MD and the rest of the area around DC has NOT experienced any recession; in fact they have been in a boom economy. Thus it is no surprise that they want to pay their parasites more (given that they are almost all parasites themselves). This is one case where they actually CAN afford a tax hike.
Why would they vote NOT to increase their pay?
Yes we have been extremely lucky to not have to deal with the recession. You should see all the help wanted signs around. It is a crime that Maryland is so financially stable while other states can’t seem to get jobs for their folks. However, with great economy and schools, you are going to pay. So we do pay about 10 percent to the state through payroll deductions. Some people without jobs really should relocate especially conservatives so that we can make Maryland a red state again as it was in 1984.