Day: February 18, 2013

Report reveals why Va. typically outranks Md. in business climate surveys

by | Feb 18, 2013 |

The Greater Baltimore Committee’s latest report reveals that Maryland’s tax structure and other corporate regulations are a driving force behind the state’s spotty performance on U.S. business climate rankings, which typically rate Virginia as a better place to do business than Maryland.

On average, Maryland placed 27th out of 50 states in national rankings published between 2012 and 2013. But each of the 10 rankings are based on different criteria, so Maryland receives better grades from some ranking groups than others.

Republican legislators say gas tax hike not needed

by | Feb 18, 2013 | , ,

Democratic leaders at the State House have learned not to count on a single Republican vote for any tax increase, including proposals for a gas tax hike being floated again. But GOP legislators plan to explain at a Tuesday news conference why new transportation revenues aren’t needed at all.

The Republican delegates will argue that the transportation trust fund, raised largely through the motor fuel tax, the titling (sales) tax on vehicles, registration and drivers fees, “heavily subsidizes mass transit,” said Del. Susan Krebs, R-Carroll.

State Roundup, February 18, 2013

by | Feb 18, 2013 |

Bill aims to improve Maryland business climate; legislators find pushback over legislation to require helmets for female lacrosse players; offshore wind subsidy moves ahead; many turn out for 2nd Amendment town hall meeting hosted by U.S. Rep. Harris; UM murder-suicide could influence Gov. O’Malley’s gun control efforts; Maryland leans toward loosening voting restrictions, Virginia heads in the opposite direction; community activist nominated to replace late state Del. Harrison; 16 apply to replace A.A. Exec John Leopold; and convicted Prince George’s exec Johnson’s legacy continues to reverberate in the county, and not for the better.

Fully transparent State House still has a way to go

by | Feb 18, 2013 | ,

It was not a great week for openness and transparency at the State House. Perhaps it is more accurate to say it was business as usual in Annapolis, with a few events reminding us that while much of the public business has become remarkably accessible over the Internet, much of it still happens behind closed doors.

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