In its editorial on the Senate committee recommendations on the state budget ("A costly breakthrough?" March 13) The Sun recognizes the responsible, balanced approach of the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, then asks "whether all this might be accomplished with less sacrifice from taxpayers."

Let's put this in perspective. The committee's tax plan costs the median Maryland household $41 a year — less than a buck a week. Even at the upper reaches of high income taxpayers, it's well under one-fifth of 1 percent of income. An expansion of the earned income credit protects low-income working families with kids.

The committee recommendation is reasonable and fair. The proposed taxes are progressive and moderate, and they protect students, local communities and vulnerable citizens from very damaging cuts.

Neil Bergsman, Baltimore

The writer is director of the Maryland Budget and Tax Policy Institute.