Liberal Special Interest Groups Oppose Economic Relief for Middle-Class Families

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 13, 2013

Contact:

Steve Crim

scrim@changemaryland.org

(410) 353 3116

ANNAPOLIS — Special interest groups outlined their opposition to proposed tax cuts that would provide economic relief for struggling middle-class families, in an article published Sunday by the Baltimore Sun.  Much of their arguments were based on the need for government revenue.

"After seven years of tax and fee hikes, Maryland's working families are struggling more than ever.  For years, the governor and his special interest groups have argued that a small tax or fee increase won't hurt anybody's bottom line.  But, the cumulative effect of all those increases have had a devastating effect on the budgets of those who can least afford it," charged Larry Hogan, Chairman of the non-partisan grassroots organization Change Maryland. "Next year's election year politics mean that we may finally see some relief for these families and the far-left special interest groups aren’t happy."

Hogan's comments come on the heels of reports that the same lawmakers who increased over 40 taxes and fees have done an about face and are looking to cut some taxes like the corporate income tax and the much reviled "rain tax." Both Senate President Mike Miller and Speaker of the House Mike Busch have indicated they would consider tax cuts next year as a mean to improve job growth and Maryland’s flailing economy.

"Every four years, these politicians have an epiphany that tax relief will create jobs and grow the economy.  Then, once re-elected, they do just the opposite," said Hogan.  "Now, if the far-left special interest groups have their way, middle-class families won’t even get a brief election year respite."

Environmental and health care groups, as well as key legislators in the General Assembly have warned against tax relief for Marylanders saying that any reduction in revenue will hurt their pet projects.  Governor O’Malley has also indicated that he will not push for middle class economic relief next year.

"The time has come for our state government to reign in spending," Hogan continued. "We wouldn't need these outrageous taxes if our lawmakers were able to fund projects efficiently. Instead, their M.O. is to continually throw money at a problem, without regard to how it's spent. By dialing down the taxes and spending more efficiently, we would be able to fund all our worthy causes without putting even more pressure on taxpayers."

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SOURCES: Advocates line up in defense of Maryland taxes The Baltimore Sun, November 10, 2013 http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2013-11-10/news/bs-md-tax-supporters-20131109_1_stor