MACo Legislative Director Kevin Kinnally this week submitted testimony to the House Ways and Means Committee in opposition of HB 511 Income Tax – Personal Exemptions – Disabled Individuals.

This bill expands the existing personal exemption under the State income tax for individuals who are blind by extending eligibility to individuals who have a permanent physical disability.

MACo does not raise policy objections with this goal – county concerns are merely practical and cost-driven.

From the MACo Testimony:

The swift and unprecedented shock of the COVID-19 public health crisis has wreaked havoc on the economy. As the focus shifts to restoring our state and local economies in a manner that is safe, equitable, and prosperous for all, counties are eager and committed partners in promoting economic growth and creating opportunity – we prefer local autonomy in determining the best way locally.

The Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) opposes state-mandated reductions in local revenue sources, but welcomes tools to grant counties options and flexibility to pursue their own parallel tax incentives, or to develop others to suit their local needs.

Follow MACo’s advocacy efforts during the 2021 legislative session on MACo’s Legislative Tracking Database.