Maryland Governor Cutting, Eliminating Hundreds Of Fees

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Gov. Larry Hogan announced Tuesday that Maryland will reduce or eliminate hundreds of fees across state government that he said "don't make any sense."

The Republican governor said eight state agencies would reduce or eliminate hundreds of fees as part of a process beginning immediately. Hogan said he plans to cut 100 fees, ranging from vehicle emissions tests to identification cards for homeless people, and the Department of Agriculture would also make cuts to 115 fees related to animal health diagnostics.

"In many agencies, we saw that departments were simply collecting more than was needed or in other words: overcharging taxpayers," Hogan said at a news conference. "In other areas, we saw a need to deliver relief and we believe that this money will do more good in the hands of taxpayers than in the hands of government."

With the previously announced elimination of E-Z Pass maintenance fees, Hogan said the cuts will save Marylanders $51 million over five years. Services to residents and businesses won't be interrupted, Hogan said, but the cuts will have a direct impact on Marylanders.

Hogan said his administration is just getting started. He'd like to cut other fees, but said he will need the legislature's help.

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