Showing posts with label MD Issues Taxes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MD Issues Taxes. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Maryland ranked one of the ten worst states for retirement in the universe


Maryland ranked one of the ten worst states for retirement in the universe

10 worst states for retirement By Chris Kahn • Bankrate.com

Not dated – Retrieved February 10, 2015

Retirement » 10 Worst States For Retirement

Follow us: @Bankrate on Twitter | Bankrate on Facebook


It's hard to be flexible on a fixed income. That's why some of America's prettiest, most vibrant locations are also some of the toughest on retirees.

They're usually more expensive, for example, with higher rents and more expensive restaurants. Tax rates also tend to be higher in urban areas. They also may not be as safe.

With that in mind, Bankrate ranked each state based on a variety of factors that everyone should consider before making a move into -- or out of -- their home state. They include a specialized cost-of-living index for retirees, crime statistics, tax rates and comprehensive weather data that factor in sunshine and humidity. Also new this year: Bankrate beefed up its ranking for health care quality, and consulted an extensive survey called the Gallup-Healthways' Well-Being Index. The index gauges the level of satisfaction residents report about their surroundings.

The states that fell to the bottom of our list still have a lot to offer. In fact, many are home to the top tourism destinations in the world. The problem, in the end, is that choosing a good place to retire isn't as easy as picking a vacation spot. Costs matter more. The local culture and infrastructure also matter.

Here, in descending order, are 10 of the lowest-ranking states for retirees based on our criteria.


[…]



The primary knock on Maryland is that it's more expensive to live there than in many other states. The cost of living for retirees is especially high, and residents pay one of the highest tax rates in the country.
Kevin Dayhoff is an artist - and a columnist for:

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My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/
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Monday, August 13, 2012

Maryland Special Session: Delegate Ready Fights in Special Session to Encourage Real, Lasting Job Growth


Delegate Ready Fights in Special Session to Encourage Real, Lasting Job Growth

Annapolis – Delegate Justin Ready (R-5A) has introduced two bills in the House of Delegates to address Maryland’s stagnant economy and nation-worst rate of job loss. The bills were introduced by Senator E.J. Pipkin in the State Senate and are part of a “Jobs Package” to encourage private sector business growth in Maryland. “While I do not believe we should be having this special session to address gambling, there is no question that jobs are leaving Maryland. If anything, that’s the “emergency” we should be focused on here,” Delegate Ready said. Both bills are aimed at reducing the 8.25% business tax rate and using additional tax credits to incentivize out of state and international investment into Maryland’s smaller, rural counties. Delegate Ready has brought these bills to the House in an attempt to put light on serious economic issues facing the state.

“Since my first Session in 2011, I have tried to promote and support policies to encourage job growth in Maryland, particularly in the private sector. Governor O’Malley has talked before about Jobs, Jobs, Jobs, but other than occasional bursts of government spending on temporary projects like road construction, his administration has failed to take action,” continued Ready. “This Special Session could be used as a rare opportunity to re-visit and correct our state’s punitive tax and regulatory policies that are suffocating small business.”

In July, the Washington Times reported that Maryland was the worst among the nation for job loss in the first six months of 2012. TheMaryland Gazette has also reported that venture capital in Maryland has plummeted to its lowest levels in sixteen years.

“Right now we are looking at the exact “doomsday” scenario that my Republican colleagues and I have warned about – job loss, and businesses leaving Maryland. Now is the time to choose progress and correct course,” Ready concluded.
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Kevin Dayhoff is an artist - and a columnist for:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoffTwitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff
Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/ = www.newbedfordherald.net

Tumblr: Kevin Dayhoff Banana Stems www.kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/
Smurfs: http://babylonfluckjudd.blogspot.com/
Google profile: https://profiles.google.com/kevindayhoff/

E-mail: kevindayhoff(at)gmail.com
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/
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Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Robert Lang WBAL: O'Malley Says Gas Tax, Other Increases Part Of Agenda In 2012

O'Malley Says Gas Tax, Other Increases Part Of Agenda In 2012


Thursday, December 29, 2011

Robert Lang in Annapolis and Associated Press

Governor Martin O'Malley says lawmakers in 2012 will have to have the "courage" to consider tax hikes as well as spending cuts, and that includes an increase in the state's gasoline tax.

At a briefing for reporters in Annapolis today, O'Malley said lawmakers have already cut $6.8-billion in spending over the last four years.

He says more money is needed for road and bridge projects.

[…]

He notes that the state's 23.5-cent-a-gallon gasoline tax was set in 1992 when gasoline was selling for more than $1.10 a gallon. Regular now sells for more than $3 a gallon. He notes that gas tax revenue has not kept up with rising costs of infrastructure projects.

[…]

Earlier this year, a commission recommended a 15-cent-a-gallon increase in the gas tax over three years.

The governor also says he may seek an increase in the so called "flush tax" on septic systems, and plans to pursue legislation to restrict new septic systems… http://www.wbal.com/article/84939/2/template-story/OMalley-Says-Gas-Tax-Other-Increases-Part-Of-Agenda-In-2012






[20111229 OMalley Gas Tax Other Increases 2012 Agenda]

Thursday, October 27, 2011

MarylandReporter.com: Groups share opinions on tax hikes



MarylandReporter banner
Thursday, October 27, 2011  

Increased tax proposals get mixed reception

Proposals to raise the gas tax and flush tax are getting a mixed reaction, with business groups divided and other groups saying they are reasonable, but shouldn't preclude tax hikes for other needs.
Quick Links

Today's State Roundup: Strategizing against PlanMaryland

Rural politicians to strategize against PlanMaryland; proposals for tax hikes and new fees to pay for roads and Bay cleanup continue to make news; massive new State Police facility near Hagerstown almost complete; Ehrlich takes the stand for Currie; and Charles County focuses on light rail line to D.C.

Have you checked out our new Government Meetings Schedule? It might save you a few clicks.

Editor and Publisher: Len Lazarick; Associate Editor: Megan Poinski; Roundup Editor: Cynthia Prairie
  
MarylandReporter.com is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, and contributions are tax-deductible. Donate here.




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My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

Aaron C. Davis - Washington Post: 15-cent gas tax hike urged in Maryland

15-cent gas tax hike urged in Maryland


10/25/2011

15-cent gas tax hike urged in Maryland


A panel created by the Maryland General Assembly and Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) on Tuesday recommended increasing the state’s gas tax by 15 cents per gallon and boosting fees on every car owner, bus rider and train passenger to keep solvent the state’s underfunded trust fund for road maintenance and transit projects.

O’Malley last week said he would consider backing such a gas tax hike as part of a package to spur job growth in the state. Several prominent Democrats last year tried to pass a gas-tax increase and have said they would reintroduce the measure when the General Assembly reconvenes in January.

The 15-cent hike would be phased in over three years under the plan finalized Tuesday by the Blue Ribbon Commission on Maryland Transportation Funding. It would also come with strings attached: all of the money would be used exclusively for transportation projects, said commission chairman Gus Bauman.

According to one state analysis distributed Tuesday, the tax would amount to nearly $200 annually for an average household…


[20111025 ADavis WaPo 15 cent gas tax hike urged in Maryland]



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Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Aaron Davis: O’Malley urges lawmakers to consider 15-cent gas-tax hike

Washington Post Maryland Politics

10/17/2011

O’Malley urges lawmakers to consider 15-cent gas-tax hike


As promised, Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) used the start of the legislature’s special session on redistricting Monday to begin talking about jobs, and offered more clarity about suggestions he’s made since August that he would support higher taxes to boost spending on public infrastructure.

O’Malley said the General Assembly must begin considering a 15-cent increase to Maryland’s gas tax to fund road construction, public transit and other transportation projects. The governor also suggested he would seek an unspecified expansion to the state’s capital budget to fund school construction and other infrastructure needs when the General Assembly convenes in January.




Labels: Maryland Municipal League see MML, MML, MML Municipal League
http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/search/label/MML%20Municipal%20League:


For more information on the 2011 Fall Maryland Municipal
League’s Fall Legislative Conference at the Cambridge Maryland Hyatt Regency
Chesapeake Bay, including a “Complete 2011 Fall Conference Information (.pdf)”
packet, visit the MML website at www.mdmunicipal.org.


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Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/


My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/


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Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Gus G. Sentementes, The Baltimore Sun: Western Maryland hit harder by recession

Western Maryland hit harder by recession

Northrop Grumman, Kongsberg Automotive closures add to woe

www.baltimoresun.com/business/bs-bz-western-maryland-layoffs-20100808,0,6561796.story

baltimoresun.com

By Gus G. Sentementes, The Baltimore Sun

August 8, 2010 www.baltimoresun.com/business/bs-bz-western-maryland-layoffs-20100808,0,6561796.story

Two well-paying blue-collar employers in Washington County are shuttering their businesses, adding to the woes of this Western Maryland county that already has a jobless rate among the highest in the state.

The soaring unemployment rate is a painful step back for a county that has tried in recent years to diversify its economy and attract new, high-technology businesses to the area. Known as "Hub City," Hagerstown has been at the center of a regional economy for years, with its highway connections and rail lines offering trucking and distribution companies easy access.

But over the past three years, the weakening economy has bled the Hagerstown area of jobs, mainly related to construction and manufacturing. In 2006, Washington County's unemployment rate averaged about 4.4 percent. In June, it stood at more than 10 percent and has been as high as nearly 12 percent this year, while the state's hovers just above 7 percent.

And just this past week, the county was reeling from news that two employers — a Northrop Grumman airplane maintenance facility and auto parts maker Kongsberg Automotive — plan to close, putting more than 100 people out of work…. www.baltimoresun.com/business/bs-bz-western-maryland-layoffs-20100808,0,6561796.story

[20100808 Sun Sentementes Western Md hit harder by recession]
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Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Budget problems continue for Maryland’s local governments




And it is only going to worse…

December 1, 2009 by Kevin Dayhoff

I did this piece of art in September 1994. The more things change the more they stay the same. At some point, the entire manner in which local government in Maryland is funded needs to be changed so that all our tax revenue does not get lost in a black hole in Annapolis and gets re-directed to the government that is closest to the citizens. Woman with the Ones above Carroll County
http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/2009/12/woman-with-ones-above-carroll-county.html)

Read: See Charles Schelle’s article on the press conference today when the employee layoffs were announced: 18 county government employees to lose jobs By Charles Schelle Move to save estimated $3 million http://www.explorecarroll.com/news/3672/layoffs/

See also: Carroll County Commissioners to hold news conference on budget http://tinyurl.com/yhcoklt - and - Carroll Co Budget, Carroll Co employees, MD State Budget

18 county government employees to lose jobs:

This is so sad. And at this time of the year; not that any time of the year is a good time to lose employees – or your job...

My heart and prayers go out to the employees who have lost their job – and to the folks who were forced to make theses difficult decisions.

I happen to agree with the Carroll County government press release today, Carroll Co MD Commissioners eliminate positions http://tinyurl.com/y9zyanu http://tinyurl.com/y9zyanu: “Carroll County already has one of the leanest staffs in Maryland. A survey by the Maryland Association of Counties ranks Carroll as the second-lowest number of employees per capita.”

The problem is certainly not with over-staffing on the part of Carroll County government.

The problem is the systematic irresponsible spending in Annapolis and now the state is balancing its books on the backs of local government.

Neither the current administration or the Maryland General Assembly has the stomach for raising taxes – especially after the fiasco from the Maryland Special Taxing Session from November 2007, which only made matters worse…

So instead of doing the correct thing and cutting-out systemic wasteful spending, they want to force local government to raise taxes.

Add this to the incredible amount of money that Maryland has lost to surrounding states in retail sales as a result of raising the retail sales tax. Remember there is barely any location in Maryland that is not within 40 miles of the state line…

And add to this the large number of high income Marylanders who have simply left the state as a result of the prohibitive tax increase that was levied against them…

The result is a net loss of a great deal of state revenue that is above and beyond the turndown in the economy – especially since, until the recent taxing initiatives had such a disastrous result, most economist and political pundits considered Maryland recession proof.

This is a mess. And it is not a mess that will be solved anytime soon because nothing will hold the Maryland General Assembly accountable and the ruling party in Maryland is so arrogant they are completely inaccessible to any contrarian argument or debate, discussion or dialogue…

~~~~~

20091201 sdosmked Budget probs continue for MD local govt
[19940914 0758b Woman w Ones above CC]


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Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/ Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://www.westgov.net/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/

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Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Lighting the faces of children, and a dark day for taxation

Lighting the faces of children, and a dark day for taxation

July 11, 1947 Westminster Lions Club presented Westminster Playground Lights and It was only a little over 60 years ago that Maryland first implemented a sales tax -- on July 1, 1947. http://tinyurl.com/krhy3h

EAGLE ARCHIVE By Kevin Dayhoff Posted on http://www.explorecarroll.com/ 7/26/09

http://explorecarroll.com/community/3217/lighting-faces-children-dark-day-taxation/ http://tinyurl.com/krhy3h

If there's anything that jumps out for an historian in any review of old newspaper articles, it's the age-old cliche that the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Such a dynamic is certainly the case when one examines the events of July in Carroll County history.

At the last meeting of the mayor and Westminster Common Council, Ron Schroers, director of recreation and parks for the city, made presentations about service groups contributing to the city.

More than 60 years ago the July 11, 1947, edition of the now-defunct Democratic Advocate carried an article with much of same news.

It reported that the Westminster Lions Club had presented the mayor and council with their "latest improvement" to the Westminster playground — lights.

[…]

In other news from the 1940s, taxes were, of course, just as controversial then as they are today.

It was only a little over 60 years ago that Maryland first implemented a sales tax -- on July 1, 1947.

Read the entire article here: Lighting the faces of children, and a dark day for taxation

EAGLE ARCHIVE By Kevin Dayhoff Posted on http://www.explorecarroll.com/ 7/26/09

http://explorecarroll.com/community/3217/lighting-faces-children-dark-day-taxation/ http://tinyurl.com/krhy3h

20090726 SCE Lighting faces children dark day taxation sceked
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Wednesday, May 27, 2009

More on Maryland's Missing Millionaires


More on Maryland's Missing Millionaires

May 26, 2009

When Governor O'Malley and Democrat legislative leaders proposed increasing the tax rate on Maryland's highest income earners - Republican Senators stood in floor debate and stridently argued that millionaires would flee the state. Some Senators even provided evidence from lawyers and accountants about the ease with which this class of taxpayers could legally change their status of residency.

The Republican debate was rebuffed as being "anecdotal." Over the GOP's objections, the Democrats passed their "tax the wealthy" plan.

As opined in the Wall Street Journal today, the short-sighted Democrat tax plan combined with the hefty Maryland estate tax has made Maryland a bad environment for millionaires. And they are fleeing - leaving a shortfall in taxes that they used to pay which results in higher taxes for you and me.

See
www.mdsenategop.com.

20090526 SDOSM More on Marylands Missing Millionaires

Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/
Kevin Dayhoff Art:
www.kevindayhoff.com
Kevin Dayhoff Westminster:
www.westgov.net

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Red Maryland: Way to Avoid Maryland's Proposed EZ Pass Fee


Red Maryland: Way to Avoid Maryland's Proposed EZ Pass Fee

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

My wife called this to my attention the other day and we are less than pleased…

Ya know – this is nuts. Maryland should be encouraging the use of EZ Pass as it saves the state a great deal of money in personnel expenses and other assorted overhead with efficiency fueled by technology.

Way to Avoid Maryland's Proposed EZ Pass Fee

Despite the tough economic times, I knew Governor Martin O'Malley could never resist the urge to raise some form of tax/fee.


Read the rest of Red Maryland’s post here: Way to Avoid Maryland's Proposed EZ Pass Fee


Kevin Dayhoff: www.westgov.net Westminster Maryland Online www.westminstermarylandonline.net http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/

Kevin Dayhoff E-mail him at: kdayhoff AT carr DOT org His columns appear in The Tentacle, www.thetentacle.com; The Westminster Eagle /Eldersburg Eagle The Sunday Carroll Eagle - Opinion: http://explorecarroll.com/opinion-talk/ www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/ www.westminstermarylandonline.net http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/ http://www.youtube.com/user/kevindayhoff http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1040426835 http://picasaweb.google.com/kevindayhoff

Sunday, November 9, 2008

A Look at Maryland Economic Issues by Barbara Paulsen




A Look at Maryland Economic Issues by Barbara Paulsen

November 3, 2008



Webmaster’s note: Maryland continues to lose jobs in the private sector because of the state’s well-deserved reputation for being anti-business and tax-hell. Moreover, folks are leaving the state in a tax-flight that shows no abatement in the foreseeable future.

However the article skirts this economic dynamic ever so euphemistically.

It says: “The manufacturing sector, however, continues to disappoint and accounts for increasingly fewer jobs as it continues to shrink. While the loss of these jobs has slowed in the past three years, it remains the biggest economic drag on the state's economy. Maryland is trying to shift from labor-based manufacturing jobs to more science and knowledge-based jobs. But attempts to lure large international corporations have been hurt by the high cost of doing business in the state.

“… For several consecutive years more people have moved out of Maryland than moved in, largely because of people searching for cheaper housing.”

Kevin Dayhoff





Unlike many states, Maryland has historically had a relatively robust and diversified economy that allows it to maintain healthy growth. But the future of Maryland's economy, like that of the nation, is uncertain.

Underpinning its economic diversity is a highly educated workforce — one of the nation's highest ratios of Ph.D. holders — and virtually full employment. There are a large number of well-paying jobs in government, health care and education. The unemployment rate was just 3.6 percent last year, among the nation's lowest. And Maryland ranks fifth in personal income in the nation.

The federal government acts as a stabilizing force in Maryland's economy. "Maryland is blessed by its geography," said Daraius Irani, director of the Regional Economic Studies Institute at Towson University outside Baltimore.

[…]

The manufacturing sector, however, continues to disappoint and accounts for increasingly fewer jobs as it continues to shrink. While the loss of these jobs has slowed in the past three years, it remains the biggest economic drag on the state's economy. Maryland is trying to shift from labor-based manufacturing jobs to more science and knowledge-based jobs. But attempts to lure large international corporations have been hurt by the high cost of doing business in the state.

Housing prices in Maryland are expected to drop more than 10 percent in the next year, slightly less that the national average. For several consecutive years more people have moved out of Maryland than moved in, largely because of people searching for cheaper housing.


Read the entire article here: A Look at Maryland Economic Issues by Barbara Paulsen

http://abcnews.go.com/Business/Economy/story?id=4804449

20081103 A Look at Maryland Economic Issues by Barbara Paulsen

A Look at Maryland Economic Issues by Barbara Paulsen




A Look at Maryland Economic Issues by Barbara Paulsen

November 3, 2008



Webmaster’s note: Maryland continues to lose jobs in the private sector because of the state’s well-deserved reputation for being anti-business and tax-hell. Moreover, folks are leaving the state in a tax-flight that shows no abatement in the foreseeable future.

However the article skirts this economic dynamic ever so euphemistically.

It says: “The manufacturing sector, however, continues to disappoint and accounts for increasingly fewer jobs as it continues to shrink. While the loss of these jobs has slowed in the past three years, it remains the biggest economic drag on the state's economy. Maryland is trying to shift from labor-based manufacturing jobs to more science and knowledge-based jobs. But attempts to lure large international corporations have been hurt by the high cost of doing business in the state.

“… For several consecutive years more people have moved out of Maryland than moved in, largely because of people searching for cheaper housing.”

Kevin Dayhoff





Unlike many states, Maryland has historically had a relatively robust and diversified economy that allows it to maintain healthy growth. But the future of Maryland's economy, like that of the nation, is uncertain.

Underpinning its economic diversity is a highly educated workforce — one of the nation's highest ratios of Ph.D. holders — and virtually full employment. There are a large number of well-paying jobs in government, health care and education. The unemployment rate was just 3.6 percent last year, among the nation's lowest. And Maryland ranks fifth in personal income in the nation.

The federal government acts as a stabilizing force in Maryland's economy. "Maryland is blessed by its geography," said Daraius Irani, director of the Regional Economic Studies Institute at Towson University outside Baltimore.

[…]

The manufacturing sector, however, continues to disappoint and accounts for increasingly fewer jobs as it continues to shrink. While the loss of these jobs has slowed in the past three years, it remains the biggest economic drag on the state's economy. Maryland is trying to shift from labor-based manufacturing jobs to more science and knowledge-based jobs. But attempts to lure large international corporations have been hurt by the high cost of doing business in the state.

Housing prices in Maryland are expected to drop more than 10 percent in the next year, slightly less that the national average. For several consecutive years more people have moved out of Maryland than moved in, largely because of people searching for cheaper housing.


Read the entire article here: A Look at Maryland Economic Issues by Barbara Paulsen

http://abcnews.go.com/Business/Economy/story?id=4804449

20081103 A Look at Maryland Economic Issues by Barbara Paulsen

Sunday, September 7, 2008

OC Dispatch: Legislators Promise No Tax Increases

OC Dispatch: Legislators Promise No Tax Increases

By Shawn J. Soper, News Editor

Originally published September 5, 2008

OCEAN CITY – State lawmakers this week warned the current budget situation in Maryland could be worse this year than last when a special General Assembly session was called to address the problem, but each said further reductions in spending would likely supersede any new tax increases.

Ocean City’s Economic Development Committee (EDC) hosted a legislative meeting with several of the area’s state representatives this week to discuss the burning issues facing the General Assembly in the upcoming session. While the slots issue dominated much of the meeting, no less important was the discussion on the state’s burgeoning structural deficit, which is expected to come in at around $500 million again this year.

Of course, the two issues go hand in hand with slots being counted on in some circles to inject millions of dollars in new revenue into the state’s economy should voters decide in November to approve the gaming machines. Short of that, state lawmakers will likely have to make drastic cuts in spending to offset the budget shortfalls this year as raising existing taxes or creating new one does not appear to be an option.

Just one year removed from a special session during which Governor Martin O’Malley’s sweeping tax reform package was passed by the General Assembly in answer to the state’s deficit problem, many of the lawmakers in attendance at the EDC meeting on Wednesday said there is neither the political will nor the public support to suggest new tax increases again this year.

[…]


Read the entire article here: Legislators Promise No Tax Increases

20080905 OC Dispatch Legislators promise no tax increase

Thursday, July 3, 2008

20080702 This week in The Tentacle

This week in The Tentacle

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

The Lords of Annapolis
Kevin E. Dayhoff
Happy 4th of July. One of the main reasons we sought our independence from England was taxes. The only thing is – that this long after we won our independence – we are still fighting over taxes.

Speculation on Tar and Feathers
Tom McLaughlin
The main focus of the oil crisis has now shifted to people called speculators and fund managers. As a liberal Democrat, who reads the Wall Street Journal (now there’s an oxymoron), I have endeavored to learn how they fit into the equation.

Recyclying’s Flip Side – Part 2
Farrell Keough
In yesterday’s column we reviewed some basic information on recycling. We determined that while tossing our plastics in the blue recycling bin may make us feel as if we are saving the planet, it may be we are using substantial resources to produce products we buy back which are no longer recyclable.


Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Blaine Young Rumors
Roy Meachum
Saturday mornings around my house normally are rest times. The three newspapers stuck through my door receive careful perusal. There are mornings when Pushkin receives pushing onto the patio and we both pile back in the sack. I listened to Blaine Young's Frederick’s Forum only now and then.

Recycling’s Flip Side – Part 1
Farrell Keough
Is recycling a misnomer? In other words, do we actually recycle our waste and containers; or do we just transport them to someone else and feel good about our actions?


Monday, June 30, 2008
From The Desk of the Publisher!
John W. Ashbury

Rick Weldon, whose column normally appears in this space every Monday, is suffering from a major malady of the modern era. His computer crashed; and, like most of us, he was unable to fix it himself. Unfortunately for all who enjoy his work, particularly his political commentary, his column on the governor’s race in 2010 is still locked inside his computer. It will appear next week if the stars align correctly.
A NAC for Social Progress
Steven R. Berryman
Last Thursday The Neighborhood Advisory Council (NAC) Area 5 meeting for the residents surrounding the West End of Frederick, known as the “Golden Mile, headlined an appearance by the sheriff of Frederick County, “Chuck” Jenkins.


Friday, June 27, 2008
Not Fair
Roy Meachum
In the best of all Jennifer worlds, her opponent for the Sixth Congressional District election this fall would be dead. She and her cronies talk of incumbent Roscoe Bartlett as if were long buried. He isn't. To the lady's continuing surprise, the Frederick congressman insists on proving he's alive and well, displaying superb sense.

The Other Side of the Coin
Edward Lulie III
To the dismay of the major media the Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, has overturned the Washington D.C. handgun ban and found that the 2nd Amendment and the right to bear arms meant an “individual’s” right.


Thursday, June 26, 2008
A Possibility: Real Change for a Change
Tony Soltero
Perhaps the most common complaint citizens voice about their political leaders is that they're oblivious to the concerns of ordinary Americans. And there's a lot of truth to this.

Hospice and Palliative Care
Patricia A. Kelly
Oh, no! Not Hospice! Get out of my room. I’m not dying!

Wednesday, June 25, 2008
The MML and the COPS Program
Kevin E. Dayhoff
The annual Maryland Municipal League summer convention in Ocean City wraps up four days of seminars and meetings at the Ocean City Convention Center today.

Greasing the Wheels
Tom McLaughlin
We purchase billions upon billions of dollars of goods from the Chinese. They, in turn, take those dollars and invest in conservative and safe instruments like American T-Bills. This circular path has caused alarm among some that they have the power to wreck our economy and bring America to its knees. However, to destroy our economy would also mean wrecking theirs.


Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Political Street Gossip – Part 5
Richard B. Weldon Jr.
Yesterday, we ended our discussion of Frederick’s delegation races in 2010 with an observation about Sen. Alex Mooney's vulnerabilities. Here's some proof of that.

What War?
Roy Meachum
Reasonable doubt exists that most readers do not know that a week ago 50 Shiite Iraqis died in a tremendous blast, engineered by al-Qaeda Sunnis. In the same forgotten category: Afghanistan's Taliban seized and held a series of towns and villages.

Enjoying What Life Brings on Two Wheels
Nick Diaz
You’ve seen them on the road – all those guys on motorcycles, parading down the boulevard, on Saturdays or Sundays. Where are they going? I’m sure many of you have wondered the same thing.


Monday, June 23, 2008
Political Street Gossip – Part 4
Richard B. Weldon Jr.
We've looked at federal, city, and county upcoming election cycles. The 6th District congressional race is upon us, the others are more distant and definitely less clear.

Ear to the Ground
Steven R. Berryman
Once again, awash in too much real news, here is a smorgasbord of the events I witnessed last week. You may call it “Short Takes 2,” as I keep my ears to the ground for The Tentacle and Frederick County.


20080702 This week in The Tentacle
Dayhoff Media The Tentacle, Governance Taxes, Governance Taxes Maryland, Maryland Issues Taxes

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

19470701 Democratic Advocate: Md Sales Tax First Went Into Effect on July 1, 1947

Democratic Advocate: Md Sales Tax First Went Into Effect on July 1, 1947

Sales Tax — Who likes taxes? Nobody!

Democratic Advocate, March 28, 1947.

Gov. Lane does not like taxes either, but as long as you have colleges to take your money and plenty of it through your money you are to have taxes. But we do need money for our public schools, for our medical centers and surely for road building.

The sales tax will go into effect July 1, 1947. The opposition to the sales taxes by our merchants was 100 per cent and feel very blue over the outcome. But suppose you were to support the Republican grab bill that was framed but failed to appear on the Senate floor. It certainly was a lot more unfair.

Democratic Advocate, March 28, 1947.


Governance Taxes Maryland