This morning I attended a taping of the Marc Steiner Show in Annapolis, which featured Governor Bob Ehrlich, Speaker Mike Busch, and Senate President (and arch-dickhead) Mike Miller.
At one point, Steiner called Ehrlich a "no taxes" guy, implying that Ehrlich would not raise any taxes to close the impending deficit. Ehrlich corrected Steiner, saying, "no sales tax, no income tax". Ehrlich went on to say that the sales tax is a regressive tax that falls disproportionately on lower-income people. What Ehrlich failed to include in his no-tax pledge was the gas tax, another regressive tax that hurts lower-income people.
So what the hell was the point of electing a Republican governor, if all he is going to do is raise my taxes? I swear, if Ehrlich raises taxes (as I predict he will), I will campaign for Martin O'Malley. I will start a 'Republicans For O'Malley' organization. I will hand out 'Ehrlich Lied' bumper stickers. It makes me want to vomit.
Missing from the panel was Senate (Permanent) Minority Leader Stoltzfus. I wanted to ask him how the GOP plans to gain any seats in the General Assembly when just about every viable Republican candidate has been ensconced in a cushy state job. The Marc Steiner show will air at noon and 7PM on WYPR 88.1.
Incidentally, Virginia has a similar problem with tax-and-spend Republicans. Has it ever occured to these people that maybe government should spend less money when it is broke?
Marc
Addendum: Just read this in the Post:
Ehrlich has not unveiled most details of his legislative agenda, including a slot machine bill and his proposed state budget, which is scheduled to become public next week. But administration officials and legislators said his otherwise lean budget will include $130 million for pay raises for nearly 80,000 employees, which if approved would be their first salary increases in about 30 months.I wonder who's filling those "certain jobs"? Keep on cashing those government checks, you Republican swine! Your days are numbered.The proposal calls for a cost-of-living allowance of nearly 2 percent. Workers in certain jobs would receive larger raises, according to officials.
