The 2013 Session of the Maryland General Assembly is now at the halfway point. Throughout my first two years serving in the House, I’ve tried to keep a few key priorities in mind even as we legislators have to deal with a myriad of issues.  My goals this Session include making our state more affordable for families, improving our business climate to help job creators, and ensuring that taxpayers are getting the most out of the money we send to Annapolis. That means focusing like a laser on eliminating wasteful spending and ensuring that government is transparent and open.

I sponsored House Bill 181 to reduce the corporate business tax rate by 12% (from 8.25% to 7.25%). Maryland must do more to encourage job growth and attract businesses to our state.  For small businesses earning less than $1.5 million, HB 181 offers a larger reduction to a rate of 4%. Small business is the engine that drives our economy but under Gov. O’Malley’s watch, we’ve had 24 tax and fee hikes. It is vital to attract entrepreneurs to our state and keep job creators here.  Lowering the corporate tax rate would be one important step towards bringing jobs back to Maryland.

In addition, I have sponsored House Bills 327 and 438 which streamline government processes, eliminate wasteful spending, and strip out needless regulation. HB 327 would allow for online document files to be used for submitting the thousands of pages of documents it takes to bid on contracts or be licensed. The bill eliminates unnecessary printing and storage costs for private providers and saves the state time and money in storing and transporting tons of paper. HB 438 would allow state purchasing staff to buy goods and services locally when they can save money instead of having to obtain them from the current “one size fits all” state catalog. This bill would help local businesses and bring about substantial taxpayer savings.

A goal that we all share is a state where families, individuals, and retirees can afford to live, and businesses can thrive. We need a state government that is transparent, thrifty, and willing to make tough choices to cut spending rather than protecting pet programs. Maryland is a great state but we need change in Annapolis. I am committed to working for that change every day and always appreciate any ideas or concerns that you would like to share with me at Justin.Ready@house.state.md.us or 410-841-3070.

Justin Ready

The writer is a State Delegate representing District 5A