ROCKVILLE, MD (February 13, 2015) — The Maryland Public Policy Institute today weighed in on the business climate report issued yesterday the Maryland Economic Development and Business Climate Commission, commonly known as the Augustine Commission.

“We are grateful for the hard work of the volunteer members of this commission, who represent some of the best and brightest business minds in Maryland,” said Christopher B. Summers, president of the Institute. “We are heartened that Democrats, Republicans, and Independents acknowledge the need to improve the business climate in our state. We fully agree with the commission’s belief that a change in culture within government agencies is just as important as any change in policy.

“Unfortunately, the report falls short of being a truly comprehensive set of solutions. Any plan to improve Maryland’s business climate is incomplete without broad reforms to Maryland’s punitive tax structure. The commission has said it will not address tax policy until later this year. Furthermore, a real blueprint for lasting economic growth includes streamlining state government, not adding new layers to government. We look forward to seeing the commission’s tax structure recommendations when they are made available later this year,” Summers continued.

The commission was established by Delegate Michael Busch, Speaker of the House and State Senator Thomas V. “Mike” Miller, President of Maryland state Senate.

About the Maryland Public Policy Institute: Founded in 2001, the Maryland Public Policy Institute is a nonpartisan public policy research and education organization that focuses on state policy issues. The Institute’s mission is to formulate and promote public policies at all levels of government based on principles of free enterprise, limited government, and civil society. Learn more at www.mdpolicy.org.

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