Maryland Public Policy Institute President Christopher B. Summers released the following statement in response to Governor Hogan’s State of the State address:

“The new ideas, bold vision and much needed reforms that Gov.  Hogan has laid out in his State of the State address are exactly what is needed at this time. It will improve our economic competitiveness in the region, and put Maryland on a path to fiscal sustainability that will encourage entrepreneurship, investment, and increase employment rates statewide.”

Maryland Public Policy Institute Visiting Fellow Jeff Hooke on pension reform:

“We applaud the Governor's call for fresh innovative ideas to make the government more efficient. We therefore reiterate our innovative proposal to index the state pension fund's investment portfolio. This will result in a reduction of fees paid to Wall Street money managers of $250 million yearly with no loss of investment income.”

Maryland Public Policy Institute Visiting Fellow John Walters on the “rain tax:”

“Gov. Hogan is right to question the ‘rain tax.’ Since wastewater fees were doubled in 2013, the state collects about $110 million each year--the same amount the rain tax is supposed to generate annually. However, the previous Administration transferred $290 million from the Bay Restoration Fund and used it to plug holes in the General Fund. Maintaining the rain tax as it stands would simply encourage further plundering and mismanagement at the expense of the Chesapeake Bay.”

Maryland Public Policy Institute Policy Analyst Nick Zaiac on regulations:

“Gov. Hogan’s speech gives hope for comprehensive regulatory reform in Maryland. Removing the most burdensome, low-value regulations in the state would help both small business owners and the state’s economy as a whole.”

Maryland Public Policy Institute Visiting Fellow Marta Mossburg on education:

“I applaud Gov. Hogan for supporting more public and private school choice this year. Expanding public charter school opportunities and making it easier for businesses to contribute to public and private schools means more children and communities will thrive. Every child, no matter their background, should have access to a great school. The Governor’s legislation will accelerate that process in Maryland and make it easier for children throughout the state to reach their potential.”

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