Whiteley: Budget and Taxation Committee Votes Unfavorably on Right to Record Bill

From Roy Whiteley, Founder, Marylanders For Fair Property Taxation:

Unbelievably, after passing this bill out of committee last year and then passing the full Senate last year 46 to 0, the Budget and Taxation Committee this year voted unfavorably on the same bill!!!! Chairman Edward J. Kasemeyer sent Senator Glassman and us the following explanatory letter.

“Dear Senator Glassman and Mr. Whiteley

It is the committee’s understanding that legislation is not necessary to allow citizens to record assessment appeals hearings. The department testified before the committee that all local appeal boards would be notified in writing that the Right to Record policy to allow taxpayers to record their hearings has always been in place and cannot be denied. The department assured the committee that all local appeal boards would be sent letters reaffirming the Right to Record policy.

Based on this testimony of the department, the committee voted unfavorably on Senate Bill 86 with the understanding that steps have already been taken to clarify the Right to Record policy. If you find that problems arise again, please don’t hesitate to introduce another bill for the committee to consider. Sincerely, Edward J. Kasemeyer, Chairman”

The testimony by Craig Biggs, SDAT lobbyist and Kent Finkelsen, PTAAB Administrator, was replete with lies (repeated here in the letter) that the committee unfortunately bought hook, line, and sinker. We were denied the time to refute their testimony but did so by the attached letters. IF you were ever denied the right to record or just wish to express your opinion on this matter we encourage you to contact the committee members and your respective legislators.

Thank You. Roy Whiteley, Founder