Lawmakers aren’t ruling out raising taxes next year; counties complain of costly teacher pension shift; pit bull issue will be brought up – but when?; Del. McDonough continues rant against Baltimore City “mobs of black youth,” and begins to draw fire himself; Treasury secretary speaks at GBC; interim Maryland labor secretary named; and Baltimore County braces for personnel cuts.
Month: May 2012
Progressive delegates objected to the income tax hikes too
As Republican delegates railed against the proposed state income tax hike Wednesday afternoon, a lone freshman Democrat from one of the most liberal and affluent districts inside the Capital Beltway got up to explain why she too could not vote for the taxes.
“I believe this discriminates against two-income families with children at home,” said Del. Ariana Kelly, a Bethesda mom with two young children at home.
State Roundup, May 17, 2012
New budget deal overturns “doomsday” scenario, adding tax hikes for 14% of Marylanders, shifting some of the teacher pension burden to counties and hiking some other fees, while Republicans and some Democrats protest the moves; Gov. O’Malley promises second special session devoted to gambling – and pit bull legislation just may be addressed then; Del. McDonough draws fire over “roving mobs of black youths” warning to Inner Harbor tourists; and O’Malley heads to New Hampshire Dem convention.
House passes final budget and tax hikes, with some Democrats opposed
The action on the budget and tax hikes was all over but the shouting by Republicans as the House of Delegates approved a final spending plan, shifting half of pension costs to the counties, and raising state income taxes on people making over $100,000 per year. Republicans opposed the move, joined by 10 Democrats against the budget change and pension move, and 18 opposed to the tax increases.
State Roundup, May 16, 2012
Some Democratic senators join Repubicans to oppose tax bill, but it passes anyway, and today it’s the House of Delegates’ turn; Republican lawmakers, including Sen. E.J. Pipkin, take the lead in opposing the tax package; hundreds of pit bull advocates rally for anti-discrimination legislation but that will have to wait even as renters are concerned about losing their homes; Sen. Brinkley continues to battle septic regulations; and with a referendum-heavy ballot, November’s election expected to draw crowds.
House set to vote on final budget and tax hikes after Senate passage
As one delegate put it, it was déjà vu all over again as the House of Delegates on Tuesday rejected amendments to a revised spending plan and $300 million in tax hikes that had often been proposed in the regular 90-day session. The Senate passed the bills earlier in the day, and the House is set to take a final vote Wednesday.
Senate passes budget, tax hikes; video captures demonstrators for and against
The Maryland Senate passed a final budget and over $300 million in tax hikes shortly after noon Wednesday. The House starts debate on the bill Tuesday afternoon. A video shot throughout the day on Monday shows the demonstrators opposed to the tax hikes and spending increases, and a rally by public employee unions supporting the bills.
State Roundup, May 15, 2012
As expected, oodles of coverage as the General Assembly opens its special session on the budget and tax increases: Those tax increases – on high-income earners among others – are front and center, with some stories highlighting local situations including Frederick schools and Montgomery’s wealthy; also, there were lots of protests and protestations about the session and its purpose; and attempts to introduce legislation defending pit bulls was put down; meanwhile, a new law protecting the elderly from financial abuse will come on line; opponents of a liquor store with a Columbia Wegmans speak out; and U.S. Rep. John Sarbanes undertakes an experiment in campaign finance reform.
Tax hikes include $36M increase on business loans
The Maryland Senate is expected to give final approval today to a package of tax hikes that will raise more than $300 million a year.
But a little noticed provision will also raise $36 million in new taxes from companies that back mortgages on commercial development and homebuilding. Opponents say it will add to the cost of construction and harm Maryland’s business rankings.
Speaker Busch: ‘Only 16% of Marylanders are being asked to pay a little more’
In this podcast, House Speaker Michael Busch spoke to reporters about the budget and the cuts that would have to be made if tax increases don’t pass. “Only 16% of Marylanders are being asked to pay a little more.”
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