BALTIMORE, Md. — Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot says he has a recipe for success: Don’t raise taxes.

“I hope the governor and the legislative leaders are listening,” Franchot says.

At the Board of Revenue Estimates meeting Tuesday, Franchot heard from Maryland businesses.

All of the business owners said the state should back off new fees and taxes.

“People can’t afford any more taxes,” says Betty Buck, a liquor distributor in Maryland.

“I hope the state could take a year or two years and allow the private section to catch its breath and allow consumers to catch their breath. We would see a much quicker economic recovery than we’re anticipating right now,” Franchot says.

Maryland lawmakers are looking at a proposed gas tax and other fees to cover a $1 billion shortfall. If approved, the gas tax increase would be the first one since 1992.

WTOP’s Kate Ryan contributed to this report. Follow Kate and WTOP on Twitter.

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