Del. Boteler: 'Tax and Spend Mentality Continues'

Editor's Note: Republican of Legislative District 8, which includes parts of Perry Hall, Carney and Parkville, submitted the following statement as a letter to the editor.

As the 2012 session begins, the tax and spend mentality continues.

A commission appointed by the governor, has recommended that the Maryland Legislature deals with the shortfall that has appeared in Transportation Trust Fund. Their solution is to raise a series of vehicle fees, public transportation fares, and the gasoline tax by 15 cents per gallon.

Over the years Maryland’s transportation funds have been used inappropriately to pay for projects unrelated to transportation needs. Revenues deposited into the Transportation Trust Fund are not earmarked for specific programs. This loophole in legislation has left the door open for politicians to spend recklessly and be fiscally irresponsible. The funds that have been removed are never replenished which has lead to tax increases over the years. This has proven to be only short term solutions.  

The governor’s commission has failed to come up with an answer to address Maryland’s long term fiscal issues. Raising taxes during an economic recession would be nothing more than a terrible burden on struggling Marylanders. This is why I do not support raising taxes, or increasing any other fees. I want the best for my constituents and Maryland residents in terms of road safety and maintenance. Taxes should not be increased simply because funds are raided inappropriately.  

I have made it my personal goal over the years to introduce legislation that requires the governor to replenish transportation funds removed in a timely fashion. Unfortunately, this legislation is continuously voted down, failing sometimes to even make it out of committee. I refuse to give up on these efforts, and will continue to work on legislation to protect funds from inappropriate use. The scope of the government needs to be reduced to provide the people with a more transparent view of how their state is being run. I will continue to work towards this goal. 

For more information on this matter, and other potential pieces of legislation, please click on: http://mlis.state.md.us/2012rs/Wrap_up/current_issue.pdf   As always, if you should have any questions regarding tax and fee increases, please contact me directly at Jospeh.Boteler@house.state.md.us  and I will be happy to assist you.

Do you agree or disagree with Boteler's proposals? Would you support a reduction in the size of state government? Tell us in the comments.