January 31st, 2017 by WCBC Radio

In a challenge to Gov. Larry Hogan, General Assembly Democrats unveiled a package of initiatives Tuesday they billed as a defense of Marylanders' rights against the actions of President Donald J. Trump.

The measures include expanding the authority of Maryland's attorney general to take legal action against federal government actions without receiving the governor's permission. The legislation would free Democratic Attorney General Brian E. Frosh to more aggressively fight Trump administration policies in court.

State Senate and House of Delegates Democrats advanced the five-bill package the day before the Republican governor is scheduled to deliver his third State of the State address. Members of the Assembly majority explicitly challenged Hogan to speak out more forcefully against the new Republican president on such matters as immigration, health care and consumer protections.