Md. Lawmakers Convene For Session; O'Malley Says He Would Like Sales Tax Increase
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- Back to work in Annapolis, where lawmakers gathered Wednesday for the start of the 2012 legislative session, and they've got a lot on their plates.
Derek Valcourt explains some of the controversial topics the General Assembly expects to tackle.
From taxes to marriage, lawmakers are gearing up for some big battles.
With a hammer of the gavel, the General Assembly rolls up its sleeves for what promises to be 90 days of contentious politics. Chief among the hot topics here, the recommendation by a state commission to raise the gas tax by 15 cents over three years in order to pay for major transportation projects the state doesn't have money for.
"The need is there. The public doesn't like tax increases but that doesn't mean we don't try to raise the transportation trust fund because it hasn't been raised since 1992," said Senate President Mike Miller.
Republicans blast the idea of gas tax increases as out of touch with reality.
"I'm sure they got sugar plums and taxes dancing in their heads every night. There's a tax and spend crowd in charge here, but that's the worst thing for this economy," said House Minority Leader Delegate Anthony O'Donnell.
"The gas tax is one of the most punishing of all taxes. It hurts the working families of Maryland and the governor should take it off the table," said Senator E.J. Pipkin.
Another battle looming is same-sex marriage. Supporters see this as their year to win approval in the General Assembly, now that they have the full-throated endorsement of Governor Martin O'Malley.
"The governor has weighed into it and we'll see exactly where he can help get some votes and educate some people on why we should have same-sex marriage in the state of Maryland," said House Speaker Michael Busch.
But same-sex marriage opponents say they are not going down easy and promise a referendum if it passes.
"We are going to fight it to the end and I don't think it's going to be successful," said Delegate Emmett Burns.
O'Malley created a minor stir here Wednesday morning after mentioning a possible hike in the sales tax during a radio interview but aides insist he was just speaking off the cuff and not making any formal proposals. Senate President Mike Miller insisted a sales tax increase would not happen.
House Speaker Michael Busch was also recognized by the legislature Wednesday for being the longest-serving speaker in Maryland history.
