Maryland Lawmakers Convene For Legislative Session

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Maryland lawmakers are gathering for their annual 90-day legislative session.

The General Assembly convenes at noon on Wednesday.

Democratic leaders who have majorities in the Senate and House say they will be working to maintain funding priorities, particularly in education.

Gov. Larry Hogan battled with Democrats over the state budget last year, the governor's first session after winning office in 2014. Hogan wanted more tax relief, and Democrats pushed for more education funding.

The governor decided against spending $68 million for education Democrats fenced off in the budget, and the standoff is fresh in the minds of legislators.

House Speaker Michael Busch says Democrats want to work with Hogan, but he says they won't simply be a rubber stamp. Hogan says he is continuing his push for more tax relief.

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