From the Desk of Former Mayor Malinda Miles

It has been two years since I decided to remove myself from the political scene in Mount Rainier, MD, Prince George's County, and the State of Maryland. Holding the lofty position of Mayor was such a great honor, but as the years flew by, I realized that it was time to do something else -- get a life.! I did, and still continue to provide resources to the residents through The Front Porch Ministries (TFPM). Real people pass through The Front Porch Ministries weekly. LIFE is good.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

LET ME HEAR FROM YOU!

The Maryland General Assembly will be discussing the following potential sources of new income form Maryland, and I need YOUR opinions on each of them.

Would you be supportive of a new

· Gas Tax

· Gambling Slots

· Bag Tax

· Sales Tax increase

· $100K+ income tax increase (recently proposed by Governor O’Malley)-- the numbers provided below are extremely rough estimates.

Here's additional information for you to consider on each of the above as provided by Senator Victor Ramirez.

· Gas Tax -- A 15 cent gas tax is proposed over a 3 year period expected to generate $471 million in revenues for the State.

Gambling Slots/Tables -- Slots only are expected to generate $360 million

Slots and table games are expected to generate an estimated $650 million

5-cent Bag Tax -- This is a fee to be charged and collected per disposable carryout bag provided to a customer. This is a fee not subject to sales or use tax. Stores may retain 1 cent of every nickel fee collected. If they opt to participate in a credit program then they may retain 2 cents for every nickel. This bill may prove to have a substantial positive financial impact on small businesses. The bill is expected to generate $5 million for the state after small business deductions. The revenue estimate is based on estimated participation rates.

· Online Sellers Sales Tax – expected to generate $21 million

· Income tax increase and caps on personal exemptions for singles making over $100k and couples making over $150k -- expected to generate $280 million

SEND your response to mayormiles@gmail.com. NEEDED ASAP!

Mayor Malinda Miles

As a long-time resident of Mount Rainier and a homeowner, it is important to me that municipal government be inclusive of all of its residents. It is equally important that information be communicated through all possible channel so that residents can get involved. It is also important for residents to volunteer and serve on committees, commissions, boards and task forces. I truly believe that municipal government is the government closes to the people, and as such should be easily accessible. This BLOG is another effort to reach out to the residents of Mount Rainier.