West Virginia lawmaker targets Maryland businesses with letter promising lower taxes

BALTIMORE (WBFF) — A letter from an out-of-state lawmaker is circulating Maryland's business community, trying to lure companies out of the state.

Gary Collins with our Spotlight on Maryland team, tracked down the letter and its author, West Virginia Delegate and Chairman for economic development, Gary Howell.

In his corporate relocation recruitment letter, first released in April, Delegate Howell argues that West Virginia is more pro-business than Maryland, citing a better energy cost offered statewide and no implementation of the new 3% tech tax, both contentious topics among business owners in Maryland. The letter added that West Virginia is also more pro-business because of its recent efforts to continue to eliminate the state's personal income tax.

In a prior Zoom interview with Fox45 News, Republican Howell had a clear message for Maryland technology businesses: "We are open for business."

Baltimore County Delegate Kath Szeliga joined Fox45's Morning Show to offer her opinion on this tactic as a counterpart to Delegate Howell.

While other states try to attract Maryland businesses in response to tax increases, Szeliga considers what it will take for Maryland businesses to stay.

"In Maryland, taxes are stacked one upon another," says Szeliga. The Republican Delegate cited the rise of emissions and titling fees for businesses and a recent increase in gas, corporate, and income taxes.

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"When businesses see all these taxes stacking up, they're going to look other places, and I see West Virginia is taking advantage of that," she adds. Szeliga calls Howell's action a "logical outcome."

Szeliga said that she has spoken with large and small business owners alike within the last month and found that they share similar concerns for the future. With the prospective closing of two more power plants in Maryland, many businesses that are contingent on reliable energy costs are being forced to look elsewhere.

"My call to my colleagues in Annapolis is to stop the madness, stop raising taxes, and lower energy costs," Szeliga says.

Szeliga's stance leads into our question of the day at Fox45 News: Do you trust Gov. Moore's Economic plan? Head to our online survey to make your voice heard.

You can watch our full interview with Szeliga below: