By Ryan Coleman
Special to the AFRO

In 2024, 99 percent of Marylanders asked by the Gonzales poll said they pay enough or too much in taxes. A UMBC Institute of Politics poll shows over 76 percent oppose increases in state government services and taxes. They also express concern about their personal finances. The Tax Foundation ranks Maryland 45th for the state and local tax burden on residents. The verdict is in: No more taxes and fees.

Ryan Coleman is the president of the Randallstown NAACP and can be reached
at randallstownnaacp@gmail.com. (Courtesy photo)

According to a report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, inflation reached the highest levels since 1981 in 2022— putting everyday necessities like food, fuel and rent out of reach for many. And like most economic downturns, including the Great Recession and the pandemic, Black communities are disproportionately impacted. This means that Black households are now spending more of their post-tax income on necessities like food and energy, according to a new Bank of America report cited by Business Insider.

The middle class just isn’t what it used to be. The poor and the plummeting middle class are financially burdened enough with high inflation without having additional taxes and fees that lower their standard of living.

To get into Maryland’s middle class, a household has to have an income of at least $65,641. Compare that to the $35,323 middle class in Mississippi. Maryland residents’ purchasing power is down because it is costing consumers more money to buy the same products they bought a year ago. Black residents have to fight to get quality stores, high quality education and good customer service.

Over the last four years, the state budget has grown by a whopping 32 percent. In 2021, the total budget was $47.9 billion. The 2024 budget stands at $63.3 billion. Has your salary grown by 32 percent in four years?

Gov. Wes Moore balanced this year’s budget by fee increases, transferring funds from various balances, and taking money out of the Rainy Day Fund. 

Moore did not raise taxes–to his credit. But the General Assembly passed the Paint Tax, the Uber Tax, increases in the Cigarette Tax and vehicle registration fees – to name a few. The vehicle registration fee has upset every Marylander. It’s a fee that Marylanders must pay which is why it’s the hardest to swallow. While the governor did not propose them, neither did he veto them.

Former Gov. Martin O’ Malley is a friend of mine. However, he fell into the trap of raising too many fees which outstripped the appetite of Marylanders. His miscalculation ushered in a Republican governor for eight years. 

Gov. Moore, please do not fall into this trap. Do not raise any taxes, and veto any additional fees that affect the middle class.

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