Posted on 03/15/2012 5:05:27 PM PDT by Tolerance Sucks Rocks
ANNAPOLIS — Gov. Martin O'Malley told House and Senate lawmakers Wednesday that failing to raise Maryland’s gas tax could lead to crumbling roads and bridges in the future, and that they should pass his proposal despite its lack of popularity with residents.
Mr. O'Malley, a Democrat, touted his proposed 6 percent sales tax on gas while testifying before the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee and at a joint hearing of the House Ways and Means and Environmental Matters committees.
Legislators have said a gas-tax hike appears unlikely during this year’s General Assembly session because of rising gas prices, public outcry and several other tax increases already being considered.
The governor’s proposal would impose a 2 percent sales tax on wholesale purchases and tack on 2 percentage points in each of the next two years. Any scheduled increase would be postponed for one year if gas prices rise by more than 15 percent in that year.
Mr. O'Malley says the increase eventually would generate $613 million a year for road and transit improvements and create 7,500 jobs.
He acknowledged that current economic circumstances are tough, but he said the state — which has not raised its current 23.5-cents-a-gallon excise tax on gas since 1992 — needs better roads and cannot afford to put off the need any longer.
“Roads do not upgrade or maintain themselves,” he said. “No one has wanted to address this problem for 20 years. And every year, therefore, our people are paying an increasing cost for this inaction.”
Mr. O'Malley was joined by state transportation officials and local office holders who spoke in favor of the gas tax increase, arguing that road and transit improvements could pay long-term dividends by creating construction jobs and attracting businesses and new residents.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
Maryland “Freak State” PING!
Maybe if you would stop raiding the transportation fund we would not be having this problem.
Scrooge MD... whats it now $6.00 toll on I-95 for the ‘privelege’ of riding a few miles through ‘Analand’?
Schmuck Gov. should have charged a huge surtax added in for those new ‘gay marriage licenses’ instead. Western Maryland should be annexed by Virginia or Pennsylvania and the eastern half morphed into DC liberal lunatics.
So, how does this create 7500 jobs??? Are these all government jobs that cannot be sustained? Can’t think of any private sector jobs this would create, so it would be another bottomless pit.
“So, how does this create 7500 jobs??? Are these all government jobs that cannot be sustained? Can’t think of any private sector jobs this would create, so it would be another bottomless pit.”
Just more union construction jobs to be “managed” by PE union thugs.
I say they should raise the tax on gasoline to 50%! Just think of all the money they will rake in! Just like California!
PS: Lived there unfortunately and really glad to get out!
God help us here in the People’s Republic Of MD.
And...
I heard the state legislature today approved an income tax hike.
C’mon housing market. Recover.
So I can move.
Plus the $4.00 toll Delaware imposes just up the road...
Plus the $4.00 toll Delaware imposes just up the road...
I have now been in Maryland for two years now...this guy keeps doubling down on stupid. Without voter fraud, I cannot believe he can be re-elected...what does he know?...jus’ sayin’
More is more.
Works.. think goodstuff.
You have no right right to live.
“
“ Woo hoo.
Just take the loss and do it now, if you can. I would.
Who does O’Smelly think he’s kidding? The roads I drive in the region between Baltimore and DC are already crumbling, especially in the Fort Meade area.
I-195, the BW Parkway, North of Route 100 is terrible.
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