Calling On Legislators To Limit Spending

Dear Legislator,

The Senate has passed Governor O’Malley’s budget. The vote was disappointing. Only 7 members voted against a budget funded on record tax increases; a budget that unsustainably increased spending and added to Maryland’s structural deficit, even as our economy slides into recession.

This week, the House takes up the budget. The Maryland Taxpayers Association strongly urges the House to offer amendments that will reduce spending consistent with today’s lower revenue reality. If such amendments are not accepted, MTA urges legislators to vote against a budget that:

· Is based on record tax increases

· Creates future structural deficits

· Counts on revenue from a future referendum (slots)

· Exceeds inflation plus the rate of population growth

· Does not allow for a possible revenue shortfall.

Legislators have a fiduciary duty. Simply offering budget amendments doesn’t fulfill it. You can’t sing with the choir against tax increases on Sunday and then vote for fiscally irresponsible budgets on Monday. Many legislators did that last year and it did not go unnoticed.

Expanding the size, scope and funding of government simply hasn’t produced positive, measurable results. It’s time to say “no” to business as usual and “yes” to working families, small businesses, and retirees. They can’t afford another structural deficit and more tax increases.

It’s time to freeze new programs, unneeded government expansion and spending.