Tax-increase discussions under way
The Maryland Chamber of Commerce has called on the General Assembly to tap economists and accountants to undertake a comprehensive study of the state’s tax structure. Kathleen T. Snyder, the chamber’s president, said that if Maryland’s system is “out of whack” compared with other states, then the legislature could end up driving businesses away.

State senator goes after executive pay
“We’re opposed,” said Karen Syrylo, tax consultant to the chamber. Pinsky has “heard us say before that America is free enterprise system, and government has no role inserting themselves in these kinds of decisions.

Transportation work group recommends tax increases
Many of the O’Malley transition reports highlight the need for more staff or funds, but the one on transportation emphasizes that “the inadequacy of funding” is the “single issue that dominates the discussion.”

Howard chamber opposes caps on Columbia projects
Members of the Howard County Chamber of Commerce have come out in opposition to a pair of zoning changes aimed at placing height restrictions on new projects in downtown Columbia, contending the bills are designed to counteract the county’s own approval process.

O’Malley Promotes Labor’s Priorities
O’Malley’s actions have prompted some lawmakers to conclude that he is paying back organizations that poured hundreds of hours of volunteer work and hundreds of thousands of dollars into his election last year. Although the number of households represented by unions has fallen in recent years, organized labor remains a potent force in state and national politics.

Senate passes ‘clean car’ bill
Automakers and car dealers have fought the legislation and urged lawmakers to delay a vote to enable further study. Some say the added costs will discourage sales, hurt customers and do nothing to stop global warming.