Democrats Meet behind Closed-Doors to Raise Taxes

ANNAPOLIS – On Tuesday morning, Governor Martin O'Malley, Senate Majority Leader Mike Miller, and Speaker of the House Michael Busch are meeting to resolve the problems within their own caucuses regarding their failed attempt to pass a budget during the 2012 Legislative Session. The rift occurred soon after Republicans introduced their common sense "Alternative Budget" that cut spending, did not raise taxes, and protected teacher pensions from being shifted to local governments.

David Ferguson, Executive Director of the Maryland Republican Party, expressed his frustration by saying, "The Democrats continue to push their stale ideas: more taxes, more gambling, and more spending. Marylanders are not ATMs to be emptied by those who won't properly manage the people's business."

Ferguson continued, "The Democrats in Annapolis should be thinking about the coalminers in Garrett County who go to work every day to heat our homes and power our lives. They should think about the watermen in Worcester County who leave every daybreak to help feed our families. These so-called leaders should think about the men and women across Maryland who expect to earn an ‘honest day's pay for an honest day's work' without worrying how the government is robbing them of economic freedom and opportunity with more taxes and more spending."

Ferguson concluded, "They were sent here for one reason: to pass a budget and make the state government work as efficiently and effectively as possible. If they were in the private sector, they'd lose their job. I expect something similar to happen in 2014 and beyond. If Governor O'Malley were a capable leader, then he would keep his eye on the Government House instead of the White House."

At the request of his Union-backed supporters, gambling bosses, and special interest groups, Governor Martin O'Malley is expected to call a special session before June 30th.