The Ways and Means Hearings today focused on Taxes and Election Law. A bill was presented concerning Special Session Campaign Finance Reform. Special Sessions were once a rarity; but in recent years, Governors have felt that some issues are so critical and deserve focus without any interruptions so more Special Sessions have been called. This situation was not covered under present law. Proposals were also heard to allow one county to require photo ID for voting; to review electioneering boundaries around polling places; review the deadline for change of party affiliation; and to change the way local Boards of Elections are compensated. All of these issues will be studied in more detail by the Election Law Subcommittee.
The Committee gets many bills concerning Taxes and Exemptions. Today there was a proposal to raise the motor fuel tax. The Transportation Trust Fund has shown a drop in revenue due to both the high cost of fuel last year and the decrease in driving by Marylanders. These funds have been used for the upkeep of our roads and bridges and this will severely impact the ability of Maryland to keep up with repairs to our highways.
We also heard a proposal to suspend the excise tax on new car and truck sales; provide incentives for wind energy; and provide for exemptions for solar energy equipment on property taxes.