Key Business Group Changes Course On Gas Tax

Towson - Maryland Business for Responsive Government noted today that the Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce said it is opposing any increase in Maryland’s gasoline tax this year. This is a change in the Chamber’s original position that it would support a modest increase in the current 23.5 cents-per-gallon tax, provided that the money is not diverted for other purposes.

“Contrary to some press reports, representations by politicians and business leaders whose groups support the gas tax increase, it’s pretty clear that the business community is not together on this issue,” said Kimberly M. Burns, President of Maryland Business for Responsive Government.

“It is ludicrous that businesses in this state would support a gas tax increase without more than shallow statutory protections of transportation revenues. These issues are real and they will impact the bottom line of every business and working family in Maryland.”

About 70% of Baltimore County Chamber members have less than 50 employees and it is these companies who are at the greatest risk of not being able to withstand such an increase, according to Chamber CEO Keith Scott.

“We acknowledge the need for additional funds. However, uncertainties — including the sanctity of the transportation trust fund, the potential for other tax increases being considered by the General Assembly, as well as a predicted increase in gas prices on the world market — suggest that now is not the time,” said Keith Scott, President and CEO of the Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce.

“This is the second big tax increase coming out of Annapolis in the last eight years. That’s historic and businesses in Maryland are finally starting to say the days of playing ‘follow the leader’ are over,” Burns added.

Last year, MBRG issued a statement citing the need for Maryland businesses to speak with one voice on issues vitally important to creating jobs in Maryland.