Commercials everywhere!

Television has always had commercials. Sponsors kept the airwaves free. Ads in newspapers keep the cost to consumer minimal or even free. Sponsorship of ballparks has meant newer and better stadiums, bigger bowl game halftimes, ets. We even have commercials embedded in the previews at the movies. Where could they go next, do you think? Pringles, of course!

flush tax passed

A new flush tax will be added to Marylanders this year, and I really can't complain about this one. Each home that feeds into a septic system or sewer line will be assessed $2.50 per month, for a total of about $1 billion per year, earmarked for upgrades to water treatment plants to reduce nutrient feed into the bay. I think this is great, but I fear that (based on previous experience with Maryland legislation) that the $1B will end up in the general fund within 5 years, or that normal funding for such things will be cut, since they have their own special tax now. Remember when the Maryland Lotto was supposed to support education?