House Republicans Offer Budget Cuts to Eliminate Tax Increases

Annapolis, MD – House Republicans today offered a series of amendments proving it is possible to balance Maryland’s budget without raiding the wallets of Maryland’s families and businesses. Members offered over 20 amendments focused on controlling spending, halting the cost shifts to local governments, and rolling back the proposed tax and fee increases.

House Minority Leader Jason Buckel presented an omnibus amendment that refuted any  notion that tax increases were the only way to balance the budget. The amendment cut funding for recent expansions of Medicaid, including reducing the benefit that would provide medical coverage for a family of four making over $100,000 per year. The amendment also cut vacant positions, stopped employee raises, and instituted a hiring freeze in state government, except for critical positions such as corrections officers and nurses at state facilities. Delegate Buckel’s amendment also paused many Blueprint enhancements, providing budget relief and allowing for Blueprint fund growth over the next few years. In total, the amendment would save $1.6 billion and eliminate the need for tax increases.

“Maryland cannot continue down this path of idealistic policies with no regard for the cost or the people who have to pay those costs,” said Buckel. “It is possible to pass this budget without increasing taxes which, in my view, should always be the very last resort. We realize that making cuts is not easy, but we are not flush we cash,  and we need to learn how to prioritize our spending with our economic growth needs.”

Republican amendments focused on eliminating more than $100 million in cost shifts to the county governments – items such as teacher pension costs. They also sought to eliminate the authorization for counties to increase their own income taxes. House Republican amendments also sought to restore funding to Program Open Space, Rural Legacy Council, as well as restoring the itemization of key tax deductions including charitable donations, medical expenses, and mortgage interest.

The largest portion of Republican Caucus floor work dealt with amendments to eliminate the 20+ new or increased taxes and fees in the House’s version of the budget.

“Government needs to be responsible and accountable. It needs to live within its means – period,” said House Minority Whip Jesse Pippy. “It is not our money, it’s the taxpayer’s  money. We have been hired to manage their money as a fiduciary and our plan did just that. We provided a responsible, accountable tax alternative that sets things right. We cannot keep forcing taxpayers to pay for their government’s mistakes.”