Maryland Business for Responsive Government MBRG Maryland Business for Responsive Government 176 Conduit Street, Suite 205 Annapolis, MD 21401 www.mbrg.org Redefining “Business” in Maryland There’s a revolution going on with serious implications in to name just a few. Whether in Maryland, and it’s not even both the long and short term for State exploration of the offshore quiet anymore. our state’s economic future. wind power industry on Maryland’s coast is quixotic Technology companies, remains to be seen, but it means cybersecurity companies and “There's an axiom in an estimated $1.50 per month other select special commercial business: Define yourself increase to the average interests declared 2013 to be a residential energy bill and a victorious legislative session or someone else will.” 1.5% annual increase to for business. For them, it meant commercial customers’ energy more government investment in bills to fund the program (HB their industries, which breeds In One Corner 226). more innovation and more jobs, as the argument goes. The General Assembly seemed And, with the support of some to offset historic state-focused in the business community, the But to other businesses in cost of living increases in the 2013 session of the Maryland Maryland, 2013 meant higher income, sales, corporate, General Assembly also brought taxes, more overburdensome alcohol and tobacco taxes from substantial, fundamental change regulations, fewer employees previous sessions by enacting to Maryland’s excise tax and a bigger bottom-line funding for select tax credits for structure. The gas tax struggle to remain a going industries such as cybersecurity legislation linked increases in concern. (HB 803), biotechnology (SB the state excise tax on gasoline 779/HB 328), film production to the sales tax, and tied future It’s a deep divide in the ($7.5 million to $25 million, SB increases to the Consumer Price underpinning of Maryland’s 183) wine (HB 1017), and Index-Urban. economic development climate, oyster shell recycling (Continued on page 21) (SB484/HB184), 2 Maryland Business for Responsive Government “Anything Worth Doing is Worth Measuring.” In Memory of Richard E. Hug, January 11, 1935-May 4, 2013 By Ellen R. Sauerbrey, Co-Chairman MBRG Commerce, Maryland Business for Responsive Government, and MBRG’s former Chairman Richard E. “Dick” Hug used Leadership Maryland. He was to say “anything worth doing is worth measuring” and equally well-known for his measure we do. With the unabashed support of business leadership and civic involvement in leaders like Dick for almost three decades, MBRG has the National Aquarium in Baltimore, the Baltimore been devoted to measuring legislator’s votes on jobs and Symphony Orchestra, Kennedy Krieger Institute, United issues affecting Maryland’s economic development Way of Central Maryland, AAA, and the Duke University climate through Roll Call. School of the Environment. Dick also served as a Regent on the University System of Maryland Board, and led The 2013 issue of Roll Call is dedicated to Dick Hug, who numerous area fund drives including those benefiting the passed away May 4, 2013. Dick was a successful National Aquarium in Baltimore, the United Way and the entrepreneur and a tireless champion of free enterprise. A University of Maryland Medical System. generous supporter of countless philanthropic and political causes, he served on many boards and led many A private and humble man, Dick quietly helped and fundraising drives benefiting Maryland institutions. and mentored many young entrepreneurs as well as floundering pro-business candidates. young people whose lives he changed. He was incurably upbeat and optimistic. His death leaves a huge void in Dedicated to improving the Maryland business climate, economic, civic and political leadership in Maryland. Dick served as Chairman of the Maryland Chamber of A Message to our Legislators Before introducing or voting on legislation, we encourage legislators to consider the following questions: 1. Will the legislation increase or decrease the cost of 4. Will the legislation encourage or discourage doing business for companies in Maryland? If the individuals and businesses from investing and answer is increase, will the added costs of the building? legislation and subsequent regulations exceed the added benefit to Maryland’s residents? 5. Will the legislation promote or impede the competitive market by removing or imposing legal, 2. Will the legislation and subsequent regulations be economic and/or regulatory burdens, taxes, or costs? more or less stringent than, or contradictory to, federal law and regulations; or will it give Maryland a 6. Is there another way to solve the problem or competitive advantage or disadvantage with other address the issue without legislation; or is there states? existing legislation addressing the matter? 3. Will the legislation encourage or discourage 7. Will introducing the bill send a positive or negative companies from adding new jobs or keeping current message about Maryland’s business climate? jobs in Maryland? 2 Maryland Business for Responsive Government The Meaning of “Business Friendly” The following are elements of a positive business climate that have been identified by MBRG business leaders. MBRG urges Maryland’s elected and appointed officials to strive for a balanced public policy approach that includes the consideration of the impact of new laws and regulations on the state’s business climate. The following attributes of “business friendly” public policy would have significant, measurable, and positive impact on all citizens in the state. Fiscal Responsibility • A budget process that limits new spending and prohibits • A workers compensation, unemployment, and unfunded mandates that inevitably result in new taxes, fees or health insurance system that yields benefits consistent with surcharges. the reasonable needs of the beneficiary. • A tax structure that is focused on attracting and retaining • A labor environment that allows every worker free choice private jobs and investment in Maryland. concerning union affiliation. • A stable, consistent investment program to maintain and upgrade critical infrastructure and education needs. Civil Liability and Business Law Regulations • A predictable, consistent legal system that treats all parties and resolves all disputes in civil actions fairly, efficiently and • A regulatory process that does not interfere with the free within reasonable time periods. market’s economic forces and upholds existing contracts to give businesses and institutions the confidence to continue • A system of clearly written statutory and common laws that bringing jobs and investment to Maryland. protects businesses and other defendants from frivolous or unwarranted lawsuits, imposes reasonable limits and • A regulatory framework that is fair, clear, and updated to standards for the award of damages for liability, and take advantage of changes in technology and market forces. encourages investment and economic and job growth. • A regulatory structure that does not exceed federal standards and ensures that the costs of rules and regulations - which are Social Responsibility always passed on to the public - are justifiable and consistent with public benefit. • A business climate that promotes a strong commitment to corporate and social responsibility, including charitable Employer - Employee Relations contributions, volunteer initiatives and other activities to advance development of Maryland and its communities. • A market based wage and benefit structure that reflects changes in the U.S. economy and ensures that all workers are compensated based on performance and value in the marketplace. A Word About MBRG MBRG’s purpose is to inform Maryland’s business community, elected officials, and the general public about the political and economic environment needed to foster economic development and job creation in Maryland. Annual evaluations of the voting records of Maryland’s state and federal legislators enable MBRG and its members to hold politicians accountable for the state’s economic well-being like no other organization. MBRG is a statewide, nonpartisan political research and education organization supported by corporations, trade associations, chambers of commerce, and individuals. 3 Maryland Business for Responsive Government How the Votes are Selected o determine an accurate picture of the Maryland legislature's attitudes toward business, jobs, economic growth, and investment in the state, MBRG’s 30-member State Advisory Council selects recorded votes from the last T regular and special General Assembly sessions that have practical or philosophical importance to the widest possible range of Maryland businesses, trade associations, and chambers of commerce. In order to arrive at the most accurate measure of the legislature’s position on business matters, we include votes from different stages of the legislative process: final (third reader), committee, votes on amendments and critical motions, and votes on gubernatorial nominations. We may at times omit a particular piece of legislation due to lack of strong consensus in the business community. Although this evaluation process summarizes a legislative system that involves weeks of debate, amendment, and compromise, voting records remain the best indicators of a legislator’s inclination. MBRG neither gives pass/fail scores nor expressly or implicitly endorses or rejects any incumbent on the basis of certain selected votes. A complete evaluation