On February 12, Legislative Director Kevin Kinnally submitted written testimony to the Ways and Means Committee in opposition to HB 547 – Income Tax – Subtraction Modification – Enhanced Agricultural Management Equipment. 

This bill would allow the Secretary of Agriculture to expand the list of tax-deductible enhanced agricultural equipment.

Counties are eager and committed partners in promoting economic growth and creating opportunity, and 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 flexible, optional tools to serve and respond to local needs and community priorities.

In general, MACo stands for local self-determination and opposes state-mandated reductions in local revenue sources. Locally elected county leaders are accountable to their communities, making them well-positioned to govern local affairs and respond to community needs.

From MACo Testimony:

State tax incentives should be enacted as “local option” offerings to allow counties maximum flexibility in tailoring local policies to meet local needs and priorities. The State and its local governments already work together here, where the State routinely grants a state-level property tax credit, enabling county governments to enact their own local-option property tax credits.

More on MACo’s Advocacy: 

• Follow MACo’s advocacy efforts during the 2026 legislative session on MACo’s Legislative Tracking Database
• Learn more about MACo’s 2026 Legislative Initiatives
• Read more General Assembly News on MACo’s Conduit Street blog