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Cost of Government Day (COGD)
[2005] [2004] [2003] [2002] [2001]

 

Title: Maryland government 19th most expensive

Date: July 19, 2003

Source: James Rada, Cumberland Times-News

Words: 510

CUMBERLAND — Did you feel the burden on your wallet lighten recently?

You should have. Since July 9, Marylanders have finally been working to earn money for themselves instead of working to pay for government.

Maryland ranks 19th among the 50 states for having the most expensive government, according to a new report by the Americans for Tax Reform, a government watchdog group.

“The average American citizen will work 193 days this year just to cover the cost of government. Maryland is a little lower at 191 days, but working anywhere near that much for the government is distressing in a free society,” said Grover Norquist, who heads ATR in Washington.

Cost of Government Day fell on July 9 for Marylanders this year. Two years ago, Maryland’s Cost of Government Day was June 29, with Maryland ranked as the 29th most expensive government.

“It certainly seems like we’re going in the wrong direction,” said House Minority Leader George Edwards.

“We’re not getting the best bang for the buck along with trying to make sure we’re over-regulating ourselves,” said Delegate LeRoy Myers.

Edwards pointed out that the federal government has cut tax and Maryland hasn’t raised taxes except for some fees.

“The difference has to be in regulation. This state probably has one of the highest number of regulations of any state,” said Edwards.

The study measures the average burden of government spending, plus the cost of federal, state and local regulations. The report says that regulations act as hidden tax increases that make goods and services more expensive to consumers.

Myers believes that government needs to eliminate unneeded regulations or at least streamline them. He pointed to state car emissions testing, which is virtually unnecessary with modern cars. Many Marylanders pay $14 a year to have their car emissions tested. Myers said that this is essentially an unneeded hidden tax.

“We have to constantly be looking for better ways to do things,” said Myers.

Maryland taxpayers finished paying for government after 127 days (May 7) this year. Regulations cost another 63 days.

Myers said that he hopes that the new administration can reverse the trend to push the Cost of Government Day further and further out. The effects of Gov. Robert Ehrlich’s first budget will be seen in next year’s report.

“Bob Ehrlich has a clear message from the rank and file Republican Caucus: Be responsible with your spending,” said Myers.

Norquist said, “President Bush has passed three tax cuts in his first three years as president, but Americans still work through May to pay for government spending. Add to that burden the hidden cost of regulations ... and one thing is painfully clear. Americans are working far too much for government and not enough for themselves. It’s high time that politicians in Washington and Annapolis start standing up for taxpayers and consumers.”

Cost of Government Day studies have been published for the past 11 years. The study was designed to show the true cost of government at the state, local and federal levels.

James Rada can be reached at jrada@times-news.com.

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