Gov. Martin O?Malley?s proposal to erase the state?s $1.7 billion deficit has drawn strong reservations among some Harford County state lawmakers.
State Sen. Nancy H. Jacobs, R-District 34, said the plan would add at least $500 million in spending.
“People are getting the message that O?Malley?s not just about the deficit,” Jacobs said. “If he would have just level-funded the budget for at least the next three years, we wouldn?t be in a position where we?d have to raise taxes.”
Some Harford lawmakers said the conservative-leaning constituency is wary of raising the sales tax when shoppers could go to nearby Delaware, where they pay no sales tax.
Jacobs, among others, also objected to the legislature?s being asked to consider the tax plan during a special session next week. She preferred that it be done during the regular session beginning in January, when legislators could also scrutinize the budget for possible spending cuts.
“I don?t think there?s a need to do this outside of the normal session, so I?m not going to be supporting any of the governor?s plans,” said Del. Barry Glassman, R-District 35. “If you look at the sales tax increase, at the end of the day, whether you?re rich or poor in Maryland, you?re going to end up paying more in taxes.”
Glassman also worried that the special session would limit the public?s ability to participate, though Del. B. Dan Riley took comfort in House Speaker Michael Busch?s assurance that all the bills would be fully reviewed in committees, and voters would get a chance to weigh in.
“The public should, if they can, come down to Annapolis and speak their minds,” said Riley, D-34.
Riley said his e-mails, phone calls and conversations with voters were 7-to-1 against any tax increases. But he noted that the same people who often lament taxes are the first to complain when state funding for safety or road maintenance dries up.
Despite being a conservative Democrat, Riley said he felt no conflict between serving his constituents and loyalty to the Democratic governor and may support only elements of the plan closing loopholes in corporate taxes.
