GOP Proposes Cuts in Place Of Computer Services Tax
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House Republicans yesterday outlined their plan to repeal the expansion of the 6 percent state sales tax to computer services, one of the more controversial measures passed during November's special session.
GOP lawmakers want to void the tax, which is projected to raise about $200 million a year, and instead make spending cuts in the state's budget that would total $203 million.
The proposed cuts include eliminating an additional 500 vacant positions in state government; slowing spending growth at community colleges, and other education initiatives; and deferring proposed funding for stem-cell research projects.
Leaders in both chambers of the Democrat-controlled legislature have vowed to keep the computer services tax unless another source of revenue is found.
-- Philip Rucker
Montgomery County Weighs Public Campaign Funding
Montgomery County could establish a public financing system for County Council and county executive campaigns under a bill introduced by Del. Susan C. Lee (D-Montgomery).
Lee joined other lawmakers, county officials and interest groups at a news conference yesterday calling for campaign finance reform.
"I think it's getting some legs," Montgomery County Council Vice President Phil Andrews (D-Gaithersburg-Rockville) said. "I think it's going to move."
The Montgomery House delegation was expected to decide today whether to advance the legislation.
The push comes as candidates are spending more than ever on campaigns in Montgomery. In 2006, several council candidates spent more than $100,000, and candidates for county executive spent more than $1 million.
