$1.8 billion state surplus let by Republican Erhlich gone...now taxes going up. Excellent.

O'Malley eyes taxes, 'gaming'

By Tom LoBianco
September 18, 2007

O'Malley

ANNAPOLIS — Gov. Martin O'Malley told legislative leaders yesterday he plans to raise almost $2 billion in new revenues through a mix of taxes, including sales taxes, and "gaming initiatives" to close the state's $1.5 billion budget shortfall.

Mr. O'Malley met separately with House Speaker Michael E. Busch and Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr., both Democrats, to discuss the details of his plan. He is set to meet with General Assembly budget leaders this morning at the governor's mansion.

Mr. Busch confirmed the meeting and said the governor's plan also includes an increase in corporate income tax.

"It's a pretty comprehensive approach of how to do this, and it won't be an easy undertaking," he said.

Mr. O'Malley, who often derided partisan rancor in Annapolis under former Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., has kept Republican leaders from the meetings.

Sen. David R. Brinkley, Western Maryland Republican, said Mr. O'Malley appears to be trying to massage Democratic leaders in the Assembly before taking his plan public. He said unity among top Democrats may mute the inevitable criticism that comes with new taxes.

"They're trying to figure out which poison pill to swallow and get everybody on the same sheet of music," Mr. Brinkley said.

"Gaming initiatives" is almost certainly a reference to legalized slot machines in Maryland. However, lawmakers would not say for certain.

Did the Democratic gov. invade a foreign country? He should blame it on 9/11. That worked for Bush.

They need more Sanctuary Cities there... :)

illegals might be a solid economic booster. nothing like cheap labor to get things moving along

And they are quite effective and thinning the herd of democrats in the area as well.

Anse:

illegals might be a solid economic booster. nothing like cheap labor to get things moving along

Sounds like the surpluss Greenspan was talking about in his book that Bush's tax cuts got rid of in the Fed. Government. Greenspan said that he agreed to a one time tax cut since the surpluss had grown so big. He did not support them staying.

not only vanished...but managed to become a 1.5 Biillion shortfall in 2 years... The "tax" relief Erhlich said he would seek...never was sought.

Erhlich was a classic R Governor...seen in the short sessions...and vanishing for the 9 months in between...and taking credit for the real estate boom...driven by low interest rates. I'm not really complaining...my house is worth a bundle...and my property taxes are low, as they have been limited to a 10% increase per year...Just hit $2,000 for a $550,000 appraised property.

I have no love for O'Malley...and actively dislike Miller. Maryland has been arguing slots for 50 years...beginning when they shut them down here back in the 60s. Maryland used to be the second biggest gambling state in the union...but corruption was over the top. I like what Deval Patrick in Mass has come up with...Full force regional casinos...set up in resort areas mostly...

In fact, Ehrlich's last budget was the biggest in state history, and spending trends were up. That surplus was going to be spent regardless of who was in the governor's mansion.

See this from the Nat'l Taxpayer's Union:

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Both parties are to blame for the current situation. Partisan rancor really doesn't help, now, does it?

Voters who aren't corporations aren't going to get their tax increased. It says he is going to increase CORPORATE taxes.