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Md. House Panel Approves Flush Tax

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- A Maryland House committee has approved doubling the state's "flush tax" from $30 a year to $60 a year.

The House Environmental Matters Committee passed the bill on Tuesday.

The measure, which is one of Gov. Martin O'Malley's proposals, would enable the state to finish upgrading the 67 largest sewage plants in the state to reduce pollution in the Chesapeake Bay.

The flush tax is now $2.50 a month. The committee decided not to increase the fee to more than $5 a month. The measure also was amended to provide a waiver for poor residents.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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