A spokeswoman for Frito-Lay Inc. said yesterday that Maryland will lose a 750-job plant expansion unless lawmakers repeal a 6 percent sales tax on its products.
Robbi Rice Dietrich, Frito-Lay's director of government affairs, testified before the House Ways and Means Committee in support of House Bill 83, which would extend to salty snacks a sales tax exemption granted most foods.
At stake is a $32 million expansion of Frito-Lay's Aberdeen plant, Ms. Dietrich said. The jobs likely would go to one of the company's plants in North Carolina, New York or Connecticut, she said.
The panel's vice chairman, Del. James C. Rosapepe, a Prince George's Democrat, objected during the hearing, saying, "They are acting like the Frito Bandito. They are holding little old Aberdeen hostage" to win a tax break.
Other lawmakers and Gov. Parris N. Glendening have lined up behind the repeal effort as pro-business.
State choir considered
Maryland has an official state song, tree, insect, fossil, shell -- and almost had a state dinosaur.
An official state choir could be next.
House Bill 42 would require the Maryland State Arts Council to designate an official state choir every two years.
The sponsor, Del. Gerald J. Curran, a Baltimore Democrat who chairs the committee, said he had the Maryland State Boychoir in mind when he drafted the bill. The ensemble is made up mostly of young boys and several men.
The Arts Council isn't singing the same tune. "It's inappropriate to single out one group when there's so many talented groups in the state," said spokeswoman Andrea Thomas.
That's why, under the bill, the official choir would change every two years.