Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. press release, January 16, 2002

MEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1 407 York Rood, S«1. 304 LulhtrvilU, Morylond 21093 315 Cannon Houm Office Building Waihinglon, D.C 20515 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Henry Fawell Wednesday, January 16, 2002 202/225-3061 Congressman Ehrlich Challenges Glendening-Townsend Administration’s Tax Hike WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Ehrlich (MD-2) criticized the Glendening-Townsend Administration’s state budget proposal for failing to reduce spending and instead postponing the final phase-in of an income tax cut the General Assembly approved in 1997. The proposal would cost working Marylanders $175 million over the next 18 months. Congressman Ehrlich stated, “I am disappointed that the Glendening Administration has broken its promise to millions of Marylanders. This proposal is an outright tax hike. Our state budget would be better served by reigning in spending and reducing the bloated state bureaucracy than by raising taxes. “Across the Potomac River, Virginia’s new governor, a Democrat, has pledged to tighten his state’s budget by dramatically cutting government spending. Unfortunately, Parris Glendening isn’t paying attention. He would rather raise taxes on low and middle-income Marylanders during a recession. “Governor Glendening’ s annual spending sprees have now crippled our state’s finances. Rather than curb his own fiscal appetite, Parris Glendening is heaping a growing financial burden on the shoulders of hard-working Marylanders, and, unfortunately, the real mess will be left for next year.” ###