Last Week Brian Feldman, of Maryland House of Delegates spoke about the special session, which just concluded in Annapolis, as well as pending issues. The political epicenter of Maryland has historically been Baltimore City and County. Because of population changes and redistricting, Montgomery County delegation is now the largest. The special session was called to deal with the 1.3 billion dollar budget deficit. Maryland is the wealthiest state in the US. The 3 major expenditures in the state budget are health care, education, and public safety. In order to address the deficit, taxes were increased: 1 cent sales tax increase, income tax increases for individuals earning over $300,000, and an increase to corporate tax rate. Medicaid was expanded, adding 100,000 individuals. Currently there are 800,000 uninsured people in MD. A health reform package was also enacted. The issue of slots could not be resolved. If it passes in Nov 2008, 50% of the money will be dedicated to education.
