Haddaway Opposes Gas Tax Increase

In this fiscal climate, you would think that taxes would be the furthest thing from legislators minds. Unfortunately, it is quite the opposite. Legislators are seeking to increase the gas tax,
the income tax and the alcohol tax through an initiative they call "Maryland First" and the Governor has even proposed an assessment on hospitals and nursing homes.


Many of you have asked about my position on these issues. Please know that I am strongly opposed to raising any taxes. With that in mind, last week I helped present the Republican Caucus alternative budget which clearly demonstrates that we can solve Maryland's fiscal problems without raising taxes but by slowing government spending instead. I am also encouraging my constituents to visit a new web site - http://www.stopthegastax.com/ - to get more information and to make your voice be heard.

As a small business owner and as your representative, I truly understand how devastating these tax increases would be for our citizens. With that in mind, I will continue to fight these proposals and will continue to keep you updated.

Haddaway, House GOP Present Alternate Budget

Last night, Republicans in the Maryland House of Delegates presented a budget plan to the House Appropriations Committee.  Delegate Tony O’Donnell, the House Minority Leader, and Delegate Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio, the House Minority Whip, presented the plan which slows spending, eliminates the state’s structural deficit and allows for a gradual repeal of the sales tax and corporate income tax increases from 2007.

By contrast, last week a group of Democratic Senators introduced their ‘Maryland First’ initiative which would increase Maryland taxes by $827 million.

“There are two options on the table this year for resolving the state’s budget problems,” House Minority Whip Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio said. “One option is to increase taxes. We prefer the fiscally responsible option which is to stop spending. Maryland’s citizens and small businesses cannot afford a hike in taxes right now - especially the gas tax and the income tax. My constituents have made it clear they want real leadership not credit card government. In my mind, there is no better way to stimulate the economy than to allow Maryland taxpayers to keep more of their hard-earned money.”

Visit the following link for the full plan:

http://marylandhousegop.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/house-republican-caucus-fiscal-vision-for-maryland-2012.pdf

Haddaway-Riccio to Give State of the State Response

Delegate Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio has been selected to give the Republican response to the Governor’s State of the State address on Thursday, February 3, 2011. The Governor's speech, which he will deliver at noon, will air on Maryland Public Television (MPT). Delegate Haddaway-Riccio’s speech will also air on MPT immediately following the Governor’s.


Article II, Section 19 of Maryland’s Constitution requires the Governor to "inform the Legislature of the condition of the State and recommend to their consideration such measures as he may judge necessary and expedient." As a result, the Governor delivers an annual State of the State address to inform the legislature of his legislative initiatives and of Maryland’s budget situation.

Haddaway-Riccio Elected House Minority Whip!

Annapolis – The House Republican Caucus today elected by acclamation Delegate Anthony J. O’Donnell as Minority Leader and Delegate Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio as Minority Whip.

“I am humbled to have the continued support of my colleagues”, said Delegate O’Donnell. “Our victories in the 2010 elections have made our Caucus larger and stronger. The combination of our new members and veteran legislators will make us a force to be reckoned with over the next four years.”

“I look forward to working with my colleagues in this new position”, said Delegate Haddaway-Riccio. “Our caucus members are some of the best, brightest, well-studied legislators in Annapolis. Maryland faces many challenges and there is much work to be done, but our Caucus members are up to the task.”


A member of the House of Delegates since 2003, Delegate Haddaway-Riccio has served as Assistant Minority Whip since 2005. She is the 1st Vice President of Women Legislators of Maryland.


The Minority Leader and Minority Whip run as a team. The House Republican Caucus holds its leadership election annually.