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The Maryland General Assembly wrapped its session this week, but not before a rowdy last few minutes. Lawmakers are touting major accomplishments such as the Utility RELIEF Act, a balanced budget, and a slew of anti-ICE bills. However, notable legislation was left on the Capitol floor, including election reforms and redistricting. State Senator Cheryl Kagan, who represents Montgomery County, got behind the mic to recap a busy session and what comes next. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser unveiled her proposed budget late last week. It includes significant cuts to childcare and paid leave programs. The budget now heads to the D.C. Council, with councilmembers looking to weigh in and approve it in June. At-Large Councilmember Doni Crawford joined the show to talk about the proposed cuts and what comes next. Plus, she gave us her thoughts on the Mayor extending youth curfew zones and the D.C. Delegate race turning nasty. Send us questions and comments for guests: [email protected] Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885 Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

Tension is testing the unsteady ceasefire in the Iran War. The D.C. region is feeling the impacts on public safety, gas prices, and the local Iranian community. U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), who sits on the House Oversight Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs, talked with Kojo and Tom about how the overseas conflict is affecting area residents. Plus, we get his take on Virginia's redistricting referendum heading into the midterms and his push for a national data center strategy. This week, the Prince George's County Council unanimously passed a series of emergency measures aimed at limiting ICE in the county. It comes as immigration enforcement expands nationwide. Council Vice Chair Eric Olson joined the show to discuss why he thinks the bills are needed and why they will stand up in court. Plus, we discussed a buyer for the former Six Flags property and the state budget's limits on how the county can spend park money. After a delay, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser is getting ready to submit her budget to the Council. Many are expecting big cuts, particularly as city leaders argue over whether to include $180 million in additional tax revenue. WAMU's Senior D.C. Politics reporter Alex Koma called in live from the Mayor's budget presentation to give us the highlights. Plus, he explained why Trump's immigration policies are reshaping the Ward 1 race. Send us questions and comments for guests: [email protected] Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885 Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

The Supreme Court heard arguments this week about limiting birthright citizenship, with President Trump in attendance. It's a case with far-reaching implications nationally and across the D.C. region. U.S. Representative and constitutional lawyer Jamie Raskin (D-MD) joined the show to explain the case and why judges appear to be leaning in one direction. Plus, we asked Rep. Raskin about the war in Iran and the redistricting push in the Maryland House of Delegates. Rep. Raskin said he supports redrawing the state's congressional maps and has lobbied Senate President Bill Ferguson to take up the measure.  "I have felt that to the extent we've been thrust into this position by Trump and MAGA, then we've got to fight back with everything we've got," he said.  The D.C. Council and Mayor Muriel Bowser are once again at odds after the council overrode a mayoral veto of a bill requiring federal law enforcement oversight. The council also agreed to allow enhanced youth curfew rules to expire this month, over the mayor's objections. D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson discussed the friction between the legislative and executive branches. He also discussed why he thinks D.C. Chief Financial Officer Glen Lee is at fault for the Mayor's delay in delivering the budget. CFO Lee serves as the city’s independent financial chief. It’s his job to manage and oversee the city’s budget, including ensuring it is fiscally sound. This week, though, both the mayor and lawmakers criticized Lee for taking too long to complete his review of the mayor’s 2027 budget proposal and for overstepping his role. "The CFO's role is to account the numbers and determine whether the budget is balanced," Mendelson said on The Politics Hour. "Not to make rulings with regard to policy." The mayor is now expected to formally submit the budget to the council by April 14, two weeks late. Chair Mendelson also discussed the ethics complaint against him for using his government office for campaign activity.  Finally, as a member of the National Capital Planning Commission, Chair Mendelson shared his thoughts on President Trump's White House ballroom project. The commission approved the project this week, but a federal judge ruled the plan requires congressional approval. Send us questions and comments for guests: [email protected] Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885 Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

After years of debate, the Virginia General Assembly finally gave the green light to controversial legislation allowing developers to build a casino in Tysons. Some local officials are vehemently against the proposal, including Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Jeff McKay. He got behind the mic to explain his opposition and what could happen next. The Maryland General Assembly this week hit its midpoint, known as "Crossover Day," when bills must move to the other chamber or be shelved. Lawmakers are considering bills to lower utility costs, expand Medicaid to include obesity treatment, and ban cell phones in schools. House Majority Whip and Prince George's County delegate Ashanti Martinez joined us from Annapolis to explain what's next on the docket for lawmakers. Plus, we ask about the House's late push to revive redistricting efforts against Senate President Bill Ferguson's wishes. Send us questions and comments for guests: [email protected] Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885 Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

This week marked a key milestone in the 2026 D.C. election season: The deadline for candidates to submit signatures to qualify for the June primary ballot. WAMU's Senior D.C. Politics reporter Alex Koma gave us the latest on the city's big elections, including the first open seats in years for mayor and D.C. delegate. Plus, we discussed another attempt by Congress to undermine D.C.'s ability to self-govern. This week, the U.S. House Oversight Committee advanced a proposal to ban D.C. traffic cameras. While the measure still needs to be passed by the full House and Senate, Koma said eliminating traffic would be “catastrophic” for the city’s budget and would require a complete rethinking of how D.C. controls traffic. “The impact can’t be overstated," he said. The Virginia General Assembly gaveled out of its 2026 session without a budget deal, leaving a plan to eliminate data center tax breaks in limbo. Virginia state Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell got behind the mic to explain the hang-up. The state senate is pushing to eliminate a data center tax exemption that costs the state nearly $2 billion in revenue. But the House left the exemption in, arguing the industry brings in significant tax revenue,  putting the chambers at odds. Surovell said the state needs the money but cited the importance of data centers to Northern Virginia’s economy.  "They have a massive impact on the electrical grid, but they also create many jobs. They create a lot of investment. They create this local tax revenue. We have to figure out the right balance to achieve," he said. The General Assembly will aim to resolve the issue in a special budget session on April 23. The General Assembly also passed a slew of legislation that now heads to the governor's desk, including bills addressing affordability, a ban on assault-style firearms, and a mechanism to establish a legal marijuana marketplace. Virginia state Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell discussed it all, as well as his push for a Fairfax County casino. Send us questions and comments for guests: [email protected] Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885 Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

We took the Politics Hour on the road this week, broadcasting our Montgomery County Executive forum, featuring Democratic primary candidates, from the Silver Spring Civic Building. Kojo and WAMU Maryland reporter Jenny Abamu were joined by Andrew Friedson, Evan Glass, and Will Jawando, all Montgomery County councilmembers. We asked them for their takes on a range of topics, including housing, federal immigration enforcement, and data centers, as the candidates made their cases to voters ahead of the Democratic primary on June 23. Sorting political fact from fiction, and having fun while we’re at it. Join us for our weekly review of the politics, policies, and personalities of the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland, live from the Silver Spring Civic Building in Montgomery County! Send us questions and comments for guests: [email protected] Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885 Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

Members of the local congressional delegation are strongly criticizing President Trump's decision to enter into a war with Iran. Iraqi war veteran and U.S. Rep. Eugene Vindman joined the show from the U.S. Capitol to discuss why he thinks the military strikes were illegal and what might be next. Plus, Rep. Vindman weighed in on Virginia redistricting as early voting gets underway. The D.C. Council passed two bills this week aimed at increasing transparency around MPD's cooperation with federal immigration agencies. At-Large Councilmember Christina Henderson got behind the mic to talk about the legislation and why the bills are necessary, despite objections from D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. She also discussed her efforts to raise taxes on "flushable" wipes. Henderson introduced the bill following an incident in which wipes clogged pumps used to mitigate a sewage spill in the Potomac. It may say flushable on your package, and, sure, it may get down the drain in that immediate, but we know that it is causing backups, not just in the D.C water utility system, but in folks' homes and apartment buildings," she said. The tax revenue generated by the bill would go toward sewer maintenance and repair by D.C. Water. As a potential alternative to the wipes, Henderson's bill also offers a sales tax break on bidets Arlington County is facing major budget challenges that could lead the County Board to raise taxes. Arlington County Board Chair Matt de Ferranti sat down with Kojo and Tom to discuss how the board plans to navigate a nearly $40 million budget gap, including possibly eliminating a popular youth gymnastics program and saving the county nearly $1 million. But some residents are pushing back, saying the program serves thousands of kids. Board Chair de Ferranti said the county needs to make tough budget choices. "We have to be looking at all the services that might not be core services or might not be serving the most vulnerable," he said. De Ferranti said the board is considering other options for the program, like changing fees and focusing on serving kids with special needs. Plus, Board Chair de Ferranti talked about how leaders are preparing for a potential surge in federal immigration enforcement in the county. Send us questions and comments for guests: [email protected] Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885 Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

Virginia state lawmakers are considering eliminating a billion-dollar data center tax break to help balance the budget. This comes as local jurisdictions, including Fairfax County, continue to debate restrictions amid plans for more data centers.  Virginia State Senator Jennifer Boysko, who sits on the senate finance committee and represents Fairfax County, joined the show from Richmond to discuss lawmakers' latest proposal. Plus, she explained her opposition to Fairfax County casino legislation, which is currently moving through the Virginia House of Delegates. D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued a legal opinion this week Congress missed its deadline to block D.C.'s tax code changes, meaning the District can move forward with its current rates. The Attorney General's legal opinion could set up a dramatic confrontation between Congress and the city over its ability to self-govern. WAMU's Senior D.C. Politics reporter Alex Koma broke down what's going on and what could happen next. Plus, Alex gives us the latest on the wild election season in the District, including races for Mayor and for two at-large council seats. Prince George's County leaders are pushing legislation to prevent the federal government from placing a detention facility in the county. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is planning a detention center in Hyattsville. Prince George's County Chair Krystal Oriadha joined the show to discuss what authority the county has to stop the federal facility. Plus, what does a slew of appointments on the Prince George's County Council mean for its future? Send us questions and comments for guests: [email protected] Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885 Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser this week declared the Potomac River sewage spill a public emergency while also requesting federal help and money for cleanup. It's the latest move in a local disaster that has turned political. NBC 4 Washington reporter Mark Segraves joined Kojo and Tom to break down what exactly happened, how local officials are trying to manage the crisis, and what comes next. The data center debate has come to Montgomery County. Elected officials in recent weeks have taken competing stances on the best way to manage data center growth, including a proposal to restrict them to industrial areas. Montgomery County Council Vice President Marilyn Balcomb represents the area around one controversial project. She got behind the mic to discuss why it's important for the county to limit where developers can build data centers, but still believes they have a place in the county. Balcombe said the county needs to think about data centers as a source of tax revenue. The county currently has four data centers, with a fifth being built in her district.  “Roughly $10 million per year per data center. So, if we have five data centers, that would be $50 million, she said. "That's a lot of money when we think about how to balance our budget." A public hearing for the proposed zoning amendment is scheduled for Tuesday.  The Virginia General Assembly session hit its midpoint this week, known as "Crossover Day," with approved bills moving forward to the other chamber. Virginia House Delegate Adele McClure, who represents Arlington County, joined us from Richmond to break down the docket and her priorities as the session moves into its final weeks. Plus, we discussed the latest court ruling halting Virginia's redistricting referendum. Send us questions and comments for guests: [email protected] Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885 Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

The U.S. Senate on Thursday approved a bill to block D.C. from uncoupling the city's tax code from the federal code. It's a move that will cost the District nearly $700 million in revenue and will almost certainly lead the city to ax the first-of-its-kind local child tax credit. Ward 5 D.C. Councilmember Zachary Parker joined the show to discuss what Congress's interference means for the District. Parker said the change could also create tax season chaos. 360,000 District residents file personal income returns. The tax code shift might force the city to push back its tax filing deadline to the fall. "We don't fully have a picture of what that might mean, but it would certainly impact not only our cash on hand, but how we deal with tax season," he said. Parker also noted the Council is exploring its legal options. Plus, he talked about the Potomac River sewage spill, which now may be the largest wastewater spill in U.S. history. Virginia Democrats approved new congressional maps this week that could give the party a 10-to-1 seat advantage in the upcoming midterm elections. Several steps remain before the maps could take effect, including a statewide referendum on April 21. VPM State Politics reporter Jahd Khalil joined us from Richmond to break down the news that the Virginia Supreme Court will allow the referendum to proceed. Rep. April McClain Delaney, who represents a portion of Montgomery County and western Maryland, introduced legislation this week to block the opening of an ICE facility in her district. She joined the show to explain why she's pushing against it, despite local officials voting in favor of bringing the facility to the county. Delaney said she spoke directly to John Barr, president of the county commission, about the planned detention center. "I said, "Listen, I've been in Minnesota at a field hearing and have seen the horrific state of what is happening there. I was at the Baltimore ICE facility.'... It’s unconstitutional, and I think a violation of human rights," she said. Send us questions and comments for guests: [email protected] Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885 Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org