On November 19, 2007, the Maryland General Assembly passed the Tax Reform Act of 2007, expanding the State's 6% sales and use tax to "computer services". This new tax, effective July 1, 2008, drives jobs offshore and hurts ALL businesses in Maryland, cutting investment in innovation and stifling growth. In fact, it has already caused some companies to cancel expansions or redirect them to other states. As of Feb 7, 2008, there are 8 bills in the legislature seeking full repeal of the tax. More are expected. House Bill 196 already has a MAJORITY of the House as cosponsors. The Senate has the votes for a repeal as well. The problem now is getting the bills out of committee. And it appears that hearings are being delayed in an attempt to ward off opposition to the tax and prevent repeal. Sign this petition calling on the Maryland Legislature to permit full hearings of these bills now!