Starting today, the MD Comptroller’s office has kicked off Shop Maryland Week, during which qualifying apparel and footwear $100 or less are exempt from the Maryland 6% sales tax. The event is expected to stimulate local retail business and offer an opportunity to pass minor savings onto those attempting to clothe their families. In an unprecedented move, Baltimore City Council members convened in an emergency session this Monday evening to pass an emergency 6% local sales tax on purchases of all qualifying apparel and footwear totaling $100 or less. The unique bill, which was simultaneously introduced, unanimously sponsored, and voted through all three reader phases in one hour, is expected to net the city around $300,000 over the course of the week. Councilwoman Helen Holton, who penned the bill on a cocktail … Read entire article »

Baltimore’s City Council faces one of the most apocalyptic budget crises in …ever, to the tune of a $121 million shortfall. $50 million of the projected gap is expected to be paid for via a slew of fees and increased revenue grabs, many of which absolutely boggle the mind. But I say the proposed bottle fees, bed fees, bee fees and fee fees aren’t effective enough – and definitely not awesome enough. Here are a few ideas I’ve got kicking around which will undoubtedly and 100% positively fix the budget for this upcoming fiscal year and for all eternity, as well as ensure any official backing them a windfall re-election! … Read entire article »