Last week, I shared with you my concern about the direction Maryland is going. This week, the governor introduced his budget and my concerns were confirmed. The 2013 budget increases the size and spending of government, the overall spending in Maryland continues to grow by at least $1 billion per year.

Here is what the governor has spent (of our hard earned money) each year that he's been in charge of Maryland's budget (see attached graph) The leadership in Annapolis is claiming that there are $7 billion in spending cuts! I'll tell you what he has cut, and that's money to transportation and roads that ended up going into mass transit. That is not a cut, it is shuffling money around!

Here is a short list of alarming concerns in the governor's budget for this year. Remember, in Maryland the governor has the power of the purse - it's his budget.

• Raises taxes on individuals earning $100K and couples earning $175K ($100K is the new millionaire) while eliminating the home mortgage interest deduction
• Requiring the collection of sales tax on internet purchases.
• Increasing the tax on smokeless tobacco

This budget grows government and increases taxes at a time when we should be doing the opposite. Along with shifting more debt to the counties, the 2013 budget generates "new income" on the backs of the working families and small businesses. Most disturbing is that this budget is only a precursor of the massive tax increases to come.

The solution to Maryland's budget woes... CUT SPENDING!  

Thank you for allowing me the honor and privilege to serve you in the Maryland House of Delegates!