Md. Senate Passes Bill To Fund New Medical Center

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- The Maryland Senate has voted to mandate spending for a new Prince George's County Regional Medical Center.

The decision to move forward with passing the bill Wednesday angered Gov. Larry Hogan's office, which has been working on an agreement that would not require legislation.

Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, a Democrat, says he was in accord with the Republican governor. But Miller says the agreement was taking too long to be finalized. He's blaming lawyers for changes that not all parties could agree on. Miller says the legislation, which passed 36-9, will guarantee the center gets built.

But Hogan spokesman Matt Clark says the measure is "a hastily-crafted, one-size-fits-all bill that mandates more state spending" while failing to hold anyone accountable.

The bill now goes to the House.

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