Slots or Penny increase in the sales tax?

[nickshepDEM]

Poll question: Slots or Penny increase in the sales tax?

With the looming structural deficit, it looks like we're going to get one or the other.

Personally, I’ve never had a problem with slots, especially at a select number of race tracks.

[LiberalEsto]

1. Forget the ICC

We don't need a multibilliondollar Intercounty Connector. This horrendously overpriced boondoggle is diverting funds from other transportation projects.

The ICC will basically benefit developers by opening up new, previously inaccessible areas. It might benefit BWI Airport to some degree. But the projected $7 toll will make it unaffordable for the average Marylander. It will essentially be a private highway for the wealthy.

It will destroy valuable wetlands, green space, streams and wildlife habitat, while adding a new source of vehicle emissions.

If Maryland dropped the ICC project, there wouldn't be any need for new sources of revenue.

[DaveinMD]

2. The penny

but the real solution is adding more brackets to the income tax so we can tax the super wealthy at a much higher rate.

[nickshepDEM]

3. Commie

:P

[DaveinMD]

4. yeah

you realize there are only two tax brackets in Maryland. Its an extremely regressive system. There should be separate brackets that kick in over 100,000, 250,000, 500,000 and then another for the super wealthy.

[PhishWithLemon99]

5. You MD people...

need the penny increase and no slots. We're starting slots up here in PA and we don't want your damn competition!

As for your income tax, at least you have tax brackets. The Pennsylvania Constitution prohibits progressive taxation, so everyone pays a flat 3.07%. Of course, you get it refunded if you make less than $32k, I think.

Congrats to Gov-elect O'Malley.

[AnnieBW]

8. How's That Workin' For Ya?

My parents are in Pittsburgh, and I all hear about is how the slot machine stuff is one big clusterf*ck. And my parents are eager to get them, so they don't have to go to Atlantic City or West Virginia to blow my inheritance!

[PhishWithLemon99]

10. so far actually not bad...

The first slots parlor opened a few weeks ago (Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs) and so far revenue is higher than projected.

Everyone has been bitching about how long it has taken to get this up and running, but 2-3 years is pretty typical nationwide to start up gaming the right way. It takes a while to get the details of the legislation ironed out and for the Gaming Control Board to do the necessary background checks and hold the necessary hearings and whatnot.

Pittsburgh's a mess because the arena deal is complicating it. A lot of Penguins fans are pissed at Rendell for not supporting the proposal that would build a new arena for free. Of course, the reason there's an independent Gaming Control Board is so elected officials can't influence who gets these licenses, so Rendell appropriately has kept his mouth shut and has even worked out a deal to get a new arena no matter who gets the slots license.

[blueraven95]

6. If it must be one, then let it be the penny increase

Slots feel too much like prying on the weak for me.

But I agree that there need to be major revisions to the tax code - the way businesses get off is obscene and the super wealthy essentially get away with murder.

[FreeStateDemocrat]

7. Sales tax increase is regressive taxation and contrary to the core

beliefs of the Democratic Party. It would unfairly impact the poor and the working class and any real Democrat should vehemently oppose it. There has to be better alternatives other than placing a greater burden on those who can lest afford it.

[VaTF1]

9. Yup !

Hopefully the O'Malley/Brown administration will go after the many corporations who do business in our state, but have a P.O. Box in Delaware. They've had a free ride for too, too long.:toast: