Like many things involving statistics, the information you get depends on who is compiling the information, and how. It is true that our State Income tax rate seems low when looking at charts, but the Tax Foundation lists Maryland as having the country's fourth highest combined tax burden (state, local, sales, and property, along with fees). It is true that our income tax as a share of income ranks us in the best third, but that is because Maryland has relatively high incomes compared to many southern and western states (although low compared to NY, NY, Conn, and other Northern States.) Maryland also has been named by SBA as having the 21st best state for business as far as taxes--which puts us in about the middle. I do agree that the theory that millionaires are leaving in droves is probably anecdotal and not true--people pick a state for other reasons than the tax burden and there is a lot to love about living here. And it is true that Maryland has an excellent bond rating because of its finances. But I think that Mr. O'Malley's claims that Maryland is somehow a "low" tax state are disingenuous.

And I question how Marylanders can pay the "third lowest" state and local taxes (even as a share of income) when 7 states do not tax personal income at all?

@Kathy very well written

Again O'Malley blames everyone other than who he should blame.

MOM obviously took Statistics 101 during his college days as one of the famous (or not) readings is entitled "How to lie with Statistics". He must have a good sense of recall! Whether the number of millionaires in the state has increased or not does not negate that some have likely left the state while others joined millionaire status. Such nonsense about Obama job creation-when in the Bush years unemployment was low and productivity high, one might not expect a high degree of job growth. Just like the BLS unemployment figures, you can massage the statistics to rationalize against opposing points of view. This democrat does not believe anything that comes out of the mouth of MOM. Three cheers for the WSJ.

Mr. O'Malley I did not see this in your letter. You run one of the highest taxed states in the country, or did you forget that?

http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2012-01-20/news/bs-ed-maryland-taxes-letter-20120120_1_wrong-path-o-malley-maryland

Amazing how you want to run the WH and can't balance your on darn budget. The state deficit is $1.1 trillion and that ain't no chump change.

You had better hope there is a ton of taxpayer funds to dole out in entitlements if you ever get the chance to step on the main stage, cause your gonna need em! (sic)

Want and Needs are two issues,
We the people are in need.
as political get what they want.
Prosperity is a "want"
Reality is a "need" Jobs are a needed for Prosperity
At this time in history the politicians should Think, It is times like this when a citizen goes to the store see's what he wants but only buy what is needed maybe a simple thought process is needed

$10 million in sustainable communities tax credits to promote urban redevelopment and create job, $15 million for the Maryland Economic Development Assistance Fund to help stimulate business growth and economic development, which is a 25 percent increase? I guess 21229 Arbutus will never see it; I haven't seen my tax dollars at work except bare essentials. Being in small an area with a city zip hurts us. Somebody must be confused because we share zip code with the city instead of Baltimore county, Arbutus 21227 could use some too. Unless some one in office wants there neighborhood developed so the house appraised higher and letting old middle class housing go down . Also its been three years since Bush cant blame him anymore That's getting old "Yawn" . Numbers can be manipulated to suit the user.

Let us also remember that the doomsday budget with the 500 Million shortage was for the lack of spending INCREASES!!! We need decreased spending. All O'Malley knows is how to spend and spend more. Real change is needed as Arbutus Town Crier is stating. Stop special interest, stop gov't overrun, stop giving out the American Dream to non Americans, focus on families, and provide real jobs in the private section, and get gov't off our each part of our life. We are intelligent and able people and do not need Big Brother telling me what size soda I can get at McDonald's!!!!

USA Forever, I'm not going to defend O'Malley on spending,, because I've only lived here since 2006, and therefore have very little basis for comparison between him and other MD governors. I'm also still learning MD's fiscal authority balances of legislature vs. governor, state vs. municipal vs. county, etc. But I've seen an awful lot of examples of O'Malley's efforts to cut spending in many areas, not just to increase it. Some of that spending he's pushed has been not only justifiable, but long overdue, such as the ICC and the possible metro extensions studies. Did Ehrlich ever really push for big cuts? I don't honestly know, but it sure seems he left an enormous deficit that was downright suffocating once the economic downturn real estate bubble pop killedincome and property tax revenues.

Say, what's this talk of giving jobs to the private sector? You do realize that is both a spending increase and government augmentation, right?

BOH, I have been in Maryland since 1999. I have YET to see a fiscal conservative as governor. I have seen Glendenning (sp), Elrlich, and now O'Malley. None have overwhelming, but the governor can only do what the house and senate allow. Guess who in charge....Democrats and have for 70 years (Ok that is a guess :-)!!!). All I am asking is to tighten our belts and actually reduce spending. O'Malley is my opinion has NEVER actually cut spending. It is all accounting tricks and gimmicks. Allowing capitalism and the free market is the only way to get out of the mess we are in. The day of gov't hand outs, bail outs, and control need to stop. Jobs need to come from the private sector and not government to make a long lasting impact.