For Immediate Release – Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Contact: Dave Schwartz, (443) 797-5144

Americans for Prosperity Applauds Somerset County Commission for Property Tax Cut

-Decision could spark larger tax relief effort in Maryland-

ANNAPOLIS- Grassroots free-market group Americans for Prosperity (AFP) was pleased to see the Somerset County Commission provide tax relief to the property owners of Somerset County on Tuesday. By a unanimous vote, the Commission decided to cut the proposed property tax rate.

“The Commissioners deserve praise,” said Dave Schwartz, state director of AFP-Maryland. “They realized that Somerset citizens’ homes are not permanent piggy banks. Unlike many of our state and national legislators, they understand while taxpayers are trimming their budgets during the recession, the government needs to do the same.”

AFP supported a rally held outside the county courthouse yesterday afternoon to urge a property tax rate cut. Frustrated Somerset taxpayers gathered after the government of Princess Anne decided to raise taxes by $0.10.

“We hope that this tax cut is the beginning of a larger tax relief effort in Somerset County. While the County Commission deserves credit for cutting the rate, we would like to see the county go further in FY 2011,” Schwartz added.

AFP is a national organization with state-based chapters committed to educating citizens about the benefits of living in a society with a limited government and a free market, and mobilizing those citizens to become advocates in the public policy process.

AFP-Maryland has over 5,000 members statewide and recently started a local chapter on the Lower Shore.

Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is a nationwide organization of citizen leaders committed to advancing every individual’s right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and scope of government is the best safeguard to ensuring individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans. AFP educates and engages citizens in support of restraining state and federal government growth, and returning government to its constitutional limits. For more information, visit www.afpmaryland.com.

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