Posted on 09/28/2007 11:30:02 AM PDT by JZelle
ANNAPOLIS — Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley ended his statewide tax tour yesterday with a more definitive outline of how he plans to close the state's $1.7 billion budget shortfall, including plans to cut education funding.
Mr. O'Malley, a Democrat, said he would cut $207 million in mandated education spending while phasing in an optional $38 million for teachers based on where they work.
"Some of these things are going to be painful," Mr. O'Malley said as he detailed the long-awaited arithmetic behind his proposed fiscal 2009 budget before about 150 people, mostly lobbyists and government staffers inside a school gymnasium.
Though Mr. O'Malley must win support from state lawmakers for his proposal, which includes legalizing slot machine and tax increases, his first task will be to persuade them to return to Annapolis before January for a special General Assembly session.
The O'Malley administration estimates that approving the plan by the fall would result in $516 million more in taxes.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
Allen James, a retired lawyer from Annapolis said, "I think we can do without slots, I really do. That's just my feeling."
Mr. James said he would be happy with the sales-tax increase, which Mr. O'Malley expects will close most of the shortfall. But he opposed the cigarette tax increase — a plan Mr. O'Malley hopes will give him $85 million for the shortfall and $85 million for expanded health care.
Obviously Mr. James is a smoker.
Yeah, lets get slots! Look what its done for New Jersey?
I live in Maryland I cannot BELIEVE there isn’t some pork elsewhere that can be trimmed back.
Nope, the Dem answer...raise taxes.
Well, Maryland is getting exactly what it deserves by voting out Ehrlich and voting in O’Malley. Now just wait and watch for the gnawing of tongues and gnashing of teeth to begin...
Martin O’Money. The friend of the people.
Whom have too much...
Maryland “Freak State” PING!
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