Yesterday, I put on my “CPA hat” and had the pleasure of visiting the Maryland General Assembly to advocate with our State legislators for a positive regulatory and tax environment for accountants and the small businesses and individuals we serve.

And I had a wonderful experience meeting another CPA from District 21 who lives right here in Laurel! – Maxene Bardwell. Not only is she President-Elect for the Maryland Association of CPAs, she also volunteers as a member of the Laurel Ethics Commission. We have so many talented and giving members of the Laurel community who are making a difference across our state and meeting Ms. Bardwell was such a great testament to that!

We had an opportunity to sit down with the offices of Delegate Joseline Pena-Melnyk and Delegate Mary Lehman. And while Delegate Benjamin Barnes and Senator James Rosapepe weren’t available at the time we stopped by, we were able to share with them many of the key issues identified by the Association.

As I shared in last week’s City Council Meeting, this year’s Maryland legislative session will have a number of important things that will affect citizens across the state and I encourage residents to stay tuned in to Annapolis this year – For example, Governor Moore introduced his proposed budget on Wednesday and there are significant changes to the income tax rates and fees for Marylanders. Some of them will help middle- and low-income residents (like a small reduction in income tax rates) and others cost more (like increasing emission test from $14 to $30 and a $0.75 charge on online delivery orders). Nothing is passed yet as the budget must be approved by both houses in Annapolis, but as plans unfold, it’s a good idea to let your voice be heard by staying in touch with our District 21 representatives.

Thank you again Maxene for our great conversation as we tromped up and down the halls of the House and Senate buildings, it made for a great morning! :)