While the great debate between David Lublin and myself over the property tax is now over, the great tumult over the issue on the County Council is just getting started.The…
budget
On Progressive Taxation and Property Taxes
David Lublin raised a number of good points on the property tax increase that deserve a response. Let’s take them in order.(1) Lots of people have lived in homes for…
Are MoCo Public Employees Overpaid?
Yesterday, the Post reported on growing disagreements between Montgomery County leaders over compensation paid to county employees. Labor costs account for 80% of the county’s $4.3 billion budget and the…
MoCo Property Tax Increase in Doubt
Last Friday, Montgomery County Council Member Duchy Trachtenberg flatly told the Gazette, “I do not support going over the charter limit.” This is a serious blow against passage of a…
Is the Computer Tax Here to Stay? (Updated)
The Washington Post reports that Maryland’s Senate has not reached a consensus on how, or whether, to replace the much-despised computer sales tax. But Maryland Politics Watch readers have seen…
Maryland’s Board of Revenue Estimates projected today that the state would take in $330 million less in revenue than originally forecasted. This is sure to trigger alarm bells in every…
Pass the CARR Bill
Montgomery County faces a $297 million budget deficit. Prince George’s County is projecting a $100 million budget deficit. Baltimore City is seeing a 20-30% drop in recordation receipts and transfer…
Lt. Governor Anthony Brown is promising billions to pay for BRAC projects. But not so fast.At an event marking the release of Maryland’s Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) report, Brown…
The Most Powerful Man You’ve Never Heard Of
Tim Firestine won’t kiss your baby. He won’t listen to you rant about your pet peeve for fifteen minutes just so he can ask you to put up his campaign…
Adam Pagnucco on the Budget: Part III
Part Three: Are There Any Alternatives? Some politicians would like to repeal the 1997 income tax cut. Others suggest higher taxes on alcohol or other “sin” products. The Republicans would…