(WBFF) — With a $71 billion budget, Maryland outspends many states of larger size, but lawmakers and advocates say tracking how that money is spent — and who can access public records — can be difficult.
“We are spending like drunken sailors here,” said Del. Lauren Arikan, who blames the one party that controls Maryland for keeping a tight grip on transparency. “When folks have absolute power it corrupts absolutely. That’s what we’ve seen in Maryland. We’re allowed to make small changes in the minority party but in terms of making a big overhaul addressing transparency issues, we’re not seeing any rule on that.”
The debate over access to records has played out in multiple bills this session, including House Bill 524, proposed by Baltimore’s mayor. The measure would give the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, known as MONSE, and other city offices greater access to juvenile records…