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.
Len Lazarick
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.”
Podcasts: Protesters demonstrate against tax hikes; Miller explains session, O’Donnell objects
“Shame on them for not doing the people’s work in the time frame that they had… They raise our taxes, we put less food on the table,” said a Carroll County protester. Senate President Mike Miller says, “It would have been nice if we could have got it done in the 90-day session.”
Maryland is too reliant on income taxes, one group says
While the governor has touted Maryland’s comparatively low tax burden on its high income populace, some groups are concerned that the income tax hikes proposed for next week’s special session will harm Maryland’s national rankings on taxes and business climate.
State Roundup, May 10, 2012
O’Malley officially calls special session with deal on income tax hikes; Obama’s endorsement of gay marriage could change dynamic of Maryland referendum; Frederick commissioner ignores ethics advice; O’Malley to set up gambling commission that will report back before August; school suspensions mount for kindergarteners; state child support worker caught taking bribe; hours reduced at post offices rather than closing them.
Gov. O’Malley touts low taxes as he calls special session to raise them
Maryland has some of the lowest taxes in the country, Gov. Martin O’Malley said Wednesday officially announcing plans to call a special session of the legislature to fix a budget impasse — partially by raising taxes.
Obama’s endorsement of same-sex marriage could impact Md. referendum
With a referendum on Maryland’s same-sex marriage looming in November, President Obama may have shaken the dynamic in the state on Wednesday as he openly endorsed same-sex marriage. Supporters of gay marriage say it gave them a boost, but opponents trying to get the law on the ballot were undeterred.
Ehrlich classroom appearance focuses on presidential contest, not local issues
Former Gov. Bob Ehrlich was in professor mode Tuesday afternoon as he made his annual visit to a political persuasion class at Towson University taught by his friend, Professor Rick Vatz. Ehrlich, Mitt Romney’s Maryland campaign chair, prodded students on how they would sell their candidate — faults and all — no matter which side they supported.
$2.6 billion transportation audit finds no problems; BPW heaps praise on departing secretary
Many audits of state agencies find wasted dollars, poor accounting controls, lax purchasing measures and even occasional fraud; so it’s worth pointing out that legislative auditors reviewing $2.6 billion of spending that went through the transportation secretary’s office found absolutely nothing. The good news comes as Transportation Secretary Beverley Swaim-Staley announced she’s leaving the post July 1, after almost three years in the job.
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