Politics & Government

Will Gas and Sales Taxes Go Up in Maryland?

Gov. Martin O'Malley said discussions on these two topics will take place in the next few days, as the state's legislative session gets under way.

Nearly 200 state senators and delegates from across Maryland met in Annapolis Wednesday to begin the state's 430th general assembly session.

The weeks ahead promise more than a few tough votes as Gov. Martin O'Malley's agenda may call for raising the state's sales or gas taxes to fund job creation initiatives and help address the $1 billion budget deficit.

Controversial and are also on the General Assembly's agenda this session.

Find out what's happening in Elkridgewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

O'Malley is toying with the idea of raising the state sales tax by 1 cent to 7 cents but will consult General Assembly leaders before deciding, said the governor during an interview with WEAA 88.9 Wednesday morning.

Also on the table is the much talked about 15-cent increase to the gas tax.

Find out what's happening in Elkridgewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"We'll be rolling these proposals out over the next few days," said O'Malley, of the possible revenue-raising alternatives.

Between Jan. 11 and April 12, when the session ends, representatives will vote on a number of statewide bills, including the state's annual budget, as well as local bills by county or city.

Elkridge is split into two legislative districts: 12A and 13. Each district is represented by one state senator and two to three delegates. (To find out which district you are in, head to this website.)

District 12A


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