Sales Tax Governor’s Race

Jealous proposes cut to Maryland sales tax

BALTIMORE (AP) — Maryland Democrat Ben Jealous says he would propose cutting the state’s sales tax from 6 percent to 5.75 percent, if he is elected governor.

Jealous said Thursday it is part of his plan to make Maryland more competitive with neighboring states, while reducing the tax burden on working families. He says Gov. Larry Hogan has had no problem keeping tax break promises to big corporations, but has yet to deliver broad-based relief for working Marylanders.

Doug Mayer, deputy campaign manager for the Republican governor, questioned how Jealous plans to make that tax cut and pay for proposals such as increasing education funding and expanding Medicare to all. Mayer says “there is no one in Maryland who believes that Ben Jealous will be better for their tax bill than Larry Hogan.”