Columbia resident Nina Basu is trying to make a name for herself in politics ? and help the poor at the same time.
She is proposing a tax relief plan for the working poor as part of an effort to stand out in the packed Democratic primary for the House of Delegates? District 13 seat.
“This is an issue that is not on anybody else?s agenda,” said Andrew Weiland, Basu?s campaign manager. “It?s something that she is spearheading.”
Basu pledges, if elected, to work to expand the state income tax credit to include more families and higher credits. Currently, residents are entitled to a state earned income tax credit of up to 50 percent of the federal tax credit.
Basu wants to increase income guidelines to include people who make 10 percent more than those who are currently eligible for the credits and for people to receive 100 percent of their federal tax credit.
Weiland said, “Nina?s plan will help ease the burden on low- and moderate-income families all over Maryland, and will greatly aid working families in District 13.”
Basu, a member of the Long Reach Village Board, faces an uphill battle in a primary election that contains current State Dels. Shane Pendergrass, Neil Quinter and Frank Turner and County Council Member Guy Guzzone. Pendergrass, Turner and Guzzone are campaigning together.
Basu, along with Quinter, recently picked up the endorsement of Democracy for Howard County, the local chapter of former presidential candidate Howard Dean?s organization, Democracy for America.
Quinter said he considered increased tax breaks for low-income residents a good idea, but also favored raising taxes on residents earning $200,000 to offset that tax relief. He also favors closing corporate loopholes.
“I favor a progressive tax code,” he said. Guzzone said he?s passed tax breaks for low-income families on the County Council.
“I?ve supported that type of legislation for years,” he said.
Quinter, Pendergrass and Turner have been endorsed by the AFL-CIO, Sierra Club and Howard County teachers? union. The police union and Columbia Democratic Club endorsed those three, plus Guzzone.
AT A GLANCE
Maryland residents were eligible for a tax credit in 2005 if they earned:
» Less than $11,750; had no children and were between 25 and 64 years old.
» Less than $31,030 and maintained a home for a child for at least six months of the year.
» Less than $35,263 and had two or more children.
Source: Maryland Comptroller?s Office
