(ROCKVILLE, MD) – April 2, 2008 – Tech Council of Maryland CEO Julie Coons welcomed today's news that the Maryland Senate Budget and Taxation Committee has voted on a bill to repeal the six percent tax on computer services.
As head of the state's largest trade association representing the IT, Biotech and Services Provider industries, Coons said the committee's action represents a significant step toward resolving the contentious tax, which has emerged as the defining issue of this year's legislative session.
"On behalf of the Tech Council's more than 500 members, I want to thank Chairman Currie and the members of the Budget and Taxation Committee for working diligently to find a solution. This is very important to Maryland's economy," said Ms. Coons. "As the measure moves through the Senate and to the House of Delegates, we will continue to work aggressively to protect the future of Maryland's technology jobs, as well as the interests of all businesses and organizations that rely on computer services."
TCM has been the leading proponent for repeal of computer services sales tax since its passage in the fall of 2007. As a founding member of the Fight the Tech Tax Coalition, they have organized anti-tech tax rallies attended by hundreds of computer services professionals from throughout the state. TCM's volunteer leadership has been a tireless advocate in Annapolis by organizing rallies, lobbying lawmakers, testifying at legislative hearings, reaching out to the media and organizing Maryland's IT community through a high tech grassroots campaign.
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ABOUT THE TECH COUNCIL OF MARYLAND, INC.
The Tech Council of Maryland (TCM) is the largest technology trade group serving the advanced technology and biotechnology communities of Maryland. TCM's mission is to advocate for the interests of the technology community, further the role of technology in the Maryland economy, and nurture an environment where technology companies can collaborate, grow and succeed. For more information, visit www.techcouncilmd.com.