Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Commentary: Maryland's economic deterioration is 'progress'? By Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.

Commentary: Maryland's economic deterioration is 'progress'? By Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/06/AR2010080605931.html

Monday, August 9, 2010

By Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.

Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) often refers to his tenure in Annapolis as one of "progress," implicitly arguing that Maryland is better off today than when he took office.

Nowhere could this argument lack more credibility than on Maryland's economic climate, which is unquestionably less friendly to job creation than it was four years ago.

Consider the evidence: Unemployment in Maryland doubled from 2006 to 2010. Approximately 3,000 small businesses closed on the O'Malley administration's watch last year.

Neighboring Virginia easily outranks Maryland in eight out of 10 categories in CNBC's America's Top States for Business survey, including overall economy, quality of life, business friendliness, transportation and cost of living. Maryland has become a flyover state as businesses like Northrop Grumman move their corporate headquarters and jobs to the other side of the Potomac River. Since 2006, the Tax Foundation has dropped Maryland 26 spots in its ranking of the states' business tax climates.

The causes for Maryland's decline are clear. By passing the largest tax increase in Maryland history before a recession, Gov. O'Malley siphoned sorely needed dollars from job creators and families across the income scale. Second, regulatory agencies began treating small businesses as a source of new fines and tax revenue rather than a source of new jobs. Lastly, government spending in Maryland over the past four years increased by $22 billion compared with the preceding four years. Not surprisingly, a $1.8 billion deficit awaits the next governor and legislature.

As governor, I will redefine "progress" in Maryland by focusing on three priorities. ... [...] .... http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/06/AR2010080605931.html

20100809 RLE WaPo Mds economic deterioration is progress
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