His budget suffered some cuts this year, but Department of Business and Economic Development Secretary David Edgerley thinks his department made out well in the first legislative session of the term.

Legislation sponsored by Gov. Martin O'Malley and passed by the General Assembly will create a life sciences advisory board within DBED, and lawmakers also approved a sub-cabinet to oversee issues associated with BRAC - the base realignment and closure process. Despite tight budget times, the stem cell research fund saw an $8 million increase.