We retired Tax Justice Blog in April 2017. For new content on issues related to tax justice, go to www.justtaxesblog.org
June 19, 2012 11:00 AM
- The Detroit News’ editorial board recently criticized a plan to cut Michigan’s personal income tax rates which, despite its hefty $800 million price tag, managed to pass the state’s House. The editors called it risky election year pandering.
- Oregon is launching a pilot program to figure out how road and bridge repairs will be funded when cars no longer run on gasoline and drivers no longer pay the gas tax. One possible solution is a tax directly on miles traveled rather than gallons consumed, but the last time the state tested that out, it “didn’t sit well with the public” because the GPS-like technology made people worry the government would be spying on them.
- Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee signed a state budget that includes a small foray into sales tax base expansion. Starting July 1, taxi and limo rides and pet grooming services will be subject to the state’s seven percent sales tax rate, as will clothing and shoes costing more than $250.
- The Associated Press offers a smart analysis of tensions within state Republican parties and their impact on a variety of state legislative activities, including tax policy debates. Written by a senior AP reporter in Missouri, it reveals (among other things) that moderate Republicans played a role in thwarting some of the more conservative members’ plans.