ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Lawmakers are heading back to Annapolis
for a three-day special session to approve a budget deal hashed out by Gov. Martin O'Malley and House and Senate leaders.
The deal includes income tax increases for individuals making $100,000 or more and households making $150,000 or more. The Democratic governor says the tax hikes are necessary to avoid cuts to education and other critical services.
O'Malley met with Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller and House Speaker Michael Busch to craft the tax plan and other measures after the Democratic-controlled legislature failed to approve a budget plan on the final day of the session. One issue that lawmakers couldn't agree on was expanded gambling, which may be the subject of another special session later this summer.
The session begins Monday morning.
