Furniture Today,
Stores say proposed 20% increase will drive consumers to out-of-state competitors

BALTIMORE — More than 25 Maryland furniture retailers have launched a public campaign against a proposed state sales tax increase, according to a story on the Baltimore Examiner Web site.


The state, facing a budget deficit, is considering raising the sales tax from 5% to 6%, a 20% increase. The retail group ran a full-page ad opposing the move in Monday’s Examiner.

Retailers argue that Maryland businesses will lose customers to out-of-state stores that have lower or no sales taxes. The Examiner quoted Pasadena Furniture owner Ray Kenney as saying, “We compete vigorously against out-of-state firms. We’re pleading for our survival.”