Senate Passes Budget, Tax Package

The Maryland Senate passed Governor Martin O’Malley’s budget and tax package earlier today and sent it on to the House of Delegates. WYPR’s Joel McCord reports.

The vote on the tax bill came after nearly two hours of debate. Six Democrats joined all 12 Republicans in voting no. Jim Mathias, of Ocean City, was among those Democrats. He said he appreciated the help the state has given the lower shore over the years, but that his constituents, among the poorest in the state, had convinced him they can’t afford a tax increase.

“With a heavy heart I’m going to vote red. Because with all due respect, as much as you’ve helped us, I’m being told every day how difficult it is for us to recover.”

The bill raises taxes on individuals with an adjusted gross income of $100,000 or higher and couples who report incomes higher than $150,000.

Paul Pinsky, a Prince Georges Democrat, said that means about 13.7 percent of Maryland tax payers will pay more.

“There are 87 percent of the families who don’t earn 150,000, who are earning 50,000, and 70,000 and 80,000 dollars as a family.”

House of Delegates committees held hearings on the bills this afternoon and are expected to give preliminary approval this evening.

I’m Joel McCord, reporting in Annapolis for 88.1, WYPR.