Divided over Gov. Martin O?Malley?s proposal to close the state?s $1.7 billion structural deficit, Baltimore?s General Assembly members are meeting in last-ditch attempts to reach consensus before the special session begins next week.
State senators and delegates from the county and city will meet over the rest of this week to unify their stances on a proposed penny increase in Maryland?s sales tax, a restructured income tax, and a yet-to-be-drafted slots bill. Several lawmakers from the county said they will refuse to support any tax increases but are open to the “right” slots bill, while legislators from the city voiced the opposite.
“I think you will find a large number of Republicans will not vote for any gaming bill that is attached to a tax hike,” said Del. Richard Impallaria, R-District 7. “I think there is, at a minimum, a third of the county Democrats who will also not support tax hikes.”
Impallaria said he plans to introduce a bill during the special session requiring slots players to use a debit-like card to identify people with gambling addictions and track winnings. He said he also plans to propose legislation that would prevent slots customers from using credit cards to gamble.
Del. Eric Bromwell, chair of the county?s House delegation, said he plans to call lawmakers together Monday, the first day of the session, or earlier. He said slots would generate revenue without increasing taxes.
About 83.5 percent of Marylanders would pay less under O?Malley?s proposal coupled with a reduced property tax, according to the administration?s estimates. But city delegation chair Curt Anderson, D-District 43, said he doesn?t buy the math.
“I?m a little short on smoke, and they were out of mirrors last time I went to the store,” said Anderson, a vocal slots opponent.
