Court will not overturn taxes (MD)

The Washington Times ^ | 3-13-08 | Kristen Wyatt

[JZelle]

ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Maryland's highest court yesterday rejected a case filed by Republican lawmakers to overturn taxes approved during last year's special General Assembly session.

The suit by the lawmakers and a Carroll County businessman stated the Democrat-controlled Assembly violated a constitutional provision when the Senate took a long break without permission of the House. As a result, they said, the whole session was invalid.

During the session, lawmakers raised more than $1.3 billion in new taxes to help close a budget shortfall.

The state Court of Appeals rejected the claim without comment after a hearing Tuesday. A longer ruling will be issued later.

The decision means Republican challenges to a November referendum on slot-machine gambling included in the lawsuit also failed. The Republicans argued the Assembly should have decided whether to allow slots, not put the issue to voters on the November 2008 ballot.

"I actually am very surprised," said Delegate Michael D. Smigiel Sr., Eastern Shore Republican who brought the lawsuit after spotting the technical error.

Mr. Smigiel also said he is curious to see judges' explanations.

"There are now parts of the constitution you can violate with impunity," he said. "So, I guess we can now go through the constitution and decide which parts we can violate."

[JZelle]

Checks and balances aren't a problem when you have the right people in the right places.

[George from New England]

“So, I guess we can now go through the constitution and decide which parts we can violate”

Only if you have the judge on your payroll!

[sr4402]

So glad I escaped the Socialist State of Maryland and Monkey County.

Heard from a friend in Gaithersburg that housing values have plummeted but assessed values have not, so big property taxes are again in the mix there.

[Tolerance Sucks Rocks]

Mr. Smigiel also said he is curious to see judges' explanations.

Explanation: "We know on which side OUR bread is buttered!"

Maryland "Freak State" PING!