State of Maryland Archives: on Tax Reform
Arvin Vohra:
UK should cut taxes and cut regulations
Hong Kong shows that even a tiny island with slightly less government than its surroundings can become an economic powerhouse. The UK has the incredible opportunity to become Europe's Hong Kong. It must first reject any bad trade deals with the EU. The
EU's "free trade" is nonsense. It is, in fact, highly closed trade. It's free trade and movement of labor within Europe, in exchange for massive restrictions on trade and movement of labor from outside of Europe.The UK should seek trade relationships
with productive economies like the U.S., not with Europe's hubs of laziness and socialism. Second, it must reduce its own regulation and taxes. It can become a place that attracts and keeps entrepreneurs and innovative businesses, instead of repelling
them as it does now.
If the UK remains courageous, rejects restrictive trade deals with nonproductive countries, refuses to bail out foreign nations, and lowers its own taxes and regulations, it can become to Europe what Hong Kong became to China.
Source: 2018 Maryland Senatorial campaign website VoteVohra.com
Jun 30, 2016
Arvin Vohra:
End welfare & other programs, and then abolish income tax
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Higher taxes on the wealthy"?A: Strongly oppose. I support ending all welfare, including government schools, charter schools, vouchers,
and other forms of educational welfare, and abolishing the income tax entirely. If elected, I will sponsor legislation to dismantle the welfare state and cut taxes accordingly.
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Maryland Senate candidate
Mar 30, 2018
Ashwani Jain:
Eliminate the state income tax for 95% of Maryland workers
For the 95% of Marylanders who earn a personal income of less than $400,000, my Maryland Now Plan will eliminate your state income tax. To make up for this lost revenue I will:- Close the "Carried Interest Corporate Loophole"
- Income earned by
hedge fund managers on their investments should be fairly taxed
- Increase the Fossil Fuel Fee
- Increase our State Sales Tax from 6% to 7.5% and expand the Sales Tax to include services
- Legalize the Commercial Use and Taxation of Marijuana.
Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race
May 14, 2021
Ashwani Jain:
Ensure richest pay their fair share of taxes
As it exists now, our tax code is hardly as progressive as it should be. We must ensure our tax code is structured so the richest Marylanders (the ones who have benefitted the most from Maryland's economy, infrastructure, and workforce) are paying their
fair share of taxes. I pledge to work with the state legislature to make this happen so we can fix our tax code, and with that extra revenue stream, build back our state.
Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race
May 14, 2021
Ben Jealous:
Tax the top 1% earners by 1% to pay for free college
Jealous wants Maryland to require a $15 minimum wage and become the first state in the country to adopt its own single-payer health-care system. As governor, he says, he would aim to reduce the prison population by 30 percent, raise
the cigarette tax and increase income taxes by 1 percent on the top 1 percent of earners to help pay for several programs that would allow students to go to public colleges and universities free.
Source: Washington Post on 2018 Maryland Gubernatorial race
Jun 8, 2018
Chris Van Hollen:
End tax giveaways to the super wealthy, invest in country
Chris believes the challenge of our time is building a stronger, more inclusive economy with more shared prosperity. That's why he has led the charge to increase paychecks and benefits for working families and cut the costs of everything from
prescription drugs to child care. He is the author of Build Back Better measures to end tax giveaways to the super wealthy so we can invest more in the success of every American.
Source: 2022 Maryland Senate campaign website VanHollen.org
Jul 20, 2022
Dan Cox:
Oppose any tax increase, support tax cuts on every level
Q: What is your position on taxes and spending?A: Opposed to any increase in taxation and support instead a reduction in taxes on every level; wasteful spending is both criminal and ludicrous in MD considering that outrageous wastes are reported;
100 million lost in Baltimore schools; 700 employees of the Baltimore City school system making over 100k.the pocketing of money by powerful liberals.the matter must be addressed with diligence and exposure.
Source: RedMaryland.com on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race
Feb 24, 2018
Doug Gansler:
Employer tax credits for businesses hiring military spouses
We will pass legislation that allows occupational licensing reciprocity and waivers for military spouses. We can trust our sister states enough to allow military spouses to rely on out of state licenses across
industries, provided they do the same for us. We will also extend employer tax credits to businesses that hire military spouses and family members.
Source: 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial campaign website DougGansler.com
Dec 29, 2021
Ian Schlakman:
Higher taxes on the wealthy
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Higher taxes on the wealthy"?
A: Strongly support
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Maryland Governor candidate
Aug 21, 2018
Jamie Raskin:
Voted YES to increase state income tax rates
Legislative Summary: This bill impacts State and local revenues as follows:- increases State income tax revenues by (1) increasing State income tax rates and establishing new individual income tax brackets beginning in tax year 2012;
and (2) repealing the credit for telecommunications property taxes.
- increases sales and use tax revenues by (1) requiring specified out-of-state vendors to collect the sales and use tax; and (2) repealing the State sales and use tax exemption
for demurrage charges;
- expands the State refundable earned income credit
- increases the other tobacco products tax
- Reduces the public school maintenance of effort amounts counties are required to provide to local school systems.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 26-20-1 on March 15; Sen. Raskin voted YEA; passed House 81-56-4 March 23; bill did not proceed to Governor.
Source: Maryland legislative voting records: SB 523
Mar 15, 2012
John B. King:
If we have to pay a little more in taxes, we should
[On taxation]: "I'm a progressive, so there's a job the government is supposed to do," he said. "We all pay taxes, as members of society,
to ensure that we have what we need as a society. If we have to pay a little more in taxes, we should."
Source: Maryland Matters on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race
Mar 2, 2021
John B. King:
Ask wealthiest to pay fair share, end corporate giveaways
An equitable economic recovery will require effective, strategic leadership to strengthen both our physical infrastructure--like public transit and broadband access--and our social infrastructure--like paid family leave and access to quality,
affordable childcare. Some will say we can't afford to make these investments now. I say we can't afford not to. We can pay for them responsibly, by asking the wealthiest among us to pay their fair share and ending tax giveaways to big corporations.
Source: Maryland Matters on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race
Oct 5, 2021
Kathy Szeliga:
I believe in lower taxes and smaller government
I believe in...- Lower taxes and fiscal responsibility
- Smaller government
- Cutting government waste
-
Transparency in government
- The important role of education in the American Dream
- Supporting small business
Source: 2016 Campaign website for Maryland Senate, KathySzeliga.com
Nov 11, 2015
Kathy Szeliga:
Voted NO on increasing state income tax rates
Legislative Summary: This bill impacts State and local revenues as follows:- increases State income tax revenues by (1) increasing State income tax rates and establishing new individual income tax brackets beginning in tax year 2012;
and (2) repealing the credit for telecommunications property taxes.
- increases sales and use tax revenues by (1) requiring specified out-of-state vendors to collect the sales and use tax; and (2) repealing the State sales and use tax exemption
for demurrage charges;
- expands the State refundable earned income credit
- increases the other tobacco products tax
- Reduces the public school maintenance of effort amounts counties are required to provide to local school systems.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 26-20-1 on March 15; passed House 81-56-4 March 23; Rep. Kathy Szeliga voted NAY; bill did not proceed to Governor.
Source: Maryland legislative voting records: SB 523
Mar 23, 2012
Kelly M. Schulz:
Kelly Schulz Voted NO on increasing state income tax rates
Legislative Summary: This bill impacts State and local revenues as follows:- increases State income tax revenues by (1) increasing State income tax rates and establishing new individual income tax brackets beginning in tax year
2012; and (2) repealing the credit for telecommunications property taxes.
- increases sales and use tax revenues by (1) requiring specified out-of-state vendors to collect the sales and use tax; and (2) repealing the State sales and use tax exemption
for demurrage charges;
- expands the State refundable earned income credit
- increases the other tobacco products tax
- Reduces the public school maintenance of effort amounts counties are required to provide to local school systems.
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 26-20-1 on March 15; passed House 81-56-4 March 23; Del. Kelly Schulz voted NAY; bill did not proceed to Governor.
Source: Maryland legislative voting records: SB 523
Mar 23, 2012
Larry Hogan:
$1 billion+ in tax cuts for every single retired Marylander
Lifelong Marylanders are moving to other states for one reason: our state's sky-high retirement taxes. We cannot let this keep happening. So once again, we are proposing more than $1 billion in tax cuts for every single retired Marylander,
which will help keep tens of thousands of Marylanders from fleeing our state. Now more than ever, Marylanders need to be able to keep more of their hard-earned money in their own pockets.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Maryland legislature
Feb 3, 2021
Larry Hogan:
Protect Marylanders negative effects of Trump tax cut
Taxes: Support President Trump's tax cuts? Hogan: Criticized for not taking stand at the time. Proposed legislation to protect Marylanders from being "negatively affected" after passage.
Jealous: No. Denounced the GOP tax law, calling it "disastrous
legislation."
Taxes: Proposals on state taxes
Hogan: Has cut taxes in current term. Would exempt retirement income from taxation.
Jealous: Cut sales tax while taxing marijuana & creating new taxes on out-of-state retailers & hedge fund income.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Maryland Governor race
Nov 1, 2018
Larry Hogan:
Not a single tax increase since I was elected governor
In spite of the national economic distress, for the seventh consecutive year, our FY 2022 Maryland budget is 100% structurally balanced with absolutely no tax increases, with no layoffs or furloughs of our hardworking state employees and without cutting
any essential services for Maryland citizens. Maryland has not had a single tax increase since I was elected governor.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Maryland legislature
Feb 3, 2021
Larry Hogan:
My predecessors imposed 40 tax increases over 8 years
Hogan's policy agenda has remained tightly focused on pocketbook issues, consistent with the 2014 campaign in which he tapped into voters economic unease by pointing a finger at the state's tax structure and repeatedly accusing
Gov. O'Malley and Lt. Gov. Brown of imposing "40 consecutive tax increases" (including tolls and fees as well as taxes) over eight years.
Source: Almanac of American Politics on 2018 Maryland Governor race
Oct 5, 2015
Larry Hogan:
We've cut taxes, tolls, fees by more than $2.7 billion
We repealed the Rain Tax mandate and eliminated or reformed more than 14,000 job-killing regulations. We cut tolls at every single facility in the state--the first time tolls had been cut in Maryland in 50 years. We passed the RELIEF Act of 2021--the
largest tax cut in state history--nearly unanimously, which provided $1.45 billion in urgently needed tax relief and economic stimulus. We have now cut taxes, tolls, and fees seven years in a row by more than $2.7 billion.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to Maryland legislature
Feb 2, 2022
Martin O`Malley:
Cut $9.1B spending with no fee nor tax increases
Think back: When we took office, Maryland had a $1.7 billion structural deficit. No sooner had we taken action together to address that deficit, than the recession hit. Our State revenues took a huge hit, right along with so many family incomes.
Since that time, the O'Malley-Brown Administration has used the challenge of these times to make our government more efficient, and more effective. We have cut spending by $9.1 billion dollars.
Today, we now have the smallest executive branch since 1973--and the budget I presented to you last week puts us on a track to totally eliminate that structural deficit without the need for any new fees or taxes.
We remain one of only seven states that
has maintained a triple-A bond rating all through the recession, and to this day. We have built up our Rainy Day Fund to $800 million dollars, and we have placed this year in our general reserve an operating surplus of $37 million dollars.
Source: 2014 State of the State Address to Maryland legislature
Jan 23, 2014
Michael Steele:
Create legacy wealth for future generations
Michael is focused on pursuing economic policies that strengthen the economy, empower entrepreneurs and create real legacy wealth for future generations.Lt. Gov. Steele and Gov. Ehrlich reversed the
$4 billion deficit they inherited when they took office and created $2.4 billion in budget surpluses. Pro-growth policies at the state and federal level are encouraging low unemployment rates and fostering a climate for continued job growth.
Source: Campaign site, MichaelSteeleForMaryland.com, "On the Issues"
May 2, 2006
Parris Glendening:
Cut 28 taxes & returned $2.6B to taxpayers
But the people of Maryland were concerned [when my term began] as they faced low job growth, made worse by the mis-perception of Maryland as a high-tax state. Today Maryland has one of the nation's strongest economies: unemployment is near an all-time
low; we have the highest family income in the nation; we have one of the lowest overall poverty rates in the country. And--at the same time--we cut 28 taxes, returning nearly $2.6 billion to taxpayers, including the first Income Tax cut in 30 years.
Source: 2001 State of the State speech to Maryland legislature
Jan 8, 2001
Peter Franchot:
Supported online retailers collecting state sales tax
Peter supported the Supreme Court's ruling on South Dakota v. Wayfair that requires online retailers to collect and remit sales tax, just like brick-and-mortar businesses that choose to locate, hire employees, and invest in the State of Maryland.
Before the Court's landmark ruling in 2018, Peter was a strong proponent of legislation at the state and federal level that would have imposed this mandate.
Within his own agency, Peter has taken steps to reduce paper use. Thanks to his leadership and investments in technology, more than 90% of Marylanders file their state tax returns through the agency's secure online portal.
That means the agency not only saves money through printing and labor costs, but the agency is no longer using more than 160 million sheets of paper to print paper return booklets annually.
Source: 2022 Maryland gubernatorial campaign website franchot.com
Feb 18, 2021
Peter Franchot:
Ease filing for those with simple tax obligations
Politicians rarely discuss the stress and cost associated with filing taxes. The Franchot administration will alleviate this stress by introducing and championing legislation that requires the state to provide a proposed tax bill to taxpayers who have
simple tax obligations, so as to eliminate the cost, time, and anxiety associated with filing personal income taxes. Further, this will reduce the instances of predatory tax preparers who commit fraud using the personal information of others.
Source: 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial campaign website TK.com
Jul 19, 2021
Shawn Quinn:
Oppose higher taxes on the wealthy
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Higher taxes on the wealthy"?
A: Oppose.
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Maryland Governor candidate
May 13, 2018
Richard Madaleno:
Voted YES to increase state income tax rates
Legislative Summary: This bill impacts State and local revenues as follows:- increases State income tax revenues by (1) increasing State income tax rates and establishing new individual income tax brackets beginning in tax year 2012;
and (2) repealing the credit for telecommunications property taxes.
- increases sales and use tax revenues by (1) requiring specified out-of-state vendors to collect the sales and use tax; and (2) repealing the State sales and use tax exemption
for demurrage charges;
- expands the State refundable earned income credit
- increases the other tobacco products tax
- Reduces the public school maintenance of effort amounts counties are required to provide to local school systems.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 26-20-1 on March 15; Sen. Madaleno voted YEA; passed House 81-56-4 March 23; bill did not proceed to Governor.
Source: Maryland legislative voting records: SB 523
Mar 15, 2012
Richard Madaleno:
Raise estate tax at state level since feds won't
OnTheIssues Q: what are your views on Tax Reform issues?- Opposes 2017 GOP tax plan
- Sponsored law expanding Earned Income Tax Credit
-
Sponsored law decoupling MD estate tax from federal estate tax in light of increase of federal exemption
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Maryland Governor candidate
Jun 1, 2018
Robin Ficker:
Cut sales tax by two cents; give everyone a tax cut
Ficker declared that by cutting the sales tax by two cents, he will be giving $1.7 billion back to Marylanders. That will bring more businesses to the state, which will help offset the loss revenue stream, he said.
New business brings in new residents and money for education, he said, adding, if elected, he would be "very business friendly." "My program is to give everyone a tax cut every day," he said.
Source: MyMcMedia.org blog on 2022 Maryland gubernatorial race
Apr 1, 2020
Robin Ficker:
Fought to limit property tax hikes to rate of inflation
Love him or hate him, Robin Ficker has spent nearly a year gathering 16,000 signatures in an effort to prevent property taxes from skyrocketing in Montgomery County.
Ficker has convinced 16,000 residents to sign a charter amendment petition that would prevent the Montgomery Council from raising property taxes--during any given year--beyond the U.S. rate of inflation.
Source: WJLA on 2022 Maryland gubernatorial race
Feb 21, 2020
Sam Faddis:
Lower taxes and be pro-business
Faddis said that the number one issue he hears in campaigning is the economy, which he feels can be
cured with lower individual and business taxes and a more pro-business federal government.
Source: The Bay Net on 2018 Maryland Senate race
Apr 13, 2016
Tony Campbell:
Supports GOP tax cuts; they increases consumer take-home pay
Q: Do you support or oppose the federal tax cuts passed in 2017? What do you think about its impact on the economy long term?A: I support the tax cuts. To date, more American have seen an increase in their
take-home income, which has allowed them to become more active consumers in the marketplace. The first quarter 2018 GDP growth is projected between 2.5 and 2.8 percent, which is moving in a healthy direction.
Source: Herald-Mail on 2018 Maryland Senate race
Jun 13, 2018
Wes Moore:
Supported making child tax credit fully refundable
Some of the things he's most proud of during his four years at Robin Hood "weren't just the allocations of cash" but changes in public policy,
including an adjustment to make the child tax credit fully refundable. "Literally we cut the child poverty rate in almost half in the stroke of a pen," Moore said.
Source: Maryland Matters on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race
Aug 26, 2021
Wes Moore:
$40,000 tax exemption on military retirement income
We stand for people like Angela McCullough. Angela is a retired US Air Force Master Sergeant, and the owner and CEO of Maryland-based, Tri-Logistics. She's an example of what our state needs more of. With my budget's $40,000 exemption on military
retirement, she will be able to put that money back into her business, hire more people, and grow our economy. And 40,000 veterans like her will see their retirement income tax cut as well.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Maryland legislature
Feb 1, 2023
Angela Alsobrooks:
No to raising county taxes; instead grow commercial tax base
Alsobrooks disagrees with those who want to cut services or raise taxes. She's increasing the police budget, for instance, by 6.2%.
Instead she is hoping to grow the commercial tax base primarily in the so called blue line corridor.
Source: WJLA 7News on 2024 Maryland Senate race
Mar 15, 2023
Johnny Olszewski:
Voted NO on increasing state income tax rates
Legislative Summary: This bill impacts State and local revenues as follows:- increases State income tax revenues by (1) increasing State income tax rates and establishing new individual income tax brackets beginning in tax year 2012;
and (2) repealing the credit for telecommunications property taxes.
- increases sales and use tax revenues by (1) requiring specified out-of-state vendors to collect the sales and use tax; and (2) repealing the State sales and use tax exemption
for demurrage charges;
- expands the State refundable earned income credit
- increases the other tobacco products tax
- Reduces the public school maintenance of effort amounts counties are required to provide to local school systems.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 26-20-1 on March 15; Del.Olszewski voted NO; passed House 81-56-4 March 23; bill did not proceed to Governor.
Source: Maryland legislative voting records: SB 523
Mar 15, 2012
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026