February 19th, 2022 by WCBC Radio

Lawmakers in the Maryland House of Delegates outlined a tax-relief package on Friday that would steer about $300 million over five years to working and middle class families, partly by cutting the state's sales tax on goods like diapers, car seats and diabetic care products. House Speaker Adrienne Jones made the announcement with other House leaders and delegates who are sponsoring the legislation. The speaker said despite federal assistance to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the record amount of state relief approved last year, families are still struggling to make ends meet and afford basic necessities. “As the price of basic goods continues to rise, it’s getting harder and harder for working families’ budgets to keep up with rising costs," said Jones, a Baltimore Democrat. "It’s clear that any extra cash we can put back in the pockets of struggling Marylanders and boost their budgets makes a difference.” Under one measure, the state's 6% sales tax would not apply to baby products like diapers, car seats and baby bottles. Another proposal exempts dental hygiene products like toothbrushes and toothpaste from the sales tax.