O'Malley may have fight on his hands over tax hikes

By Dave Nyczepir, Capital News Service

January 11, 2012 | 7:28 p.m.

Maryland's 430th General Assembly session, which convened Jan. 11, promises more than a few tough votes in the coming weeks, because Gov. Martin O'Malley's agenda may call for raising the state's sales or gas taxes.

A tax increase would generate the revenue needed to fund many of O'Malley's job creation initiatives and help address the $1 billion budget deficit the legislature faces in its $14 billion operating budget.

Controversial same-sex marriage and wind-farming bills are also on the General Assembly's agenda this session. O'Malley is toying with the idea of raising the state sales tax by 1 cent to 7 cents, but will consult with General Assembly leaders before deciding, the governor said during an interview with radio station WEAA 88.9on Jan. 11.

More here.

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