84

1

I think again this relates to home rule. How

2

much authority does the local government or unit have, and

3

it simply relates to an aspect of home rule, namely in the

4

area of finance.

5

Now, there has been some talk, particularly

6

of late, about the current urgency of the subject of a

7

new tax structure or form for the State of Maryland. The

8

now very well known Cooper-Hughes plan, which is very

9

much talked about, there has been some talk about being

10

able to levy income tax. Now, I am informed by some

11

persons who have been active in the Cooper Commission

12

study that there are some persons who believe that-

15

theoretically this is sound, to give this income tax

14

authority to the local government.

15

I think it is a good question, properly phrased,

16

and one that should be put to the Committee, and I think

17

the authority should be quite broad. Now, whether it

18

should be so broad as to leave the State without any con-

19

trol at all, I think I am not prepared to answer at this

20

time. I think I really have said what I can say about

21

question 9 already, with respect to home rule powers.