Photo by dlfelmey

Photo by dlfelmey

Good morning, Washington. Since the women’s NCAA tourney kicks off tomorrow, don’t forget to join our DCist Readers-Staff NCAA Women’s Basketball Pool!

D.C. Councilmember Wants Red Top Parking Meters Stopped: The city is in the midst of installing some 1,400 red top parking meters, which can only be used by handicapped drivers. But the sheer amount of the meters—they would make up nine percent of all metered spots in the District—has attracted the ire of one D.C. legislator. The Post reports that Councilmember Muriel Bowser (D-Ward 4) will introduce emergency legislation next week seeking to stop the further installation of the meters, arguing that the new meters represent a policy change and should be subject to a public hearing. While the number of new meters benefit handicapped drivers, they also change existing practice by charging them to park. In the past, handicapped drivers could park at a meter for double the listed time—and for free.

Maryland Senate Votes to Impose Tax Hikes: Under a plan approved yesterday by the Maryland Senate, just about everyone in the state will be paying more in taxes—especially residents who take in over $500,000 a year. The Washington Times reports that the Senate voted to approve a .25 percent increase on all tax brackets, which is expected to bring in some $500 million in additional revenue a year. Also, the Senate voted to impose a flat tax of 5.75. percent on every dollar over $500,000. Critics complained that the bill is unfair and will drive away wealthy businesses and residents.

Groups Oppose Virginia Voter ID Bill: Some 6,000 people signed a petition that was submitted to Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell asking him to veto a bill that would have to provide ID before voting, arguing that it’s simply a means to drive down turnout among minority voters. Under the bill, writes the Post, voters without ID could cast a provisional ballot but would have to provide real ID within six days. In related news, the narrow tailoring of Virginia laws will likely allow the commonwealth to avoid the same Department of Justice scrutiny that Texas is getting for a similar voter ID law.

Briefly Noted: Man killed over dog poop-related argument was stabbed in back … D.C. tests voting equipment ahead of April 3 primary … Judge orders release of documents detailing D.C. police and procedures … Controversial nominee for D.C. Public Services Commission voted down … Prince George’s County taking in more money than expected from speed cameras.

This Day in DCist: On this day in 2011, the Washington R******s got a little sensitive over how the media used the team’s name and a window in front of the D.C. GOP headquarters was shot at with pellets. In 2010, Georgetown’s Social Safeway announced it would reopen.