O'Malley Says Officials Need To Be Open To Taxes
OCEAN CITY, Md. (AP) -- Gov. Martin O'Malley says Maryland must be open to raising new revenue to address the state's budget deficit next year.
O'Malley spoke Saturday at the Maryland Association of Counties conference in Ocean City.
He cited three primary shortfalls. The first is a budget deficit of about $1 billion. He also says action is needed to maintain needed sewage treatment upgrades in the state. The governor also noted shortfalls in funding for transportation infrastructure.
O'Malley, a Democrat, also says he would rather tackle new tax proposals during the General Assembly's regular 90-day session, which begins in January, instead of the special session on congressional redistricting scheduled for October.
Republican state Sen. E.J. Pipkin says it's "outrageous" the governor is talking about tax increases during tough times.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
