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Maryland Senate Approves Tax/Spending Bills And Transfer Of Teacher Pensions

May 16th, 2012 by WCBC Radio

The Maryland Senate on Tuesday gave its final approval to a package of tax and spending bills on the second day of a special session called by Governor Martin O'Malley. The Senate voted 27-19 to approve an increase in income tax rates for individuals earning above $100,000 and households earning above $150,000. The bill also increases the taxes on most cigars and smokeless tobacco. The vote was largely along party lines, with Republicans voting against the bill- including Senator George Edwards- and most Democrats voting in favor of it. Seven Democrats joined the 12 Senate Republicans in voting against the bill. The House of Delegates is likely to begin a floor debate on the bill late Tuesday, with a final vote today (Wednesday). When it comes to the House floor for a vote, Delegate Leroy Myers says he won’t support it…





The Senate also voted 33-13 to approve a series of spending transfers that includes shifting the cost of teacher pensions from the state to county governments over a four year period. Allegany County Commissioners President Mike McKay says absorbing the pensions costs- even over a period of years- will be tough to swallow for local government…





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