What follows are some of my key legislative efforts (and of which I'm the lead sponsor). If you have questions about the status of any of the legislation, just contact my office.
 
Long Term Power Contracts – Bringing Wind Power to Maryland - SB558

We cannot continue to rely on coal-fired power plants to provide our electricity. It's too expensive, too dirty and is speeding up climate change. Unfortunately, there are still too many obstacles to expanding wind and solar power. Unless a wind turbine company can be guaranteed long term contracts (20-30 years) from suppliers, they can't make the capital investment to build. Right now, the best opportunity is off-shore wind in the ocean off of the coast of Delaware and Maryland. Most proposals center on a distance of around 12-13 miles off-shore. Delaware is already committed to a large wind farm off its coast. And Maryland should be next.
Maryland has recently committed to purchase some power from the Delaware wind farm. But a voluntary purchase is just not enough. It should be part of any large contract by the large companies like Constellation/BGE and PEPCO. That's why I have introduced legislation to require companies to seek renewable energy in its portfolio. Long term contracts will assure the financial viability of the cost, both to the companies and consumers.
http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/billfile/sb0558.htm
 
Net Metering—Fair Compensation for Generating Solar Energy - SB355

It's expensive to place solar panels on residential roofs. While the law allows families to get credit for what they produce from solar (and receive credit against their electric bill, called 'net metering'), if a roof-- residential, warehouse, or church--generates more energy than the building utilizes, the owner doesn't receive the cash for the excess power. Additionally, the credit you now receive is based on total wattage and is not based on when you produce it. Obviously, in the middle of summer, from 10 am to 5 pm when air conditioners are at full blast and solar is producing at its strongest, the electricity is worth more than 'average wattage.' The solution is that people who generate solar energy should get credit for 'time of use' which would allow people to receive peak-time credit. It would also be an incentive to invest in solar.
The current law serves as an obstacle if you want to place solar panels on roofs of buildings, such as churches or warehouses, where you produce more energy than you consume.  This legislation removes that obstacle.
http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/billfile/sb0355.htm

Revising the Alternate Maryland School Assessment - SB557

Under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, Maryland public school students are required to complete and pass the Maryland School Assessment (MSA). Students with Individualized Education Programs (IEP) must take the Alternate MSA, which is a subjective test catered towards the needs of the student. Special education teachers, particularly of students with severe disabilities, are required to create, prepare and implement the Alternate MSA for their students. This process can be very time-consuming. This legislation requires the Maryland Department of Education to review and revise the Alternate MSA in order to reduce the amount of time required to prepare and administer the exam.
http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/billfile/sb0557.htm

Do Business in Maryland, Pay Corporate Income Taxes - SB354

Nearly half of the largest corporations that do business in Maryland do not pay corporate income taxes. Made through a series of loopholes, they have avoided paying corporate income taxes. This legislation will provide for the use of “combined reporting,” which would determine what corporate income taxes are due based on profits in the state of Maryland. This would stop the diversion of taxable income and the provision could bring in up to $170 million into the state.
http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/billfile/sb0354.htm

Innovative School Calendars - SB452

The United States Department of Education’s Race to the Top Fund provides federal money for states that develop changes to improve their schools. Innovative school calendars are an effective measure that will help low-performing and at-risk public schools. This legislation requires the State Board of Education to explore the use of alternative school calendars. Alternate calendars would restructure the schedule of schools so that vacations are more evenly spread throughout the year. In addition, schools may choose to provide additional educational programs during breaks to provide students with a fun, learning environment to explore topics not necessarily addressed in the school’s curriculum.
http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/billfile/sb0452.htm

Energy Efficient Televisions - SB455

This legislation requires the Maryland Energy Administration to establish minimum efficiency standards for televisions. Televisions make up five percent of residential energy use and keeps growing. Energy efficient televisions are an effective way to reduce the amount of electricity used throughout homes in Maryland.
http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/billfile/sb0455.htm

National Board Certified Teacher Pilot Program – SB453

With the United States Department of Education’s Race to the Top, states are encouraged to develop changes that will require more teacher accountability and improve teacher quality. Teachers who achieve National Board status have met rigorous standards through intensive study, evaluation and assessment. The National Board Certified Teacher Pilot Program would provide on-site support for teachers working in under-performing schools who pursue the National Board Certification program.
http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/billfile/sb0453.htm

Public Campaign Financing – SB681

This legislation would help reduce the influence that big money has on the electoral process. A recent decision by the Supreme Court gives corporations the right to spend unlimited amounts on political ads. Candidates for the Maryland General Assembly frequently rely on funds donated from private individuals, sometimes big contributions from special corporate interests. This legislation will provide a fund, through the state of Maryland, in which properly qualified candidates will receive money from the state if they forego private contributions and agree to spending limits.
http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/billfile/sb0681.htm

Universal Health Care – SB682

The United States is the only industrialized nation that does not have universal health care based on citizenship. Many citizens of Maryland do not have health insurance due to high rates and unreasonable qualifications. This legislation creates the Maryland Health System, which will provide health care services to all residents of Maryland under a single payer system.
http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/billfile/sb0682.htm