In this MPT State Circle episode hosted by Jeff Salkin, Delegate Steve Schuh is debating Vincent DeMarco of the Maryland Citizens Health Initiative on the contemplated tax increase of alcohol that is expected to be introduced in the upcoming 2010 Legislative Session. Watch the video now! Be sure to skip forward to 12 minutes in the program to the point where the debate with Steve begins.
DELEGATE STEVE SCHUH’S CONSTITUENT UPDATE
The 427th Session of the Maryland General Assembly convened in Annapolis on January 13th. My priorities for this year’s session will be balancing the budget, stopping sexual predators of children, preventing gang violence, promoting economic activity and job growth, and blocking any attempts to increase taxes.
Budget: Maryland’s seemingly perpetual budget crisis continues. The books are out of balance by nearly $2 billion, or about $1,000 per Maryland household. Fortunately for taxpayers, this is an election year, which means that even the biggest tax-and-spenders will be afraid to raise taxes for fear of a voter backlash. At long last, it appears that State spending may be brought down to the reality of our revenues.
Sexual Predators: The Christmas tragedy of the death of Sarah Foxwell at the hand of a convicted sexual predator of children has galvanized public opinion that the Legislature must act. I intend to introduce legislation to require a mandatory, non-parolable sentence of 20 years for a second degree rape or sex offense against a child.
Gangs: Gang activity has now been confirmed in every Maryland County. A combined District 31 and 32 task force, which I will chair, has been established to consider a range of anti-gang initiatives, including lengthening sentences for gang-related crimes and outlawing luring children into gangs.
Economic Growth and Jobs: With Maryland unemployment at over 7% and economic activity moribund, it is important that the Legislature take steps to improve Maryland’s business environment. Delegate James King and I are introducing legislation that will spur the creation of private venture-capital firms that will invest $100 million in Maryland small businesses and thereby promote economic growth and job creation.
Taxes: Notwithstanding that this is an election year, we can expect many proposals to increase taxes. Activist groups are pushing hard for an eight-fold increase in the alcohol tax, which would bring in over $200 million to State coffers. Since Marylanders are already the fourth most-taxed State in the U.S., I intend to oppose this tax and any other proposals to raise taxes.
It has been an honor to represent District 31 in the General Assembly for the past three years. I believe the Session now underway represents a real opportunity for progress in the State of Maryland.
Thank you for your support.
With best regards,
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