Posts from — February 2011
‘Dime-a-drink’ will save lives, not kill jobs
February 24, 2011
The evidence is overwhelming: Increasing alcohol taxes is a win-win for the state. They raise needed revenues, and they reduce alcohol abuse and related problems, saving lives, reducing underage drinking and helping the people of Maryland lead safer and more productive lives.... Read more »
Maryland considers “dime a drink” alcohol tax
February 21, 2011
Special thanks to Ms. Virginia Richardson of Montgomery HealthCare Action and River Road Unitarian Universalist Church who was interviewed for this segment. Great work Virginia! You're a terrific advocate!... Read more »
At midpoint, where Md. legislative session is headed remains wide open
The Maryland Citizens' Health Initiative, run by proponents who successfully pushed for a doubling of Maryland's $1-per-pack cigarette tax four years ago, jump-started its campaign during the 2010 election season, coaxing dozens of first-time and incumbent lawmakers to sign pledges to use a "dime-a-drink" alcohol tax to restore recession-era cuts to drug- and alcohol-treatment and mental-health programs.... Read more »
Dime-a-Drink alcohol tax gets local support
February 17, 2011
"There are thousands of people disabled people waiting for supplies and services," Ken Capone, the public policy coordinator for People on the Go, told NBC Washington's Chris Gordon. "The dime a drink tax will help them."... Read more »
Supporters continue push for MD alcohol tax
Montgomery Count Executive Ike Leggett and Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker appeared with religious leaders and state senators from Prince George's and Baltimore city at St. Anne's Episcopal Church near the Maryland State House to speak out in favor of legislation to direct proceeds to health initiatives and caring for the developmentally disabled.... Read more »
The (occasional) virtues of nickel-and-diming
February 9, 2011
...despite my reflexive opposition to such small-change taxation, the new dime-per-drink tax and a proposed nickel-per-shopping-bag fee in Maryland are both good ideas... Read more »
Some support idea of increase in alcohol tax
February 8, 2011
The proposed Lorraine Sheehan Dime a Drink tax would pour $215 million into Maryland’s economy. David Wells, owner of The Wine Source in Hampden, is all for it.... Read more »
Alcohol tax advocates roll out supporters including wine store owner
February 7, 2011
David Wells, who owns The Wine Source in Baltimore, said...that he is "confident that this increase will not hurt my business...It is time for our industry to do its fair share to reduce the deaths and societal problems caused by the misuse of our product."... Read more »
The Wine Source Endorses the Alcohol Tax
“When a prominent wine seller endorses our proposal, no one can argue that it would be bad for the economy or jobs. We are confident that the General Assembly will agree with Mr. Wells and two thirds of Maryland voters who support this proposal and enact the life-saving legislation into law.”--Vincent DeMarco, President of the Maryland Citizens' Health Initiative Education Fund, Inc.... Read more »