Montgomery County Businesses
Loudly Protest New Taxes
Montgomery County Council President Ike Leggett has proposed a new energy tax to help close the $1 Billion structural deficit. Rather than solve the problem that caused the structural imbalance, Mr. Leggett has created Bill 15-10 proposing a 85% increase to energy taxes for both residential and business customers. Mr. Leggett's goal is to raise $21.4 million for fiscal 2010, which ends June 30, and $133 million for the next fiscal year.
The County Council took up the issue on May 19th and approved the tax increase, which will take effect immediately on May 20th and stay in effect until at least 2012.
Many businesses and political groups banded together to communicate to the council that the tax increase would have a devastating effect on area businesses by seriously inhibiting job retention and creation.
The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce immediately drafted a letter opposing the new tax saying that it is in direct opposition to the County's stated economic development goal of attracting much needed new business to Montgomery County. In addition to dissuading private companies (such as Northrop Grumman) to locate in Montgomery County, it will also discourage federal agencies from locating or renewing leases in Montgomery County. These agencies would rather locate in other surrounding Virginia and Maryland counties with lower tax rates.
Holy Cross, Montgomery General and Suburban Hospitals also wrote to the council expressing serious concern about the energy tax, saying that it would increase their collective tax burden by $1,200,428 in 2011.
Educate and arm yourself agains the tax and spend liberals by calculating your current tax breakdown. Use this tax estimating tool,creatied by the Maryland Public Policy Institute:
http://tax.mdpolicy.org/Estimator/Estimator_3.html
Article by J. Pasenelli
Comments on the County Council Energy Tax Vote
"I think we need a charter amendment which would impose the same limit on energy taxes as we have on property taxes. In order to increase energy tax revenues above the rate of inflation, a unanimous vote of the council should be required."
Robin Ficker - Candidate Council District 2
"At a time when Montgomery County is at a fiscal crossroad, the Council has chosen to continue down the path of higher taxes and reckless spending. These anti growth policies will hurt the County's efforts to attract and retain businesses. Instead of more of the same, we need a clean break with County policies that have lead us down the road to financial ruin."
Rob Vricella - Candidate Council District 1
"The Montgomery Council's vote Wednesday to increase energy taxes by 85% is one more nail in the coffin for the county economic competitiveness. By driving businesses and the jobs they provide to other jurisdictions, Montgomery County continues to be less and less able to afford its current spending plans."
Mark Uncapher - Montgomery County Republican Party Chairman
MCGOP CONVENTION!