Governor Moore recently visited three fast-growing South Carolina businesses in what his office described as a key component of his economic growth agenda: Engaging with thriving businesses outside of Maryland to get them to think about expanding here. Moore and Republicans agree that part of Maryland’s poor budget situation this year was due to years of government spending increases and other policy decisions that undermined economic growth in the state. Visiting an auto manufacturer, a pharmaceutical company and a defense contractor during an otherwise political trip to the south was part of a larger effort to change that reality.
Walking the line: Moore’s critics in Maryland have said his approach has both helped and hurt the state’s chances at winning over new and existing businesses. We at the Maryland Chamber praise the governor’s steps to attract businesses, but his support for the 3 percent tax on data and technology services, for example, undermines that effort.
