Maryland Legislature Rejects Discriminatory Snack Tax Proposal
WASHINGTON - The Grocery Manufacturers of America (GMA) applauded the Maryland General Assembly for rejecting a proposal to impose a $16 million snack tax on state residents.
"The Maryland legislature correctly realized that snack taxes are an ineffective means of increasing state revenue," said GMA v.p. of government affairs Elizabeth Avery. "In addition, selectively taxing foods disproportionately affects low-income families who can least afford to pay more for groceries."
The initial proposal had been included without the benefit of a public hearing last month by the Senate Budget & Taxation Committee but was later rejected by the House Ways & Means Committee, says GMA.
Avery cited Gov. Robert Ehrlich's strong and consistent opposition to the tax throughout the budget process as key to its defeat. GMA is a member of the Don't Tax Food Coalition.
"The Maryland legislature correctly realized that snack taxes are an ineffective means of increasing state revenue," said GMA v.p. of government affairs Elizabeth Avery. "In addition, selectively taxing foods disproportionately affects low-income families who can least afford to pay more for groceries."
The initial proposal had been included without the benefit of a public hearing last month by the Senate Budget & Taxation Committee but was later rejected by the House Ways & Means Committee, says GMA.
Avery cited Gov. Robert Ehrlich's strong and consistent opposition to the tax throughout the budget process as key to its defeat. GMA is a member of the Don't Tax Food Coalition.