After a tumultuous regular session followed by two special legislative sessions, the Maryland Public Policy Institute has released its fourth annual edition of “The Annapolis Report,” a review of the state’s 2012 legislative activity. Authored by Senior Fellow Gabriel J. Michael, the report examines legislation in key areas, such as taxes, healthcare, education, public pensions, and gambling.

Discussing the report, Michael explained that he took a different approach in putting together this year’s edition. “Because of the surprising failure of the legislature to pass a complete budget package during the regular session, followed by two additional special sessions, I had to find a new way of compiling the report. This year the report focuses less on scoring, and more on the interplay between the various sessions. We wanted to ensure the report was released in a timely manner, so the primary goal was to produce the analyses, which have the potential to help people better understand these issues in view of the upcoming election and referenda.”

Unlike legislative report cards, The Annapolis Report is not dominated by a single issue, nor does it evaluate the performance of individual legislators. Rather, it considers the actions of Maryland’s General Assembly as a whole. The report is composed primarily of brief yet cogent analyses of selected legislation. Its purpose is to serve as a concise issue guide for Maryland’s citizens, taxpayers, and residents, by explaining state policy in plain language.