Like drama critics trying to make an early edition before the curtain has come down on the first act, barely an hour after the governor?s veto hearing started, Democratic lawmakers blasted it as “political theater” that distorted the issues and confused the facts.
Del. Curt Anderson of Baltimore said, “It?s shame the governor tries to obfuscate this issue. ? This plan is better in every way shape and form” than the previous plans.
Sen. E.J. Pipkin, one of three GOP senators and 15 Republican delegates who voted for the legislation in last week?s special session, agreed that it “gives better rate relief” than previous plans negotiated by the governor. “This is policy over politics,” said Pipkin, who has been an Ehrlich ally on other issues.
Del. Brian McHale, who helped negotiate a compromise that failed to pass the Senate April 10, said this plan is better because the rate relief is not dependent on the savings from the merger of Constellation Energy, BGE?s parent, and Florida Power and Light, as was the governor?s plan done after the session.
McHale pointed out that when the electric deregulation passed in 1999 and eventually helped lead to the rate crisis, Republicans in the legislature supported the move.
Several legislators also said that it is inaccurate to say that interest is being charged on the 11 months of deferred rates. “It?s really like a discount card,” said Del. Neil Quinter, D-Howard, who accused Ehrlich of a “disinformation campaign.”
Del. Shane Pendergrass, D-Howard, said, “The governor is whipping this up because he doesn?t like what the legislature did to the public service commission.”
