Higher state taxes don’t lead many residents to leave a state, including affluent taxpayers, a new study says. The report by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities released Thursday uses several economic studies from academics and think-tanks to debunk the arguments that taxes drive people from states like Maryland, particularly the wealthy.
Len Lazarick
Not all audits are bad: One out of four state agencies has a clean one
In the review of all government agencies over last three years, 47 state agencies have had perfectly clean audits with no problems found.
Debt ceiling vote creates strange bedfellows
The votes on the debt ceiling deal in Congress made strange bedfellows in Maryland’s congressional delegation.
Raise taxes, and they’ll move, constituents tell one delegate
In response to our story yesterday that the Maryland Budget and Tax Policy Institute was recommending $2.6 billion in new taxes, Del. Ron George of Annapolis, a conservative Republican, sent us a sample of the kind of e-mails he gets from constituents. Contrary to what institute director Neil Bergsman said, these folks say they will move out of state or at least shop there if taxes go up again.
Washington Post names MarylandReporter.com one of “best state-based political blogs”
The Fix, the lead political blog at The Washington Post, has named MarylandReporter.com as one of “best state-based political blogs” in the nation, according to a poll of its readers. This year, MarylandReporter.com shares honors with Red Maryland.
Casa sues to stop referendum on immigrant tuition
Questioning the validity of the petitions and the legality of a referendum to overturn the Maryland granting in-state tuition to illegal immigrants, Casa de Maryland and eight Marylanders have sued the State Board of Elections, asking the court to cancel the planned referendum on the law and allow its provisions to take effect now.
Community groups criticize Franchot’s opposition to State Center as ‘a political move’
A coalition of Baltimore community groups has written to Comptroller Peter Franchot “to express our dismay and disappointment” that he has yanked his support from the $1.5 billion State Center project, despite his votes for the project in the past.
Budget institute recommends $2.6 billion in tax hikes
The progressive Maryland Budget and Tax Policy Institute is recommending $2.6 billion in tax increases to cure state budget shortfalls, including $2 billion on consumer services that are not currently taxed.
Program Open Space moves to Natural Resources for more efficiency
The state’s Program Open Space has a new home entirely within the Department of Natural Resources and more flexibility with how funds can be spent.
State Roundup, July 29, 2011
MTA looks to soften impact of new tolls; Miller predicts same-sex marriage will pass in 2012; Harris speaks out about debt ceilings and the need for a constitutional amendment to require a balanced federal budget; a General Assembly Joint Committee urges a federal compromise; local governments may also see a ratings downgrade if the U.S. defaults.
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