March 12: Protest Planned Outside of Perry Hall Gas Stations

plan to demonstrate against a proposed gas tax increase Saturday outside the and stations on the corners of Belair and Ebenezer Roads in Perry Hall.

The group of about 40 activists, organized by Americans for Prosperity, a grassroots conservative organization, opposes a bill that would increase the state motor fuel tax by at least 10 cents per gallon.

A was held last Saturday in Lutherville-Timonium.

If passed, an initial increase of 10 cents per gallon would take effect July 1. The tax could continue to rise by no more than one cent annually based on the construction cost index. Bill sponsors say the increase would help fund much-needed transportation projects throughout the state.

The current state gas tax—unchanged since 1992—is 23.5 cents per gallon. The federal gas tax is 18.4 cents per gallon.

Americans for Prosperity received permission from the gas station owners to gather on their property, said Steve Bailey, co-chair of the organization's Baltimore County chapter.

"They don't want the tax either," Bailey said.

He said the tax would not only raise the price of gas, but food and shipping costs as well.

But some disagree with the planned protest.

June Laffan, a Kingsville resident and former board member of the Northeast Democratic Club, called it a "reactionary" tactic from a "Tea Party group."

"This will be a protest that a lot of people will be at screaming and yelling," Laffan said. She added that she does not expect the Maryland state legislature to pass the gas tax increase by the end of the session.