Tax talk comes to Annapolis
The election now behind them, lawmakers and Gov. Martin O'Malley are returning to the business of running the state.
Committees of lawmakers will meet for four financial briefings this week in Annapolis: two on pensions, one about combined reporting and one in which they will learn the size of Maryland's budget hole. Some believe the gap could be as large as $1.7 billion.
Meanwhile, the Democratic governor said he is preparing a budget that includes no tax increases, and legislative leaders say the economy remains too weak to tap citizens for more revenue.
But some lawmakers have been open about their desire to increase certain taxes. This weekend, The Sun examined some of the chatter. We focused on six possibilities: the alcohol tax, the gas tax, sales tax on services, combined reporting for businesses, property tax and pension fixes that could translate to higher local taxes. O'Malley has not said whether he would veto such tax increases.
The briefings this week could serve as coming attractions for the General Assembly's 2011 90-day session, which begins in about two months.
Comments
So you O'Malley is going to be able to close a 1.5 billion dollar deficit without raising taxes? What is he going to cut? Is he going to go back on his word and cut purple line? Has Busch/Miller heard about what he is trying to do?
Posted by: From Harford | November 8, 2010 10:27 AM
The election is over and it is time to stop the word dancing of uncertainty for our future. O'Malley and the GA should just raise whatever fee/tax/toll they want to and stop the whining. The debate is over, the citizens of Maryland spoke and are prepared to pay more money now.
Posted by: DetectiveDick | November 8, 2010 2:56 PM
Tax talk never leaves Annapolis it just shrunk to a whisper due to the elections.
Posted by: jay | November 8, 2010 9:35 PM
Hey Maryland, what's in your wallet?
Posted by: Joshua | November 10, 2010 6:52 PM