Hogan Highlights More Than $500M In Proposed Tax Cuts

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) — Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan says he's proposing more than $500 million in tax cuts over five years.

Governor Hogan's "State of the State" address should come as a comfort to those exhausted by political rhetoric.

Read Gov. Larry Hogan's State of the State Address

The majority Democrat general assembly was praised by Hogan for how how well they have worked together with the Republican administration.

In the spirit of uniting rather than dividing, the State of the State began on a personal note.

As he himself, and house speaker Michael Busch have had serious health battles, governor Hogan opened with well wishes for senate president Mike Miller, who is battling stage 4 prostate cancer.

"And I want you to know," Hogan said. "that we are all praying that you come out of this stronger than ever. God bless you.

Hogan's SotS followed a familiar theme.

From his inauguration Jan. 16, to his news conference on the budget, and a visit to TSA security checkpoints, governor Hogan has not failed to compare Maryland's bipartisan successes to Washington's partisan failures.

"And we have shown the rest of America that a divided government does not have to be a divisive government," said Hogan.

With tax cuts proposed for retirees and business incentives for mom and pop shops, Hogan also proposes tougher sentences for repeat offenders, approved by mayor Catherine Pugh.

"I do like the idea," said Pugh. "making sure that we keep violent offenders off our streets."

Baltimore County executive Johnny Olszewski liked the proposal for school construction.

"For Baltimore County and the state, we have really acute needs in the area of school construction," said Olszewski

Partnership resonated with Howard County's Calvin Ball.

"Well the governor has been a great partner when it comes to things like the opioid epidemic and transportation," said Ball. "

Hogan praised the state's ability to come together for shared issues.

"We have spent the past four years working together to tackle our common problems," said Hogan.

And the senate president says he's is up to the challenge.

"I'm just honored to be able to serve and do this at the same time," said Miller, referring to his chemotherapy treatments.

And more of the same is expected this year.

"I'm pleased to report," said Hogan. " that the state of our state has never been stronger.

And the biggest order of business will be the budget, which may come with its share of skirmishes.

Maryland state democrats responded to the State of the State citing different views on helping middle class families, noting their proposals for $15 minimum wage bill and increases in childcare tax credit.

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