was a stolen vehicle. it is a black b.m.w. with distri

. >> you can see what's going on with your tax dollars with 11 news reporter david collins. you can see his daily session was previews click on session 2012. >> now, the republican race for the white house. it is three days until the primary taking on huge significance. michigan is where mitt romney is from but it is where santorum is threatening to steal a victory. more in this "commitment 2012" report. >> mitt romney came to detroit promising to cut income taxes. >> 20% down across the board. >> romney reminded the people of michigan he opposed the auto bail out. >> we should have the future determined by the demand of the marketplace not the prevenses of bureaucrats -- preferences of bureaucrats in washington. >> claiming hometown loyalty, romney again just sounded rich. >> i drive a mustang and a chevy pick-up truck. ann drives a couple cadillacs, actually. >> mrs. romney's srx's together would cost about $57,000 at car max. oil workers protested romney saying let detroit go bankrupt. >> who is on the side of michigan workers? not romney. he supported the wall street bai

he has yet to put it on paper, but as david collins found out, some lawmakers are take action in anticipationf the governor's bill. >> maryland law mandates your gas tax dollars go to the transportation fund. that is used for roads and bridges and mass transit projects. governor o'malley has yet to submit his plan applying the state sales tax to gasoline. earlier this week, the governor said he supports a mexmism in order to keep the funds. members of house and senate do not want to leave anything to chance. bills for existing and future funding are in the mix. an ironclad approach. under no circumstances will transportation money be used for other purposes. >> let's put it this way. right now the taxpayer can look at it as a transportation mistrust fund. >> there is a democratic version, but it gives the governor more wiggle room. >> i think the governor puts it forward, and there is a at that time catastrophic thing that occurs. those are the types of circumstances where you might be able to borrow the money. >> the exemptions for using truffs -- trust fund money 0 a major catastrophe. the

you can stay on top of what's going on with your tax dollars with 11 news reporter david collins. you could see his daily session previews on our web site, just click on session 2012. >> now to the republican race for the white house. it is three days until the michigan primary taking on huge significance. p.m. michigan is where mit romney is from. it is where rick santorum is threatening a victory. more in this campaign 2012 report. >> mit romney came to detroit promising to cut income taxes. >> 20% down across the board. >> he reminded voters he objected to the bail-out. >> we should get the government, so the future is determined by the marketplace, not the preferences of bureaucrats in washington. >> ford set-up of candidates usually -- romney just sounded rich. >> i drive a mustang. ann drives a couple cadillacs actually. >> her cars together would cost about $57,000 at car max. autoworkers protested romney saying let detroit go bankrupt, anger that rick santorum hopes to rip up with his new ad. >> who is on the side of michigan workers? not romney. he supported the wall stre

we have david collins in annapolis on that question. are you running? >> 2014 is a long way off.s now is we are all behind governor martin o'malley. i'm going to focus on the work ahead. >> let's say you answered a question down the road, how would you separate that from the crowded field? >> certainly the work i do is not designed to distinguish myself from anyone, but it is to make a difference in the lives of marylanders. every day we are creating jobs. we are expanding health care, we are improving our schools. when i come to the people of maryland and say i'm interestitied in continuing -- interested in continuing that service. that's when voters make the decision. >> you are going to have to deal with having a reputation and impacting the administration. >> i think a lot of people will have to deal with the reputation that we have. we have the number one schools in the country. that we have driven violent crime down to levels that we haven't seen since 1975. there is an legacy in the o'malley administration already that we're seeing a lot of progress. wore moving -- we're m

david collins had a seat at the table. he joins us live from annapolis with more on the story. >> a growing number of students go to school on an empty stomach. they do this for a variety of reasons. the funding increase for the program now on the chopping block will give even more students something to eat. the chef created quite a buzz in annapolis. he drew a crowd everywhere he went. he is here to use his celebrity status to fight budget cuts for public school breakfast programs. >> if you are there with an empty stomach, it is not the right environment for learning. >> the governor put $560,000 in the budget for the project. since 1998, participating schools offer students a free breakfast in the classroom. no one has to pay, regardless of family income. >> given the amount, the number of families that have indicated they are eligible for free and reduced lunch and breakfast programs, this could not come at a worse time. >> the $580 thousand investment will help us drawdown dollars and 2.8 million in federal funding. i

david collins is following the action. >> high drama today on an issue to close to call. here is the latest. as to take a look at the activity, members are filing into the chamber. two republicans now support the deal. -- the bill. prince george's county democrat veronica turner will not be veronica turner will not be