I just got through reading 140 House Bills and 140 Senate Bills that were sponsored in the Maryland Legislature during the past week. I'll continue to keep you posted as I try and read every single bill synopsis that is introduced. Believe me when I say that it is no easy task.
I found three bills in particular that will probably raise your blood levels. One Senate Bill 93 - Motor Fuel Taxes - Biodiesel Fuel User License - will impose penalties on anyone making their own bio fuel. They want start licensing people who want to make their own bio diesel from cooking oil - (anti-renewable energy). That's right folks you heard me right, the Maryland General Assembly proposes to require licensing, fee structure, and penalties for making your own fuel.
The other one Senate Bill 73 will prevent the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation from having to disclose and reveal any details related to purchase of land preservation easements - I call it the SECRET LAND DEAL PRESERVATION ACT. This kind of stuff really makes people like me and you -(SBYnews) - antsy because we're excluded about coverage and participation in the spending of our tax monies.
And the third is HB 126 - Commercial Law - Gift Certificates - Balances - Presumption of Abandonment. Believe it or not any business that issues Gift Certificates which are not used by a defined date, the funds shall be required to be turned over to your State Government.
Another House Bill that caught my eye is SB163 - Program Open Space - Use of Funds - Indoor and Outdoor Recreational Facilities. This bill will allow your State Government to even finance the construction of indoor golf courses. It actually says so in the Bill language.
Now you can see why I hate to see our General Assembly convene each and every year. Some of the damages they inflict on our citizenry are irreparable.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
21 comments:
Here we go again. The Maryland Legislature is, once again, targeting Wal-mart, Sears, and other Big Box retailers. 6% Sales Tax wasn't enough. Jezz . . now Gift Certicates. What next?
what kind of mind does it take to come up with this crap? A crooked greedy mind!! The ones drafting, submitting and supporting these types of bills need to be highlighted, pointed out! Heck, they need to be impeached! If we could make an example out of them, we could begin to stop this kind of abuse!
This site simply amazes me.
I've never seen such in-depth coverage. The Daily Times did a piece on slots this morning but SBYnews covered the whole gambit.
It's no wonder Gannetts stock price has plummeted.
This is just more evidence as to why Maryland is considered a tax hell.
Anyone with senility can see why Maryland is in such bad shape.
Great job SBYnews.
Why any business would want to come to MD is beyond me. Without the Federal Govt. teet, this state would be in shambles. This state is one of the weathiest states because of its proximity to Washington, DC. As a result, the state feels they can treat businesses like crap, since they know they will still come to MD.
I am struggling to see how the wealthiest counties in the state get an increase in education funding, while the poorest counties and Baltimore City get a cut in funding. Something is wrong with the way they decide how much money to give to each district.
I don't know if you had this link before, but it shows the arrogance of those in power in Annapolis. It is outragous that these jerks are allowed to run our state.
http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/2009/01/democrats_rule_annapolis_with.html
As member of the teacher's union, it has outraged me how they reacted to any cuts Ehrlich made. Now it is, "Oh, the Governor is doing the best he can, it could be worse," They would have busses going to Annapolis in order to protest if a Republican was in office.
Thank you Norman Conway who is Chair of the Appropreations Committee which is supposed to be the watch dog over ever penny spent by the State. The problem is he agrees with everything the Democrats put forth without opposition. That is not the responsibilty of the Appropriation Committe. Lets all give a huge applaud to the transparent / irresponsible Democrats in Annapolis. This includes our worthless Democratic delegation of puppets who should be representing the people and not the Democratic Party.
Unbelievable... First of all, the Gift Certificate, Indoor Golf Course as Open Space, and Biodeisel penalty bills are just ludicrous.
Second, MALPF is a fantastic program which has never needed SECRECY to work. How is this supposed to help anyone???
It seems that the main objective of our democratic legislature is to tax us more and continue the wastefull spending. The state needs to operate more like a business and in tough times cut spending and increase effieciency. The dems just don't get it. Remember there actions when election time comes.
RE: Senate bill 93,Bio-diesel - I feel the pioneers of this fuel alternitive should be exempt for another few years. However we do have to pay the road tax to maintain our highways.
RE: Senate bill 126, Gift certificates. Pure and blatent robbery. Why dosen't the senate enact a bill that would allow you to redeem your gift cards at the issuing retailer at 70% of face value. I know I have a gift card for Bed Bath and Beyond that I will never use. The retailer will get 30% to compensate them for their time and the consumer will get 70% CASH.
This is what happens when our smart friends elect democrats.
The scoundrels who proposed this legislation - (Gift Cards, Bio License) - should be locked-up, plain and simple.
and what about the rebates that have the time the rebate places lose or didnt get maybe the companies should have to pay these also or just give the customers the rebate instantly
Norman Conway who is Chair of the Appropriations Committee which is supposed to be the watch dog over ever penny spent by the State. The problem is he agrees with everything the Democrats put forth without opposition. That is not the responsibilty of the Appropriation Committe. I believe Norm has been in Annapolis too long along with some others. Money is of no issue to him since this husband and wife team are worth well over a million dollars. He has forgotten his roots and the problems and economic status of the eastern shore. This is why there should be time limits for all public service. Politicans become beholden to friends,lobbists and other politicans. It is the good old boy system. You vote for my bill to help my county or friend and I will support your bill.This is how things are done.
Joe, why don't politicans post new bills in the newspaper at the end of each week with a simple explanation in layman's terms as to how it will affect the people who elected them?
RE: To Watchdog Comment
You couldn't have stated it more eloquently.
I agree with your assessment. And the reason they don't publish in the paper the way it will effect people is because they would never be elected to public office once the electorate was onto them.
Norm has been there way to long. He has become part of the machinery. Between he and his wifes governmental salaries they make in excess of 200k a year and it is all taxpayers money.
As one can vividly tell, he is FED very well. Literally
There is a process, in Maryland, an orninary citizen can follow to have an elected official / Public servant removed from office. That is another hidden law that is not made public. The right person in Annapolis will tell you the ins and outs.
If you could see the amount of damage that the use of home brewed bio diesel does to and engine, you wouldn't just tax it, you would completely ban it!
Anon 5:48,maybe if you brewed it right you would not have an issue.
I know a man who uses it in his trucks and they run just fine after it cleaned his tanks out. I use it to grease my thighs when I go to the beach. See my picture?
The important thing to note is NORM CONAWAY is a co-sponsor on Bill 126.
I think we should flood his office with phone calls opposing this nonsense.
Joe, do you have his number handy?
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