ISSUE STATEMENTS
ENERGY
Maryland Businesses and families depend on an adequate supplies of reliable and affordable energy. Government intrusion into the marketplace ends up costing consumers more in the long run. Market forces that promote efficiency and conservation that strengthen the delivery of all types of energy resources should be encouraged. The aim of energy policy should be to promote:
-
adequate supplies of reliable and affordable energy;
-
energy efficiency, market based alternatives;
-
initiatives to strengthen energy infrastructure without adding cost to taxpayers; and
-
policies that assist U.S. companies to bring energy sources with reasonable environmental protectionto the global market.
HEALTH CARE
Maryland’s health care system is in need of reform. Major factors that drive Maryland’s high health care costs are due in part to a lack of competition among health care insurers and government imposed insurance mandates. In Maryland and throughout the country, the cost of health care is rapidly rising. As a result, many employers, especially small businesses, cannot afford to offer or have been forced to eliminate insurance coverage. It is estimated that many thousand Marylanders do not have health insurance. The business community and health care insurers must work together to get health care costs under control so that businesses are able to provide health care coverage to employees without sacrificing growth in jobs and capital investment.
LAWSUIT ABUSE
Each year, the cost of goods and services in Maryland increases because of frivolous lawsuits. Nationally, approximately $80 Billion is diverted from investments that could be used to create jobs. MDP2 supports legislation that preserves the rights of Marylanders to access the courts with legitimate grievances.
TRANSPORTATION
Investing in a balanced transportation system is critical to enhancing the quality of life in Maryland. Businesses and families cannot thrive without the ability to travel safely and efficiently. Whether moving products and services to customers or getting to where we need to be on time, our transportation network must be maintained and improved to provide reasonable mobility and reduce traffic congestion. A safe, convenient transportation network is fundamental to our economic growth and essential for keeping Maryland Families moving.
TAXES
Maryland Taxes must be competitive and focused on attracting and retaining private sector jobs and investment. Economic Growth, and not increased taxation, best meet government’s revenue needs. Taxes must not overburden Maryland families. Individuals and families should be able to keep most of their hard-earned money to meet their needs, not government’s!
