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We aren't California ... or Arizona

Posted: July 29, 12:11 pm | (permalink) | (3 comments)

Over the past several months, Maryland officials have consistently tried to beat the mantra that the state is in a better financial position than others into the heads of the press corps and public at large. Once a new $700 million hole was gashed into the budget this month, Gov. Martin O’Malley started pointing the finger westward and basically saying, “At least we are not California.”

If the strategy didn’t so closely resemble the sort of absurdity one would find in a Tom Stoppard play (or Duck Soup), the saying could probably gain more traction, because there is an element of truth in it: other states have gone far beyond the type of reductions Maryland is considering, such as more tried-and-true measures like furloughs and adjustments to Medicaid payments. One of the problems is the idea seems straight out of a cartoon where a Job-like character says, “At least I still have my health,” moments before getting hit by a bus.

California may be the best known example for this phenomenon but check out this story on what is going on in Arizona: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/2009/07/29/20090729assets0729.html

Apparently the legislature is actually considering selling the buildings they work in and then temporarily leasing them to get hundreds of million of dollars. My question is, what if the new owner wants to find a better tenant?

-Liam Farrell

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Maryland Politicians Suck - 2010-02-17

MD has the worst politicians! Well, maybe not the worst when you look across the beltway at DC!

SPEND SPEND SPEND! then come budget time.... Where do we get more money?? SPEND SPEND, RAISE RAISE RAISE.

The word CUT isn't in the vocabulary. But they sure as heck are great at standing on corners waiving at us! And they want to ban texting??? And they forced a Patriotic man to take down an American flag on an overpass?

Which would you rather look at? our "clowns" out there waiving as if to be saying "Hey, good morning, just wanted to thank you for your continued support of my inept ability to spend YOUR money; but thanks"!

Vote for me. I am for change...
Yea, change. As in taking every last penny I own!

Oh, and thanks for paying for my newly painted office and OVER expensive office furniture.... The state dance instructor scratched it one day, my bad.

"Anyone" else for (fill in the blank0 will get my vote. We need some young, new, PEOPLE politicians to do 1-3 terms and go back to being a "people" again...

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Mike Newman - Karma: Neutral

overtaxed in MD AA county - 2010-02-16

maryland and Anne arundel county should be in good financial position. they tax the hell out of everyone here... 6% sales tax from 5% we had for YEARS. this is called the "free state". bull. nothing free in this state.

having slots is a bad idea too.... gambling sponsored by the government targets the poor and minorities.

taxes and gambling are bad ways to get money. how about getting on a budget? cutting costs? cut waste? cut services that no longer work or never did work. cut free handouts to people that refuse to work.

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dirkek e - Karma: Neutral

MD tax restraint-impossible - 2009-07-30

Since living in the "nanny state" of (Maryland), I continue to be amazed how the Governor or the Legislation cannot STOP SPENDING! After they raised taxes on businesses, increased the sales tax, and voted for a technology tax only to withdraw it and go after millionaires which received national attention during a declining economic recession. It appears MD legislators cannot help themselves during financial troubled times and the compulsion to spend other people's money fits into their self-serving electability to remain in office. Maryland's fortunate location adjacent to the growing Federal Government should be good enough for any budget, but it appears that it is not! Now, we see the State go after potential large revenues garnered through red-light and speeding cameras sold under the guise of public safety. Who are these people kidding? This is like the national property tax debacle.... home prices plummet, but property taxes soar. This is like "white-collar" crime. The government reveals itself through many self-serving programs. How long will the people of MD accept this abuse?

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Ted Heazlit - Karma: Neutral

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Mar 22 - Kids Yoga!

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Mar 27 - "The Bay at a Crossroads" Forum

STAFF BLOG: IN SESSION

State House reporter Liam Farrell gives insights into the inner workings of the 2010 General Assembly Session.

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