Subject:

Comments:
: Democrats seek alternate funds for budget : ANNAPOLIS (AP) — House Democratic leaders yesterday challenged Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. to work with them to develop a revenue package — including slot machines and taxes — that they said is necessary to avoid crippling cutbacks in state services and local government aid. : "What we're trying to do is fund the budget. Slots do not fund the budget," said Delegate Sheila E. Hixson, Montgomery County Democrat. "You have to have another source of revenue." : With 12 days left in the session, there are no signs of a break in the stalemate over slot machines and taxes involving the governor, the Senate and the House. : Mrs. Hixson and other House leaders said Mr. Ehrlich, a Republican, needs to exercise more leadership to break that stalemate, which has stalled work on a state budget that is supposed to be completed by Monday. : The comments came at a news conference at which House leaders displayed a state budget book with a big hole drilled in it. They said the hole represents deficits of $1 billion or more the state faces in future years without new revenue sources. : ... : Mrs. Hixson, who said she does not know when her committee will vote on the slots bill, said it would have to be tied to a tax increase to pass the House. : "In our opinion, we need both," she said. : ...

Optional Link URL:
Link Title:
Optional Image URL: