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Here’s how lawmakers should balance the state budget
There have been many articles in The Baltimore Sun about Maryland’s $3 billion state budget deficit (“Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s proposed budget shifts $144M costs to counties ‘feeling the pressure,'” Jan. 28). It should be said that state legislators were warned about future state budget deficits a year ago. They increased a few fees but mostly kicked the can down the road and should have raised taxes or cut more spending last year. We would be in a better position now.
First, lawmakers should scrutinize all state spending and cut spending that is not cost effective. Second, if we have a deficit, why should we cut taxes on some people as is being proposed? This only requires us to raise taxes and cut spending even more. And will $200 or so less in taxes really help anyone?
We should have a great education system. It’s the best economic development strategy. We need to pay for it. However, maybe we need to slow down the implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. And teachers spending only 60% of their time teaching seems very low to me. Something closer to 80% of their time seems more reasonable.
We should think twice about cutting programs for the poor and disabled. On the contrary, we are almost certainly not doing enough for those who are less fortunate.
If after doing the things above we still have a deficit, we should raise taxes on those making more than $250,000 a year, especially those making more than $500,000. Our income tax system is not progressive enough. If a few wealthy people leave the state because of it, so be it.
— David Bosser, Catonsville
Maryland trucking on the road to a greener future
The trucking industry is a cornerstone of the global economy, moving goods that sustain our businesses and communities. It’s a large part of the reason I launched my business Capital Logistics in 2018. However, it’s no secret that transportation has a significant environmental footprint. In fact, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, the trucking sector alone contributes nearly 29% of total greenhouse gas emissions across the United States with medium- and heavy-duty trucks contributing up to 23% of those emissions. At Capital Logistics, we are taking the challenge and responsibility to mitigate this impact.
This coming year, we are expanding our fleet to include the state’s first Class 8 zero-emissions electric vehicles. These EVs will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and demonstrate that sustainable options can also be efficient and cost-effective. We’re actively collaborating with manufacturers and government programs to ensure a seamless transition to this greener fleet (“Trump order on EVs targets Maryland programs. Experts say parts might not stick.” Jan. 27).
With this transition, comes the need for one of our most ambitious initiatives for the coming year — the development of an EV charging station and microgrid. Working with regulatory authorities, we are aiming to break ground on a commercial EV charging station over the next year, paving the way for a more environmentally friendly and efficient transportation ecosystem. With this development, medium- and heavy-duty EVs are a possibility across the industry, supporting Maryland’s sustainable transportation priorities and its climate pollution reduction plan.
We also feel that change begins with people. That’s why we’re also investing in training programs to equip our drivers — and our future drivers — with the knowledge and tools to adopt greener practices. From eco-driving techniques to maintaining EVs to on the road experience, our team is at the heart of our sustainability journey.
We know that transforming the transportation industry requires collaboration. That’s why we’re proud to partner with industry peers, government agencies and environmental organizations to drive innovation and set new standards for sustainability in Maryland. By working together, we can create a ripple effect that benefits the entire logistics ecosystem.
At Capital Logistics, we’re not just moving goods. We’re moving toward a more sustainable future. Together, let’s make this the year we turn the tide for our planet and pave the way for generations to come.
— Gloria Baldwin, Baltimore
The writer is president and CEO of Capital Logistics, a Baltimore-based trucking company.
Editor’s note
The Baltimore Sun is seeking nominations for its 10th annual Business and Civic Hall of Fame, recognizing individuals who’ve fostered transformational change in the Baltimore region. Email nominations by Feb.10 to talkback@baltimoresun.com with a brief description of the nominee’s accomplishments and background. We will announce the 2025 inductees in March, and honor them with an event and special newspaper section in June.