RISC Calls for Phased in Reduction of State’s Corp Tax Rate
Thursday, January 17, 2013
“It’s good the Governor now recognizes any new taxes would be a disaster for Rhode Island and the state will benefit from the changed corporate tax rate proposal, no question,” states RISC Executive Director Donna Perry. “But overall he failed to articulate a coherent galvanizing vision for how Rhode Island is going to reverse course out of a depressed economy, dead last rankings, and a widening inability to match its workforce with jobs. Where are the bold initiatives? They are just not there and it’s disappointing.”
RISC says the address reflected a mixed commitment to help local communities. His plan to send $20 million in state aid to local cities and towns, especially distressed communities, is an important step toward holding down the need for local tax hikes. However, RISC notes there was no mention of a planned effort to bring back last year’s municipal relief package aimed at municipal pension reform and cutting excessive personnel costs that weigh down city and town budgets. “It’s a step forward by Chafee to provide aid to communities and keep property taxes from any new hikes, however it’s concerning to see no mention of a renewed attempt at municipal relief and municipal pension reform.”
Perry says the Governor’s proposed budget commitments to public education and infrastructure are solid pieces of his overall plan. “The state needs to continue the strides it’s making to improve the performance of its public schools, as well as reverse poor rankings for the condition of our roads and overall infrastructure and so the Governor is right to make those investments."
RISC is the state’s leading non-partisan taxpayer advocate citizen’s group.
Related Articles
- CHAFEE BUDGET: $11.2 Million for ‘Shovel-Ready’ Programs
- CHAFEE BUDGET: $20 Million In New Municipal Aid
- CHAFEE BUDGET: $3 Million for Workforce Development
- CHAFEE BUDGET: $30.4 Million More for School Aid; Tuition Freeze at State Schools
- NEW: RISC Announces New Executive Director
- NEW: RISC Annual Winter Meeting Features Focuses on Communities in Crisis
- NEW: RISC Backs GOP Appeal in Legislative Grants Case
- NEW: RISC Calls House Budget a ‘Mixed Bag’
- NEW: RISC Calls for Pension Bill to Pass out of Committees
- NEW: RISC Calls on Chafee to Suspend Film Tax Credit Program
- NEW: RISC Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary
- NEW: RISC Opposes Any Bailout for 38 Studios
- NEW: RISC Opposes Woonsocket Tax Hike
- NEW: RISC Praises Taveras for Confronting City’s Fiscal Crisis
- NEW: RISC Leaders Receive National Award
- NEW: RISC Backs Chafee’s Municipal Package
- NEW: RISC Unveils Taxpayers’ Issues Platform
Comments:
michael riley
5:38pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
RISC is right on point...Our governor and Statehouse appear to have given up on the idea of real pension reform for municipalities. There is no question that this issue affects every Rhode Islander. Having covered his bases with half efforts and flip flops we expect Mr Chafee will now await the Superior Court determination on the recent State Law. This strategy of waiting is unwise because this case win or lose is going to the U.S. Supreme Court. We don't have time to wait for this to play out ...a dozen more Central Falls will happen before this even makes it to the Supreme Court.