Chafee’s Budget: A Tax Amnesty Period
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
Governor Chafee's proposal includes a 75-day amnesty period where delinquent taxpayers would be allowed to pay their taxes without penalty, which he believes could bring in nearly $11 million in revenue.
The plan is part of the Governor's efforts to raise money and cut spending in general government. Other plans include the creation of an Office of Management and Budget, which would swallow the $1.5 million Bureau of Audits; a reduction in staffing in human resources and planning; the hiring of four new tobacco enforcement staffers; the hiring of 4 new investigative auditors to review cities and towns; and the elimination of pay for all boards.
Chafee's plan would also guarantee the Economic Development Corporation $250,000 in increased tourism funding from the lodging tax. The proposal would also reduce the funding for the Slater Centers of Excellence by $500,000 and Research Alliance funding by $350,000.
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Chafee also hopes to establish limits on police & fire survivor fund payments, which would save about $125,000.