John Bailey for State Delegate

Liz Bobo Supports Tax Increase during Tough Economic Times

Columbia, MD, January 4, 2010:  It is not a surprising fact that in a recent Baltimore Sun article, the only Howard County state legislator to support a tax increase on alcohol was Liz Bobo.  A tax increase at this time is such a bad idea due to the tough economic conditions that the elected Democrats and Republicans of Howard County have joined together to oppose this tax increase.  Only Liz Bobo openly states, “I think it just makes a whole lot of sense. I think it’s time to do it.”  Liz Bobo obviously does not see or understand the tough position small business owners are facing.  An increase in the cost of alcohol would negatively impact sales and would hurt an industry that has already faced a downturn due to citizens cutting back on spending. 

Just like during the special session in 2007 when Liz Bobo supported every tax increase proposed, she is out looking for more ways to hurt small business owners and citizens who use those services.  In our current economy turning our backs on small business and those that create jobs is wrong.  I question the motives of those who wish to stand in the way of job creation and hurt small business owners.

The state of Maryland has a $2 billion budget shortfall.  Raising taxes is not the answer.  During the special session in 2007 taxes were increased and it did not solve the budget problem, it only made it worse.  The answer to solving the budget problem is to make budget cuts.  Just like every American household when money is tight the answer is not to spend more, but to cut back and spend less. 

I urge Liz Bobo to reconsider her position on raising taxes during these tough times.

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