As details of Governor Martin O'Malley's tax hike scheme become public, a loose coalition of citizens businesses, activists and organizations is forming to stand in opposition to them. Despite differences in party affiliation, political orientation, class or social status, they are united in their efforts to STOP the O'MAlley tax hike scheme. Like a patchwork quilt of different patterns and fabrics, the strength of the group is enhanced by the diversity of its members.

As we identify different organizations who are opposed to the O'Mally tax hike scheme, we will list them on this page. Our hope is that you will find a friend, neighbor or safe harbor and join with them to defend against the current money grab in Annapolis.

The Maryland Taxpayers Association is a 501(c)(4) non-partisan, not-for-profit, volunteer grass-roots organization which asks Maryland elected officials for their pledge not to raise taxes, acts to make Maryland government more efficient, and
organizes and chairs the Maryland Center-Right Coalition and the Maryland Leadership Conference.

You can view their website at www.mdtaxes.org, or email them at mta@rstarmail.com. The site features an online petition against the tax hikes, as well as a Tax Payer Protection Pledge for Maryland State legislators.

StopMarylandTaxHikes.com is a web page developed by Maryland Senator E.J. Pipkin (Republican). The site is an outgrowth of conversations between the Senator and many Marylanders about their opposition to new taxes. They often ask "What can I do to stop these tax increases?" The site provides an online petition, articles regarding the special session and tax proposals and opinions of the Senator. You can view the website at www.StopMarylandTaxHikes.com, or email them at StopMarylandTaxHikes@Gmail.com.

The advertisement features an open letter to the Maryland public from MAR president Carole A. Maclure that is sharply critical of the proposal to extend the sales tax to property management services.

You can view their website at www.mdrealtor.org

The National Federation of Independent Business is the nation's leading small-business advocacy association, with offices in Washington, D.C., and all 50 state capitals. NFIB's powerful network of grassroots activists send their views directly to state and federal lawmakers through our unique member-only ballot, thus playing a critical role in supporting America's free enterprise system.

Their members are opposed to the proposed tax hikes and are advocating that Maryland legislators cut spending before asking employers and families to open up their wallets. To view information related to the Maryland tax hikes go to www.nfib.com/page/homeMD.html.

Halloween may have ended on October 31, but the terrorfest continues in the Annapolis Statehouse. Undaunted by growing opposition from Maryland's citizens, the political leadership continues in their efforts to balance the state budget on the backs of working families. Despite repeated pleas to reign in spending and govern within the ample tax revenues provided to them, Governor O'Malley and his tax and spend allies are determined to raise taxes and create new spending mandates at the same time. (Now that is a FRIGHTFUL thought.)

To make matters worse, the Governor is now resorting to threats, intimidation and the use of scare tactics in order to get his way. His most recent antics include threats to remove a meager property tax cut from consideration if his MONSTROUS tax hike and slot package are not passed in the special session. In other words, fork over your money and no one will get hurt. Refuse and you can kiss even his pitiful property tax cut goodbye.

This is in addition to his attempt to SCARE county governments into supporting higher taxes or face extreme cuts to their allocation of funds from the state coffers. Remember, this is the same Governor who could barely find 200 million dollars to cut out of a 30 billion dollar budget. Now he wants us to believe that the only alternative to his HORRIBLE proposal to increase taxes is to close State Police Barracks and other extreme measures.

Like a VAMPIRE, the special session needs to operate in darkness where the politicians can limit debate and control the agenda. They don't care about the impact of the proposed taxes on the economy. They don't care about the impact of the proposed taxes on your budget. All that they care about is sinking their FANGS into your wallet and continuing their irresponsible spending.

Fortunately there is a way to end the NIGHTMARE in Annapolis. Call your legislator and expose their HOUSE OF HORRORS to the light of day. Click on the TAKE ACTION button and drive a stake through the heart of this tax package. It's time for us to pull the plug on this SCARY MOVIE.

Unencumbered by any facts, the Maryland Senate voted to require citizens to pay taxes for previously untaxed computer and arcade services.  The decision was made without holding a single public hearings or hearing one word of testimony from the public or businesses who would be impacted by it.  Estimated to raise more than 300 million dollars in tax revenue, the measure actually exceeds the Governor's original service tax request by 400%.  Obviously someone must have carried the wrong number when calculating this package. 

Originally targeting health clubs, tattoo parlors, and real estate management services, the Senate backed off when well-paid lobbyist arrived in force to protest.  Unwilling to give cooler heads a chance to prevail, the Majority leadership pulled a classic "bait and switch".   Literally overnight they selected new businesses, and rushed the package through before opposition could be organized.  What was unveiled in the well of the Senate included computer services, arcades and landscaping.

Landscapers were given a last minute reprieve when it was determined that the Tax and Spenders were 1 vote shy of passing it.  Apparently some members didn't care for Senator Currie's response that a 17 year old teenager cutting grass would be expected to collect the tax from the owner.  They were able to pass the measure only by dropping landscapers from the package.  Not to worry though...the Maryland House of Delegates can always add them back in.

Throughout this ordeal a handful of Senators have pointed out the obvious problems in fashioning tax policy in the dark.  Despite repeated questions of "What's the rush?", from Senator E.J. Pipkin, the majority forged ahead.  Senator Zirkin's warnings of dire legal consequences resulting from the failure to properly define computer, arcade or landscaping services fell on deaf ears.  Regardless of the common sense logic presented, the majority refused to listen to reasoning.  Apparently, this is one schedule where the tax train will run on time.

The spotlight now shifts to the House of Delegate where a competing tax package will be assembled.  Please continue your efforts to call your Delegates and tell them to vote against the biggest tax increase in Maryland's history.  Make certain that they know that you will monitor their vote, and remember how they voted come the next election.