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Editorial: Tax giveaways need scrutiny
Maryland taxpayers are subsidizing about $3.7 billion worth of tax giveaways every year for businesses and industries. At least that’s what state budget analysts think. But no one is really sure because the state isn’t sure how much 157 of these giveaways cost. Whatever they cost, are they worth it? Well, nobody really knows that […]
Offshore wind subject of Baltimore town hall forum
Environmentalists and union leaders plan to gather in Baltimore to push for offshore wind power off Maryland’s coast. The town hall forum is scheduled Wednesday night at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. Supporters say offshore wind power can provide clean energy for years to come, as well jobs in construction and maintenance, and improved public health. […]
Obama announces debt plan built on taxes on rich
WASHINGTON — In a blunt rejoinder to congressional Republicans, President Barack Obama called for $1.5 trillion in new taxes Monday, part of a total 10-year deficit reduction package totaling more than $3 trillion. He vowed to veto any deficit reduction package that cuts benefits to Medicare recipients but does not raise taxes on the wealthy […]
Rolley wants city to release Grand Prix docs
Mayoral candidate Otis Rolley is calling for the release of all documents related to the Baltimore Grand Prix. Rolley called on Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake on Monday to release all documents related to costs to taxpayers, agreements and operations of the race. Rolley says he does not believe that the Labor Day weekend event will be […]
State Center loses Franchot support
In the second blow in less than a week to the $1.5 billion State Center project, state Comptroller Peter Franchot said he has withdrawn his support for the massive redevelopment because of its enormous price tag and risk to the taxpayers. “I do not believe that we can afford the risks associated with State Center, […]
Study: State Center project to cost taxpayers at least $127M
The first part of the public-private partnership State Center project in Baltimore represents a $127 million giveaway of taxpayer dollars with more on the way, according to a new report from the Maryland Public Policy Institute and the Maryland Tax Education Foundation. The $1.5 billion project, which will occupy more than eight city blocks, is […]
‘Hot Coffee’ puts America in hot water
Just so we’re clear, I like the courtroom. I like juries, even when they don’t vote my way. I like the Founders’ idea that we should have regular people from the community come and decide disputes between people. I think juries overwhelmingly get it right. I’m also against damage caps in civil lawsuits. Juries were […]
Republicans question costs of O’Malley’s trip to Asia
The Republican leaders in the House of Delegates are suggesting that Gov. Martin O’Malley’s trip to Asia cost Maryland taxpayers far more than the $100,000 advertised price tag. In a letter they sent the governor’s office last week, they are asking for a full accounting of the cost and sources of funding for all the […]
Report: IRS lax in checking auto buying deductions
WASHINGTON — A watchdog report says the IRS did not require proof from people claiming deductions for new vehicle purchases allowed under the 2009 economic stimulus act. It says the IRS has been slow to investigate instances of claims for excessive deductions. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration says in the report that the […]
Report: Red tape cost Maryland $19.5 billion
Red tape and not-in-my-backyard activism were called out Thursday as major impediments to six stalled and troubled energy projects in Maryland that could have had a $19.5 billion economic impact on the state if they had moved forward. The findings were part of a report released by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce called “Project Denied” […]
Commentary: Save the in-state rate for lawful residents
Maryland must be flush with cash, because many state legislators are eager to give tuition breaks to people who are in this country illegally. According to the fiscal note accompanying the in-state-tuition bill now under consideration, Maryland taxpayers will have to cough up about $3.5 million by fiscal 2016 to cover the costs of giving […]
C. Fraser Smith: State Center smackdown
It’s called the State Center project. It’s a TOD. These monikers make it vaguely bureaucratic in keeping with its state government origins. So it may not be on the radar screen of anyone you know. Unless, that is, you’re a principal in what could turn into a headline-grabbing day in court for the people who […]
