test

Elected officials at the state and federal level have two choices to balance budgets, spending cuts and/or tax increases.  Maryland is no different as it faces a $1 billion debt and debates next year’s budget.  Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley has talked about a number of tax increases to cover the shortfall including gas, tobacco, and alcohol.  It is irresponsible for any state legislator or Governor to advocate for any tax increases.  The only responsible way to balance any budget is through spending cuts.  Tax increases excuse and encourage continued irresponsible spending by the state and weaken an already frail economy.  Even state officials agree with avoiding tax increases.  According to WMAL “Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot tells WMAL.com that the legislature’s ‘focus [is on] on the state budget.  They’re not focused on the Maryland economy.  The Maryland economy is in a very weak form of recovery.’  Franchot says to raise taxes now would damage the state’s economic recovery. ‘My advice as chief fiscal officer is for them to not raise taxes.  We’re spending too much.  We’re taxing too much.  We’re borrowing too much.  My goodness, we’re almost over whatever maximum limits we had on borrowing,’ he said.”