March 12: Protest Planned Outside of Perry Hall Gas Stations

Americans for Prosperity has organized a protest against a proposed tax increase on gasoline.

By Emily Kimball
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March 11, 2011

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Tom Katzenberger (L), Michael Andrews (R) and six-year-old James Hussey show off their protest signs.

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Tom Katzenberger (L), Michael Andrews (R) and six-year-old James Hussey show off their protest signs.

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Protesters plan to demonstrate against a proposed gas tax increase Saturday outside the Shell and Gulf stations on the corners of Belair and Ebenezer Roads in Perry Hall.

The group of about 40 activists, organized by Americans for Prosperity, a grassroots conservative organization, opposes a bill that would increase the state motor fuel tax by at least 10 cents per gallon.

A similar protest was held last Saturday in Lutherville-Timonium.

If passed, an initial increase of 10 cents per gallon would take effect July 1. The tax could continue to rise by no more than one cent annually based on the construction cost index. Bill sponsors say the increase would help fund much-needed transportation projects throughout the state.

The current state gas tax—unchanged since 1992—is 23.5 cents per gallon. The federal gas tax is 18.4 cents per gallon.

Americans for Prosperity received permission from the gas station owners to gather on their property, said Steve Bailey, co-chair of the organization's Baltimore County chapter.

"They don't want the tax either," Bailey said.

He said the tax would not only raise the price of gas, but food and shipping costs as well.

But some disagree with the planned protest.

June Laffan, a Kingsville resident and former board member of the Northeast Democratic Club, called it a "reactionary" tactic from a "Tea Party group."

"This will be a protest that a lot of people will be at screaming and yelling," Laffan said. She added that she does not expect the Maryland state legislature to pass the gas tax increase by the end of the session.

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Mike C.

10:45 pm on Friday, March 11, 2011

Could someone explain to me what this person June Laffan means by her comment (a reactionary tactic from a Tea Party group).

DB

12:01 pm on Saturday, March 12, 2011

She is trying to paint them with same brush as those socialist terrorist union thugs in Wisconsin . Of course it will not work since Tea Party people follow the law, pick up their own trash and do not believe in taxing the working people to pay elitist government workers. Now all government workers do not have the sweetheart deal as those in Wisconsin so each case has to be examined separability but its been a while since I seen any government worker starving. For the real info on the public school teachers and their unions watch the Waiting For Superman movie or DVD, it will open your eyes to the corruption and inefficiency in some school districts.

Bonnie Mogavero

8:54 am on Saturday, March 12, 2011

This is another example of the "elected representatives" just not getting it. Gas prices are at an all time high, impacting seniors on fixed incomes, young people, and low wage earners, and people who live in rural areas. The gas tax is just another log on the fire to derail any economic recovery in this state. The trucking industry will be heavily impacted and a lot of independent drivers especially hit hard. This state cannot afford this tax.

Dennis Fay

10:18 am on Saturday, March 12, 2011

June Laffan seems like she a typical tax & spend Democrat. Instead of tacking on another tax to get things done, how about we stop wasting so much state money on Government programs that are run innefficiently, cut the golden parachutes that our "public servants" enjoy for life and other obnoxious spending practices.

Dona Meyers

1:29 pm on Saturday, March 12, 2011

Seriously !! Do these people have nothing else to do ?? As a mother of 4 who spends a large portion of her day burning gas I am as upset as the next person about the prices but c'mon what does this accomplish ? Nothing ... !!

Trish D

2:54 pm on Saturday, March 12, 2011

Dona - awareness! Most of the people don't even know how much tax they pay now on gas taxes, and when they hear that we are currently paying almost 42 cents per gallon their jaw drops, so what does this accomplish? - one more educated citizen makes a educated voter!
Gas tax is the most destructive, regressive tax you can implement. How do all of the goods get to the stores that you buy? Trucks. Now what is going to happen to the goods at the store if the trucks are paying more in gas tax? Go up. So all of us will be paying more at the pump and at the stores.

Dona Meyers

7:04 pm on Saturday, March 12, 2011

Ok and a bunch of people waving cardboard signs are going to accomplish what !! I don't agree with this type of activity , we have many other options to have our voices heard and frankly these people look ridiculous . Sorry , simply my opinion.

Tim

12:37 pm on Monday, March 14, 2011

I welcome gas price increases. Don't like it? Trade in your gas guzzlers, carpool with a co-worker, or do something else to reduce your carbon footprint in the world.

Inconvenient? Too bad. The higher gas prices go, the more people will begin dealing with the problem instead of crying about it. It all depends, to me, on how that tax money is used. Will it reduce the budget deficit? Will we be certain, absolutely certain, that the state will use it ONLY for that (and not some other O'Malley tax and spend endeavor)? Then bring it on.