Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. letter to J. G., February 18, 1992

Legislative Address: Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. TENTH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT BALTIMORE COUNTY JUDICIARY COMMITTEE GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL ON CHILD ABUSE MARYLAND JUVENILE JUSTICE ADVISORY COUNCIL •Щ ДШШ1 House of Delegates Annapolis , Maryland 21401-1991 February 18, 1992 ANNAPOLIS. MARYLAND 21401-1991 LEGISLATIVE PHONE (410) B4I-33SO Home Address: 5 ELPHIN COURT. #102 TIMONIUM. MARYLAND 21093-1831 Just a note to acknowledge and thank you for your letter of February 3, 1992. To wit, a few observations: (1) "Tax The Rich" is certainly a familiar refrain from those politicians who love to practice "class warfare," i.e., liberals of both political parties. Unforunately , it remains a powerful rallying cry in state and national politics. (2) I find it hard to believe it is "inconceivable" to you that anyone can make an argument for progressive tax¬ ation; did you not watch any of the Democrat presidential candidates debate in New Hampshire? (3) Your observations regarding a flat tax rate are well taken and should be seriously discussed on the state and national level. I have to tell you, however, that the political makeup of the Maryland General Assembly does not bode well for any such debate at the state level in the near future. On the national level, I recall that Jack Kemp (of the major candidates) discussed this concept in 1988. (By the way, Kemp is my early choice for 1996.) (4) Parenthetically, this past Sunday, David Brinkley discussed how tired he was of politicians tinkering with the tax code (seemingly) every week. In view of the thoughts expressed in your letter, I'm sure you would agree with Brinkley's observation. (5) I do not know how much support the Governor's pro¬ posal to raise the state income tax has on the Floor. I promise you, however, that I will oppose all steps to make our burden¬ some state income tax even more progressive.