Baltimore County delegate proposes bill to combat tax and fee hikes

Baltimore (WBFF) — Critics have been wary of Governor Wes Moore's spending--as the state faces a $1.1 billion budget deficit by the end of the decade. One lawmaker is working now to make sure the cost isn't passed on to Marylanders--without legislative approval.

Delegate Nino Mangione took his first step toward a major move and colossal change at a hearing with the Ways and Means Committee. The republican from Baltimore County was in Annapolis Thursday introducing House Bill 484--titled the "Taxpayer Disclosure and Protection Act."

It's a bill that would require legislative approval for any state tax or fee increase.

Mangione's motivation...simple: "Well, it's to protect the taxpayer," he said.

Later, the delegate was in his office for a virtual interview with Fox45 News with more on the proposed legislation.

"This isn't some fantasyland type bill that says you can't raise taxes. That's not what this says. This bill allows for tax increases, it allows for fee increases, but if you're going to increase those taxes or fees, you have to vote--and it cannot be done basically through bureaucracy," said Mangione.

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As in the case, he says, with the Maryland gas tax--which is tied to inflation and is automatically increased without a vote from legislators.

"Number one, it's about transparency," said Mangione.

Mangione's move comes as lawmakers returned to Annapolis with Maryland facing a $761 million shortfall.

Last month, Gov. Moore released his $63.1 billion spending plan--a budget that contains no tax increases.

Still, for Mangione, there's doubt when thinking about how the budget will be paid for without raising taxes.

"I believe the governor, I'll take him at his word. But we're still facing serious deficits and we have to figure out how we're going to address them," said Mangione.

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But for now, there's the push to get the bill passed.

"I think the most important part about this is that it's actually a constitutional amendment. It will be brought to the people to decide yes or no here. And I bet you that the people of Maryland will overwhelmingly support government transparency when it comes to who raises their taxes and fees," said Mangione.

The bill moves now to two more readings in the House of Delegates before moving to the Senate for consideration. A passing vote from both chambers must happen before the bill becomes law.