NAWBO BRC - National Association of Women Business Owners Baltimore Regional Chapter

Legislative and Policy Update

The Maryland General Assembly has convened and all eyes are on the budget. The State's fiscal challenges coupled with a large number of new Delegates and Senators will likely result in less new programmatic/policy debate and enhanced focus on the budget and related funding issues.

It is unlikely that new taxes or other revenue generating measures will be enacted this year with the exception of serious consideration of a gas tax increase and possibly an increase in the alcohol tax. Transportation funding needs are particularly at issue given that the State's Transportation Trust Fund has been the source of funding transfers for a number of years, thus leaving it woefully underfunded.

Governor O'Malley's legislative agenda does contain a major initiative focused on job creation and the new economy - the theme of his budget and legislative agenda. He has proposed legislation to establish InvestMaryland, a $100 million initiative to grow the state's knowledge based industries and stimulate up to $100 in venture capital investing. It will undoubtedly be the subject of much discussion as the Session progresses.

On the regulatory front, the Governor will announce today, Friday the 28th, plans to allow businesses to apply for and monitor review of a vast number of permits and licenses required in Maryland on line, and to streamline some application processes that have grown increasing complicated and bureaucratic. This effort should dramatically improve small businesses abilty to navigate regulatory requirements. Further details on these efforts will be forthcoming.

Finally, on the Federal Front, Senator Cardin, a member of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, has joined Senate Finance Committee Chair, Max Baucus in introducing the Small Business Paperwork Reduction Mandate Elimination Act, which would repeal the expanded Form 1099 reporting requirements for small businessess that was contained in the Affordable Care Act and which has generated significant concern amongst small business owners. Senator Cardin recently was appointed to serve on the Finance Committee which addresses many of the issues relevant to small business. Maryland is lucky to have such responsive leadership.