Note: This press release was provided by Maryland Freedom Caucus.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The Maryland Freedom Caucus today responded to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals decision striking down a key provision of Maryland’s Digital Advertising Gross Revenues Tax, a law first passed in 2020 over the veto of Governor Larry Hogan.

“The court confirmed what we said from day one: this tax is unconstitutional, reckless, and destined to fail,” said Maryland Freedom Caucus Chair Matt Morgan. “Instead of strengthening Maryland’s economy, the Democrat supermajority pushed through a radical scheme to shake down tech companies only to waste millions of taxpayer dollars defending a law that was doomed in the courts.”

The digital ad tax was originally pitched as a way to raise up to $250 million annually for the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future education program. Instead, revenues have fallen way short, generating far less than half that amount, and now face possible refunds and additional legal liabilities.

“Democrats in Annapolis promised this tax would pay for their spending spree. It hasn’t,” said Freedom Caucus Vice Chair Kathy Szeliga. “Maryland families are on the hook not only for the tax dollars already spent that must be refunded, but for years of legal fees. This is fiscal malpractice.”

The Maryland Freedom Caucus is demanding transparency from the Attorney General’s Office and the Comptroller on how much has been collected, how much is at risk, and how much it has cost the state to defend this failed law.

“We told you so,” the Maryland Freedom Caucus concluded. “Maryland taxpayers deserve answers and accountability.”

Originally published by Thebaynet.