TAXATION AND FINANCE

The subject of taxation and finance was of primary interest
to Governor Tawes. He regarded the fiscal role as a major
responsibility of the governor. His experience in state and
local financial affairs included eight years as Clerk of Court,
three years as State Bank Commissioner, and seventeen years
as State Comptroller. As a result he developed a knowledge
of finance and tax administration equalled by few public
officials.

The Governor was a firm believer in sound financial policy
and long-range planning. The maintenance of a comfortable
surplus and wise spending were central in his philosophy of
managing state funds.

The key to his fiscal program was evident in the budget
message of 1962-63 when he stated, "I set a goal at the
beginning of this term not to raise taxes for state admin-
istrative purposes during the four years. And now as we
approach the end of the term it is most gratifying to me
to be able to repeat that this goal has been attained. "

REMARKS ON THE 1959-60 BUDGET
January 27, 1959

Today I presented to the Maryland General Assembly my budgetary
program for the fiscal year which begins next July 1. Generally speak-
ing, it is a program which provides for the continuation and improve-
ment of essential State services without an increase in taxes.

The budget I submitted calls for strict economy in the operation of
our State Government. But as I see it, it is not an austerity budget.
No service that I know of is impaired or seriously curtailed. A number
of them are strengthened and improved.

Appropriations have been increased for education, public health,
mental hygiene, public welfare, law enforcement and for the operation
of our correctional institutions, to name only a few. The fiscal plan
I have offered calls for an appropriation of $447, 000, 000 in general,
special and federal funds, which is $48, 000, 000 more than the appro-
priations for the current year.

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