For a Stronger Economy, Maryland Needs the Right Public Investments
Maryland leaders can take steps to strengthen the state’s business climate without harming essential public services, according to a new publication from the Maryland Center on Economic Policy.
Leaders in Annapolis are considering new tax breaks to corporations and the wealthy, despite ample evidence from other states that this strategy simply doesn’t work. It does little to create jobs while taking away resources from public investments that boost the economy, like good schools, an efficient transportation network and safe communities.
Instead, the publication explains, they should build on the things that already make Maryland a great place to do business: a highly educated workforce, a large number of affluent customers and easy transportation connections to other parts of the country.
“Instead of joining other states in the race to the bottom on tax rates, let’s compete to see who can offer the best schools, transportation options, health care, and public safety services – things that actually contribute to a strong economy,” MDCEP Executive Director Benjamin Orr said.
In addition to maintaining these vital public investments, the report recommends helping workers develop their skills and removing barriers to small business success offer much stronger prospects for more broadly shared prosperity.
