The Spark

the Voice of
The Communist League of Revolutionary Workers–Internationalist

“The emancipation of the working class will only be achieved by the working class itself.”
— Karl Marx

Maryland:
Politicians Play Games with Rate Hikes

Apr 24, 2006

Leading Democrats in Maryland claimed they are opposed to the 72% electric rate hike BGE (Baltimore Gas and Electric Company) wants starting July 1. But the state legislature–controlled in both houses by the Democrats–adjourned recently without taking any action to prevent the hike. They handed it over to Governor Ehrlich, a Republican, to deal with.

Now the Democrats have gone home, congratulating themselves. Since the governor is likely to do whatever BGE wants, he will face the angry voters in November. The Democrats are hoping that voters will forget all about the legislative session when they could have voted against the rate increases–but didn’t.

Voters will have monthly utility bills reminding them of these political games.