ANNAPOLIS -Gov. Martin O'Malley surprised Maryland lawmakers Wednesday by suggesting an increase in the state sales tax, jump-starting the 2012 General Assembly on what was expected to be a largely ceremonial first day.

Mr. O'Malley suggested increasing the tax from 6 percent to 7 percent as an alternative to a 15-cent increase in the gas tax that has been widely discussed by legislators but poorly received by many residents.

Democratic leaders have said they are likely to raise taxes this session to help pay for roads, schools and other infrastructure projects. Lawmakers last raised the sales tax during the 2007 special session, when Mr. O'Malley led an effort to increase it from 5 percent to 6 percent.

"No one in our state lost a house, lost a job or lost a business because of the additional penny on the sales tax," the governor said. "These bridges don't build themselves. ... If we want to build a better country for our kids, that's how we have to do it."