Del. Szeliga: “As Your Next United States Senator, You Can Count on Me as I Work to Change Washington”

From Del. Kathy Szeliga:

Maryland’s State of the State – #SOTS2016

What a difference a year makes! Wednesday, Governor Larry Hogan gave his second State of the State address. I was honored to escort Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford to the floor and have a front row seat to listen as Governor Hogan delivered his speech.

“The State of the State is strong and getting stronger,” proclaimed the Governor. He went on to talk about the record level commitment to education, tax, toll, and fee reductions and renewed funding for our local roads and highways. The tone of Governor Hogan’s remarks were optimistic as he called for bipartisan, common-sense solutions to the problems and issues facing Maryland.

Together, we can continue to change Maryland. I’m proud and humbled to serve in House Leadership as we work together to advance Governor Hogan’s agenda and make Maryland a better place to live, work, and raise a family.

These are the same ideas we need in Washington; fiscal restraint, business based budgeting, continued commitment to education and working together to solve the problems facing our nation. As your next United States Senator, you can count on me as I work to change Washington.

End the Marriage Penalty – an unfair tax on working women

I have introduced HB 315, Income Tax – Elimination of the Marriage Penalty

When the previous governor raised income taxes, he perpetuated the penalty for married couples. A married couple pays more taxes proportionally than a single person. In the most popular tax bracket, single people can make up to $100,000 per year, while married couples can make up to a combined $150,000 per year before entering a higher tax bracket. If a single is at $100,000, a married couple should be at $200,000 – that’s only fair. Additionally, the personal exemption for single taxpayers is as much as twice as high as that for married people.

This amounts to a tax on working women. Obviously, two income families earn more. My proposal will make the tax rate fair and equal for singles and married couples.

Research and common sense prove that marriage is good for society and families. According to The Brookings Institute, “Evidence shows … marriage is clearly the best path to stability – it is the strongest predictor of economically stable, two-parent families.” If anything, our tax code should encourage marriage and give tax incentives for people to be married.

Establishing a fair and simpler tax code is important. Ending the marriage penalty is one small step towards the total overhaul and simplification we need on federal and state income taxes.

Great to See Governor Ehrlich Too!

There were many dignitaries at the State of the State. It was great to see Governor Bob Ehrlich there, along with my good friend, Congresswoman Helen Bentley. We are so glad that Governor Bob Ehrlich is still involved and cares about Changing Maryland with Governor Larry Hogan!

I’m working hard for you and your family! Thank you for your help, support and your prayers.

Kathy