MDGOP Statement On O’Malley Transportation Tax Meeting

ANNAPOLIS – Maryland Republican Party Chairman Alex X. Mooney issued the following statement today in response to Governor O’Malley’s meeting this morning on transportation funding.

“It’s outrageous that Governor O’Malley would even consider new taxes to replenish the Transportation Fund which he constantly raids to pay for his out-of-control spending. After the release of new job data showing Maryland is far behind other states in job creation, the last thing we can afford are more taxes and fees to subsidize O’Malley’s fiscal mismanagement. The only reason the Transportation Fund is deficient is because Democrats in Annapolis have been stealing from it.  Maryland taxpayers shouldn’t have to pay for their irresponsibility." 

Marylanders shouldn’t have to pay for transportation fund raids:

According to the report of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation Funding, close to $1 billion has been transferred out of the trust fund since 1984. Gov. Martin O’Malley’s budget proposal for fiscal 2012, now before the General Assembly, would transfer $100 million from the fund for other needs. (Megan Poinski, Lockdown for transportation trust fund examined, questioned,” Maryland Reporter, 2/23/11)

But O’Malley’s Democrat allies are already laying the ground work for more taxes:

“We’ve got to tax more things,” (Senator) Kasemeyer said, and broadening the sale tax to cover more consumer services is “where we might end up. … I see that as the place to go.” (Len Lazarick, Broader sales tax a good idea to fix deficit, Senate Budget chairman says, and O’Malley likely to propose tax hike to fund transportation,” Maryland Reporter, 4/22/11)

And Maryland businesses and taxpayers who are struggling with some of the worst job creation numbers in the nation can’t afford more taxes:

Maryland ranks 44th in the nation for percent change in job growth from March 2010 through March 2011; last among neighboring states. Pennsylvania (1.37%), Delaware (1.37%), Virginia, (1.02%), Washington D.C. (0.76%), West Virginia (0.71%), Maryland (0.22%). (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, http://link.sc.states.gop.com/?65-1556-3092-125-12759, Accessed 4/25/11)

Maryland ranked 38th in the nation for annual employment gains through the end of the first quarter. (G. Scott Thomas, “Maryland adds 5,400 jobs in the past year,” Baltimore Business Journal, 4/25/11)

Even the consideration of new taxes shows Democrats in Annapolis are willing to say anything to get elected:

Gov. Martin O'Malley told Frederick business leaders Wednesday his budget for next year includes no new taxes or fees. (Meg Tully, “No new taxes, fees in 2011, O'Malley tells Rotary,” Frederick News Post, 9/30/10)

“I don’t see any appetite for any kind of revenue increases,” said House Speaker Mike Busch (Len Lazarick, “Legislative leaders say no new taxes next year, as O’Malley is now pledging,” Maryland Reporter,11/5/10)

“They’re (Marylanders) not looking for any tax increases; they’re looking for less government,” Senate President Mike Miller said. (Len Lazarick, “Legislative leaders say no new taxes next year, as O’Malley is now pledging,” Maryland Reporter, 11/5/10)

On Wednesday (Governor O’Malley) told reporters and on Thursday he told his cabinet that next year’s budget would be trimmed with “a constant diet of cuts, cuts, cuts” rather than tax hikes. (Len Lazarick, “Legislative leaders say no new taxes next year, as O’Malley is now pledging,” Maryland Reporter,11/5/10)