ROCKVILLE, MD  (February 3, 2016) — The Maryland Public Policy Institute today praised the “bold new path” Maryland Governor Larry Hogan outlined in his second State of the State address.  Governor Hogan stressed the need for a bipartisan effort to strengthen Baltimore, deliver regulatory reform and targeted tax relief and to spark broader economic prosperity statewide. 

“Governor Hogan’s speech was a sorely needed reminder that the best way to tackle Maryland’s challenges is through broad-based economic opportunity for all - not higher taxes and bigger government,” said Christopher B. Summers, president of the Institute. “We are heartened that both Democrats and Republicans are receptive to targeted tax relief and we encourage policymakers to extend this bipartisan consensus to the issues of regulatory reform, educational choice and debt reduction.  If they do, the biggest winners will be the everyday citizens and small businesses that serve as the engine of the Maryland economy.”   

“Nowhere is broad-based economic growth needed more than in the City of Baltimore, where residents have waited far too long for a bipartisan commitment to real change,” said Louis Miserendino, visiting fellow at the Institute.  “As Governor Hogan stated in his speech, trust between citizens, elected officials, law enforcement and businesses may be the most important catalyst to economic renewal in Baltimore.”

“The governor’s speech also highlights his work to bring basic, common sense regulatory reform to Maryland,” said policy analyst Nick Zaiac. “It gives hope to those seeking to revitalize the state’s business climate after years of over-regulation.”

About the Maryland Public Policy Institute: Founded in 2001, the Maryland Public Policy Institute is a nonpartisan public policy research and education organization that focuses on state policy issues. The Institute’s mission is to formulate and promote public policies at all levels of government based on principles of free enterprise, limited government, and civil society.  Learn more at mdpolicy.org.

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